Request

My friends, I once again ask for prayer. I have friends from St. Jude. Their baby, Justin, whose the same age as Ivee had some very unexpected and bad news yesterday. Justin has two large tumors that are bleeding into themselves. The diagnosis is grim, and surgery would only give him a few days. They are driving home today with hospice care. This breaks my heart, for they are family. We lived with them for seven weeks, going through radiation together, playing on the playground, worshiping together and Bible study, and eating many meals at night for 2 months. My heart is breaking for his mom and daddy, Christy and Jerry. Please, pray for something miraculous to happen!

G.I.F.T. Week!!!

This is the picture from the 1 years anniversary of Ivee's Diagnosis

      I've been a very busy "elf" lately, helping Santa with secretive Christmas presents. I've made a few comments on Facebook, but I really wanted to take the time to express myself on my blog.
      December 18th and 20th live in infamy in our household. These will be two dates that we, the entire Foley family, will never forget. Life may continue to go on around us, but on these days, I reflect quite a bit over our journey.
       It is almost surreal that this past Sunday marked the 5 year anniversary of Ivee's fall at 7 months old from that grocery cart! FIVE years! Five years we were told in the beginning we would probably never have!  
      Let me begin by telling you a little about myself...I have a gift and/or curse I suppose. I can see something happen, look at a picture, watch a video, and the imagery alone will stick with me forever! You can tell me a story, and my imagination is SO vivid that my mind will automatically make a movie out of it that won't leave. This is why my husband has to be careful telling me stories or events that may bother me. Just ask him about the subject that will not be discussed ("We don't talk about that") and he'll tell you. (*Let me clarify, I am in no way a savant who remembers all things. I usually just remember things that are significant, or important to me or others. My creative mind will just take things and run crazy with them. I just have a gift for remembering things or recreating them in my mind.) So, what does this lead to?
      I can still replay the events of that day clearly in my head. I've only had a hand full of tragic or painful moments in my life, and though I recall them, they are a bit hazy. But, I feel like a digital recorder when it comes to the first days of our story with Ivee's battle. It still amazes me at how all this came to be. The horrors of seeing her hit the concrete, the imaging that I thought would forever haunt me, has become one of my most enduring moments with my Creator. Of course, at first, there was nothing grand or magnificent about it. It took me about 2 years to come to the point that when my "mind" replayed it I didn't feel that punch in the gut you get. (I get the same pain when I see people on Funniest Home Videos hit concrete. Maybe there is a connection there? Ya Think?) It was very difficult for me to get over seeing that fall. But, as the years have passed, doctors have given inputs, statistics, comments, opinions...and what Em and I discovered long ago, is that the fall SAVED her life! Logically speaking, the "way" her carseat fell of the cart, direction and all, it is unscientific. It makes no logical sense. You know why it makes no sense? Cause Ivee didn't fall from the cart. I believe with all my heart, God took my baby, by angel or however you would like to think it, and put her on that concrete! He made this happen.
      Now many of you may think, why in the world would God do such a thing? Well, I can only tell you that I had been concerned about Ivee's "spitting up", inconsolable crying, breathing issues, and not sitting up (balance) for a few weeks. The pediatrician knocked it off as a problem with regular formula, gas, and delay in development, and gave her a nebulizer for breathing in case she had asthma. What she had a was tumor killing her. My God knew this. He knew, in the words of our first neurosurgeon, that if we waited for the doctors to find out what was wrong, it would have been too late. So, God knocked my baby from that cart, and HE saved her life. He spoke to me, verbally in my heart, next to that CT scanner, telling me she was just fine from that fall...that he has something else to reveal to us. Yes, I heard him, and when I saw that CT scan, seeing something that my untrained eye knew shouldn't be there, he confirmed his words to me.
     Yesterday, December 20th, marked the 5 years anniversary of the day that Dr. Martino performed a 5+ hour operation to remove 98% of Ivee's first brain tumor. Dr. Martino is in the top of his field in pediatric brain/spinal surgeries. (We of course made sure of this before we let anyone touch our daughter) Even though he isn't her neurosurgeon any longer (this is because of our move to St. Jude), let me just say, if I, me personally, had to have surgery on my back or brain, he would be the FIRST person I call!
Okay, I don't want the post to take all day, so I will get to a closing point.
Many of you know why we call this G.I.F.T. week. It makes sense, being that it's Christmas time, a time for giving and receiving. BUT, I didn't call the day of remembrance that for just the fun of the season. No! Not at all. G.I.F.T., of course an acrostic, but it holds so many meanings for us.
     That fall was the moment my Creator told me he had a plan for Ivee's life, for my life. It is the reason that I can now look back and say that it is an enduring moment with my Creator. He wasn't punishing me. He wasn't trying to hurt me. He was giving me a G.I.F.T. He gave me the gift of my daughter's life. He gave me the gift of moments so intimate with him, that nothing else could have gotten me through. He gave me the gift of knowing what is important in life, and not taking any thing or any MOMENT for granted. Life is a G.I.F.T. meant to be given and to be received. He gave me the G.I.F.T of a closer relationship with him, a relationship I don't think I could have ever had apart from pediatric cancer.
     He gave us a G.I.F.T. in using Dr. Martino, Dr. Merchant, Dr. Boop, St. Jude, USA, Le Bonheur, and so many others to be tools/vessels to save Ivee's life.
     God gave us a G.I.F.T. when he allowed Dr. Martino to leave Ivee's nerves in tack, to give her a fighting chance of them recovering. And, though not all of her brain/nerves were able to recover (we all know her deficits), I can only be thankful for the things that he did, cause she could have been SO much worse.
G.I.F.T. is not about me. It is all about my Lord, my Savior, and Ivee's Healer.
                     God
                        Is
                          Faithful and
                           True
     So, as this Sunday, December 25th approaches, I think of our first Christmas with Ivee. It wasn't around a beautiful tree in our living room, surrounded by boxes and toys. We woke up in the RMH, with our other two children. Without Ivee there. We left her in the hospital in the care of the doctors and the watchful eye of my father, whom I am so grateful for on this journey, while we went for just an hour to Em's sisters home to just take a break. We returned to the hospital to find out that Ivee would be moved from ICU to the floor. We wouldn't leave USA hospital for another 22 days.
     I could dwell on that day, but instead, I am thankful for the first Christmas since. With Ivee right there with us, seeing her first Christmas tree, opening her first gifts, taking our first family Christmas pictures with our 19 month old. I am thankful for the 3 Christmases and 4 birthdays that followed. I am thankful for the 5 year old in my bedroom right now watching Sesame Street. I am thankful for the 12 year old, still asleep at 9:36 in the morning, and for the 15 year old who will be leaving my house in 2 1/2 years for college!
     G.I.F.T. Do you know what it means? I pray that this Christmas, if you don't know Him...if you haven't had the chance to heal...if you feel the burden of your life around you...if you feel a void in your life...that you would give God the chance to become your Father. He is such a loving Maker, even when we don't understand.
      I am so grateful for the Love and GIFT of all of you! I want to leave you with a powerful song. May you have a very Blessed and Maker filled Christmas! God bless!

What were you doing this day 5 years ago?

Not many people can actually remember what they were doing on a date 5 years ago unless it holds major significance, like a wedding or the birth of a child. Well, I can't say exactly what I was doing this day, but I do know what it probably could have been. More than likely I was running lines, practicing music and solos, and decorating a stage for our production The Gift.

I have been blessed to work with my friend Tony off and on for 11+ years. In 2005, we had read a story by a well known author and believed it would make an amazing story for a Christmas Musical for our church. We performed the story twice. The first time in December 2005, when I was pregnant with Ivee, and then decided to do it again in December 2006. The story line was just too great to not share with those who had missed it before. In The Gift, you meet a family; The parents, played by myself and my husband, Emmett, and their two children. The oldest child, Gideon (played by our oldest daughter, Brittney, who as 9 and 10 at the times), has been battling leukemia...cancer. At the start of the play, Gideon is doing well, no signs of disease. Her family is by no means wealthy and work very hard, but their baby girl with a heart bigger than the mountains wants to take this Christmas, the first time she has felt well in years, and wants to serve at the homeless shelter. It is there what Gideon meets Earl. Earl is homeless, mean and grumpy. He doesn't react well to this little, sweet girl...who reminds him so much of his little Molly, whom he lost in a car accident many years ago. Gideon, however finds a way to reach Earl's heart, through her love and compassion and God's planning and timing. And even when Gideon relapses, worse than before, we see God work in her life and Earl's life to make a true Christmas Miracle come true. 

Well, we ended the weekend with 2 performances of The Gift, this time with all the people in our family making appearances. Ivee even made a cameo. As things were finally winding down, we were home preparing for our first Christmas with Ivee in our lives, and for Ethan's birthday, which unfortunately falls one week before Christmas. In just that two week period of time, we didn't know that the play, the one that had touched so many other's lives, would soon become our reality. We went from "acting" as parents of a child with cancer, to "LIVING" the life of a family stricken by cancer. So the Phrase "Art really does imitate life!" became so very true for us. 

There are SO many details in this story of our beginning journey, and I just might one day write a book, cause it would be that lengthy. BUT, I can say without a doubt that God has always been in control. From the moment he pushed her from that grocery cart, he has had a plan. I have always trusted in him, even when I don't understand, even when I was hurting, even when I was so ANGRY at Him! Still, I will continue to trust him. Many may just wonder, how do you really know? God so many times doesn't reveal his presence. Yes, I know that is true, but YES he really does sometimes, many times, in our greatest times of need show he is there, that he cares and he has a plan. Let me just share an important time in our lives with you. 

I recall the second day we were in the hospital, it was the night before her surgery, a stranger introduced herself as the pastor of a local church. We were sitting next to the elevators and she said, "I don't know you, I don't know what you're going through, but God told me to talk to you. To let you know that He knows You need a Miracle. You just Hold On, Help is on the Way. We are all One in the Spirit, and I am praying for you!"

Now, what you don't know, what isn't evident in this conversation to anyone who wasn't a part of that play we had done just two weeks earlier, is that this lady, this stranger came to us in our time of need. And in just her few short lines or sentences, she quoted the titles of THREE of the songs from that play! Yes, she did! Do you Need a Miracle, Hold on, Help is on the Way, and We Are One (in the Spirit). No, I don't believe that she was angel, for she did tell us where she was a pastor, but I believe that when believers are obedient, God makes them a tool! She was a vessel for him that day, in a great time of need! 

I just needed to share this with you all. I do struggle today. So many friends of mine are hurting. My friends Millie and Joe are still fighting for their son Brandon's life as he fights DIPG as my friends Jay and Mary mourn the loss of their baby Myra who lost her battle to DIPG yesterday. Aaron is fighting against Ependymoma, and I try to keep a positive outlook, knowing that right now I am so blessed. 

As we are in the holiday season, find a moment to be thankful for your blessings! Look around you and see where God is at work and join him there! Be a blessing this season and know that I am thankful for you all! 

I will leave you with a song that has blessed my heart for the last 4 years. Today it reminds me of Jay and Mary and the great faith they have in their Lord today, even in the midst of their lose! God Bless.

Fighting for life at Christmas Time

Prayer friends. Another of our Ependykids is going down fast. Please say a prayer for 6 year old Aaron Gray and family. (His website is in the links column) He has been fighting for 5 years and has had so many reoccurances. The latest MRI showed significant life threatening growth and he has no treatment options left. What a horrible time of the year to watch you baby's life decline!

Also, Please pray for my friend Carrie Reece and her family. Carrie is fighting something, and the doctors just aren't sure what is going on with her. It is really making her health decline quickly. Need answers!

Ivee's next MRI is January 18th. All I want for Christmas is the continued prayer of you, my friends, followed by the continued Healing of my Lord, our Healer, Jesus Christ! Share the news of his birth and love this season. I know his grace personally, and if you would like to know it as well, I would love to share!

God Bless and Merry Christmas to All of You!

Give Thanks Walk

Tomorrow we will participate in the Give Thanks, Walk for ST. JUDE! We have been asking for donation for TEAM IVEE for some time now. If you are looking to give to some charity of some kind before the end of the year, believe me, THIS is a worthy cause. I will always choose to give back to the place that saved my daughters life!

Click to GIVE

November Thankfulness...

I have been writing what I am thankful for on FB for the month of November. I wanted to share my "thanks" on here with those who aren't on Facebook.
 November 3 

Today, I am thankful for a Savior who not only saves a soul, but often delivers us physically!

November 4
Today I am thankful for an incredible partner and best friend of 17+ years. Each year he has grown to be a more loving and thoughtful husband and father. He works very hard, long hours every week, and misses out on so much because of his commitments to his family, but tries to find a way to make the kids know that he is there for them, and that he wants them to live Godly, moral and thought-filled lives. Emmett, you are my Lobster!! Forever!

 Monday, November 7
Today I am thankful for my kids. Beginning with child #1. Brittney is our ray of hyperactive sunshine! Fifteen years she has brought us joy and made us laugh. She is very responsible with most things we give her and had to grow up too quickly to help us with Ivee's battle with Cancer. She is a talented artist and singer, and in so many ways reminds me of myself. She has a heart for Jesus and a love of family! Brittney, you are growing into a beautiful lady and mom and dad are so very proud of you!!!!

Tuesday, November 8th
Today I am thankful for My Ethan...oh, Ethan..what to say. Even though he is at "that age" he is still thoughtful of others in need around him. He is artiatic and talented. He cares for his baby sister. And one day, when his hormones are in check and stabilized, I pray he be a strong man of Godly character!

And Today's PostToday I am very thankful for my baby, Ivee. I could write an entire book of what she has taught me and shown me in just her short 5 years, and maybe one day I will. She is so smart, funny, sweet, precious, adorable, stubborn and my biggest HERO! She is the strongest person I know. She is a survivor, overcomer, and fighter. She never fails to tell me everyday that she loves me! I love when she wants to "hold momma" (which is momma holding her). I have imagined life without her too many times, for she has captured a part of me that will always be hers. Thank you God for allowing me to keep and love her here on this earth, forever how long!!!

My GIVE THANKS. WALK for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is just 10 days away. If you are looking for something to give too here at the end of 2011, I will gladly help you with your tax deduction. :) Here is the link to my Pledge Page. 

We go back to St. Jude in January for Ivee's next MRI. We, as always, covet your prayers. As  you pray for Ivee, please remember to pray for our other friends. Lucy's counts are recovering as she is returning home. Hopefully they will pull her central line very soon. Justin is home for good until check ups. Levi, Chasity, and many others have had great reports. Brandon is still fighting his monster of DIPG. We love our extended cancer families.

Ivee Update

I know I have been a slacker about updating the website, so I wanted to share some highlights...

First, when we went up in Sept. for Ivee's check up we were able to make her permanent plaque for the RMH of Memphis, where we have lived a few times in the last 4+ years. Ivee's first handprint from 2007 was painted over in the remodel, so they put the kids handprints and info on moveable plaques. Here she is posing with her Butterfly Plaque! 

This is my suv of "Childhood Cancer Awareness" at the hospital that makes Hope's come alive!!! 

Here is Ivee with KK and Lilly. KK, the one standing, is a fellow Ependymoma Survivor/Fighter! We love meeting our fellow fighters. It makes you feel "not so alone" to meet others on your same journey!! Go KK!!!

This is Ivee with Allison. Allison lived with us at RMH this year. She just finished her Radiation and Chemo treatments and is back home. We love you Allison and Tabitha. Keep up the fight!!!

Back home, homecoming week was a few weeks ago. This is Brittney on Cartoon day. Alice in Wonderland. 

Homecoming NIGHT, we had a SMORES at our outback fire pit. Ivee loves to roast marshmellows for mommy to eat!!!

And here are my other "dorks" roasting hot dogs. 

Couldn't pass up posting Ivee's Scary faces!

Here is Brittney after the roasting and ready for the dance! So grown up! 

Just love this of Ivee. Such a funny girl!!!

Two weekends ago, our closest friends kids were over. This is Ethan with his "brother from another mother", Noah! They have been friends since birth!!

Niece Whitney and my Ella! They are so growing up!!

Nephew Nathan came to play with me! Love you Nathan, and he is enamored with his Aunt Hope!!!

Cousin Haley and Ivee had a reluctant Princess Photo Shoot!!!

Oct. 16, Fundraiser Polo at the Point, benefiting Ivee's home health agency, Mercy Medical! Britt, Ivee and Mica tagged along for free food and Polo!

Friday, Oct. 21 was my Mom's 60th birthday. We had so much fun eating together at Tacky Jacks.

Finally, a local church the kids attend on Wednesday nights has had a haunted-judgement-house. This is Brittney after spending the night in a cage in "hell". A bit creepy. 

Yesterday, Oct. 23, we were at our friends house for Grant, their sons, 8th birthday. Ivee had fun kicking a ball around the bot-chi court out back!!!

And today, Ivee was ready for the 50th day of school with her best 50's attire. This skirt was from when Brittney was in K5. So glad I hold on to things that my kids had. You never know when you may need it again!!!

Thanks for your continued prayers for our family and Ivee. We feel so blessed to have you all lifting us up in prayer. Continue to pray for Ivee's appetite. She has been doing really well lately trying something by mouth everyday! She actually ate a whole Popsicle one day along with trying popcorn, cookie, cake and licking an apple. The GI doctor in Memphis was so smart about putting her on a medicine (used for anxiety) but the side effect is a appetite enhancer. It has also alleviated her gagging, except when she sees something that makes her gag, like a mouth with chocolate on it! She is doing so well!!!

VOTING

Ivee has fallen to 4th place. We really need help with votes to stay in the top 10. God bless and thanks!!!

http://apps.facebook.com/yourlifecontest/content/ivee-blessed

Friends, don't forget to VOTE

Don't forget to vote everyday. We have someone sneaking up to catch us and take away our position!

http://apps.facebook.com/yourlifecontest/content/ivee-blessed

KEEP VOTING!!! -------------------------------------------------->

From my friend, Kate

My friend Kate is coming to end of her treatment journey with her Lucy! YAY! Someone shared this today with her, and I want to share it with you. I will probably add a few things, but this about sums it up. Thanks Kate!!!

11 THINGS I WISH MY CHILD’S DOCTOR KNEW.......



1. Please don't ask me to leave my child's side if not completely necessary!!! I need to be there for her in all these things!!!

2. I need to be part of my child’s care team. I am there everyday. I am used to being in charge. At home, no nurses or doctors are telling me what to do. Help me be a part of the team.



3. I am not stupid. I may not understand all the words that you use, but I am willing to learn. Teach me. Help me understand what you are talking about. What could be more important for me know? Let me tell you, after 5 years, I KNOW some THINGS!!!

4. I am not overprotective. I am a parent. I see my child struggling to survive. I was given this child to protect and love. If I am doing something excessive, then kindly, gently tell me that it is not necessary. But do not tell me I am overprotective. Those words are fighting words.


5. I don't know if you believe in God or not, but I hope and pray that you do. While my child is under the care of your hands, I am in the waiting room asking for God to guide your hands and your mind so that you can save my child’s life. I pray for you!!! And when I can, I'll share my faith with you!!!

6. Caring for a child with a chronic illness isn't what I bargained for when I was planning a family. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. I am not just my child’s parent. I have many roles and wear many hats. Please understand this problem has touched every facet of my life and is challenging me in ways that you cannot possibly understand or see.

7. I am grieving. Maybe not everyday, but often! This is not what I planned. My home is waiting for my child. Clothes hang in the closet; toys and books are waiting to serve their purpose. Please be kind while I try grasp what all of this means and while I mourn the life my child should have had.

 This is the mind of a parent who is in the hospital watching their baby go through chemo, or living hundreds/thousands miles away from their home! 

8. I have to trust you. I have handed over the most helpless and important person in my life. I know that you are not God, but I am hoping that through you, God will work a miracle!!!!

9. I have HOPE!! Big old stinking HOPE!!! I don't care about statistics. There aren't two children here at the same time, having the same surgery. There is one, and that is my child. Don't tell me that you don't think that my child won't make it. Tell me, that you'll do everything in you power to help my child survive.

 There is nothing like a doctor continually throwing statistics in your face! It offends me!!! My God is greater, and he has a plan! I will be content with what that plan of HIS is...not yours!!!

10. I know you don't have a crystal ball. When I ask you for my child’s prognosis, I am asking you for reassurance. Every parent wants to be a grandparent one day. Don't get irritated when I ask you about the future. Tell me I'm doing a good job today.

 Be supportive!

11. If it is God's will to take my child too soon, don't be afraid to let me see you cry. Your tears will help to cleanse my wounded heart. I need to know that you cared.



----UNKOWN AUTHOR..


Thank you Kate for sharing these unknown authors words!!! They sum it up just fine!!!


Thanks for everyone's prayers, and 


Don't forget to vote!! 

Don't forget to VOTE!!!

We are catching up to 2nd place! I didn't think it was possible!!! Keep voting and sharing my friends!!!

Still needs your vote everyday!! Thanks friends!
http://apps.facebook.com/yourlifecontest/content/ivee-blessed

I will put a short cut to this link on the right upper side of my page here!!

Thanks Friends!!

How can you help!

Whether you can or can't help financially is just okay with me. I know we all have circumstances and issues in life that can keep us from helping, even when we really want to.
BUT I have another way you can help. There is a movement called the Creating Hope Act. We parents are trying desperately to get our senators and representatives support to pass this act. You can help make that happen. We need supporters, those who would speak up and ask for it. You may be wondering what this act is. Here is a little video to give you some details.

Did you know that Ivee has many of the deficits he speaks of in this video? Did you know that she may never be able to grow on her own one day? She may never be able to have children? Did you know that her likely hood of developing another cancer is high because of chemo treatment? Please, go the this link and give you support!!
Now that you are aware of the act, here is how you can help! I'll be attaching a link in just a moment. CureSearch (a fundraising site for childhood cancer) has already done the work for you. You'll just email or send a printed letter to your representative, asking them to support this act. It is easy, you can use the pre-written note, change it or write your own. You have my permission to use Ivee's story if you like! Here is the Link to that page... Curesearch/Creathing Hope Campaign. 
Please, think about offering your support. Also, as I posted in a previous post. I am walking the Give Thanks. Walk for St. Jude. I could use your financial support to reach my goal. Just visit my walk site at this link...
Give Thanks. Walk. Team Ivee. 
I am always amazed by the support for friends and family!! God bless you all!! And keep praying!!!

GIVE THANKS WALK AND VOTE

     Hello Friends and Family. This November 19th I am walking to raise money for St. Jude through the Give Thanks. Walk. I could really use your financial or physical support to reach my goal of $1,000. I'm only $900 from my goal right now thanks to some of you!! You can visit my donation page Team Ivee and give a financial donation, OR you can join my team to raise support and walk with us that day in Spanish Fort. The info in on the website page.

ALSO

If you would, I could use your votes for Ivee's Reader's Digest Article. I would love for her to come in first to know for sure that her story and the awareness of Childhood cancer would be told. We have Sooooo far to go!!! Here is the link to vote.... Reader's Digest Your Life Story.

Thank you for always supporting us, especially when just in prayer. I pray that you can help support us financially.

MRI results

We meet with Dr. Merchant today. He said that Ivee's scan was clear (NERD) and looked well from a stand point of visible disease. However, the swelling on the back of her head and pressure on her brain stem is still a concern for him. He would be discussing the scans with Dr. Boop, neurosurgeon. More than likely, nothing will come from the discussion but a watch, wait and see approach. She is still progressing in a positive direction, learning, growing and achieving more all the time. Is she still behind, yes, but for all that she has been through, she is just simply amazing.
To be honest, I can't believe how much scanxiety I had this time. I told someone recently that sometimes it's just easier going through the treatments than these waiting periods in between scans. When you are getting radiation, you feel like you are giving her a fighting chance, just attacking this monster trying to kill her. You HATE the thought of what you are doing to her body, definitely fear doing something to her a second time that bad enough doing just one time. But, you are fighting. Then, it all ends you just wait. You sit there, moving on with life, this new normal, and you just wait until that next scan. You sit in the doctors office and you wait for them, anxiously, and the moment they walk in you read their faces quickly to see what their face says, not necessarily their words. To be honest, I didn't have these feelings after her first surgery and treatment. So, for 3 years, I was good...if you know what I mean. But, then little Johnny passed away last July, and I was just so sad and Ivee's scan was coming up, I just felt the pressure...but all was well. Then, out of the blue, January gets here and bam, there was the news. The moment the doctor and his nurse walked in the room, I saw it on her face and I just knew. So, how do I deal? I do as I have always done. Pray. Hope. Have faith. The same God who got me through it in 2006 will get me through it to 2012. He hasn't changed, even if I have. What else? Witness. Share. Care. Give back. Make things better for the next family who gets thrown into this whirlwind of chaos and lack of knowledge. encourage where I can and educate when needed. Never push my agenda, but just share my experience. No two children are alike, even if the diagnosis is the same.
It's late, I could say more, but I just like to write my thoughts down, even if it's just for me to go back and read later.
Thank you prayer warriors. Keep on praying! Always believing that my God heals, He saves.
Praises: KK, great report. Adi, clear scan. Ryan, clear scan. Haley, Clear scan. Olivia, clear scan. Justin, Allison, George and Lucy, almost done. Just a few more days/weeks. Aaron, healing. Ronan, doing well during chemo. Dillan, misdiagnosed and healing. Haley, Levi, Brandon and so many others, home and happy. Nothing sad/bad to report this week, and it feels good!

St. Jude Visit

We are in our room here in Memphis, Check up visits. MRI tomorrow, results on Wednesday. Saw so many online familiar faces tonight IN PERSON. It was so great to see them, even in these not so great circumstances. That's the thing about St. Jude, it's a place of Hope!!! Sometimes, I think the Lord so aptly named me!!! Maiden Name...Hope Long...Yes long I do...Married name Hope Foley...sounds like Hopefully! That I am, so Hopeful!!! He knew, didn't He!!!!
Pray for Ivee's MRI, Katie's and Ryan's. Dillan received great news today! Just amazing, but also a little concerning since he was misdiagnosed!!! He still needs prayers. But, today I am so HopeFul!!! God continue to get Justin, Allison, Lucy, George, Nora and Adi through Chemo! Continue to heal Brandon and Myah! Just so many, but these are on my heart. Thanking God for great and stable reports for Brandon, Olivia, Levi! Lord, please help LANIE and her family to make decisions. So, many!!!
Thank you prayer warriors. I covet your prayers again!!

VOTING

I discovered you DO NOT have to have a facebook account to vote for Ivee. You can vote EVERYDAY!
She is currently in 5th place! It will take a whole lot of votes everyday to get her to number one. It only take a second, and the reward is getting Childhood Cancer Awareness published!!! God Bless...

Link:  To Vote Click Here!!!

Reader's Digest

I have submitted Ivee's Story to Reader's Digest and would really appreciate your vote for her. You can return and vote daily or every 24 hours (I believe). I have voted more than once, so I know it's possible. Thanks for helping get the story of childhood cancer out there and making people aware. This is just one more way! The only downside, you must have a Facebook account to get to the page, it is being run through Reader's Digest Facebook Page.....

Vote Here: Reader's Digest Story

Update and Awareness

Soooo NO surgery for Ivee and her stomach issues. The surgeons do not want to touch the stomach hernia. They say she will be fine right now because the g-button has her stomach anchored to her abdominal wall. There isn't a chance of it twisting like it would if it were free to move. They suggested that we could give her a g-j button if we would like to try that for the heaving. We have decided not to proceed with that. I'm not sure if I posted it, but the gastro doc didn't find anything wrong with Ivee's esophagus or stomach. He believes the heaving is neurological do to all the trauma that her brain has endured with surgeries and radiation. SOOO

We are trying a appetite "increaser" trying to get Ivee to want to eat by mouth. We are attempting to approach this from a new point of view. Treating her aversion to foods and textures. 

We will be leaving for Memphis September 26 for her 4 month check up. Sept. 26 is also Chili's St. Jude day. Go to your local Chili's restaurant and eat lunch or dinner or both. All the net profits they make that day will go directly to St. Jude. You wouldn't believe what this restaurant has done for St. Jude and how they have made treating our children so much easier and better. And in case you didn't know, Kay Jewelers and CVS pharmacy also give to St. Jude. 

Please continue to lift Ivee and her friends up in prayer. Many of those children are on my list to the right. Add to that list Ronan and Dillan, two new ependymoma patients. Say an extra prayer for Aaron B who just under went a 12 hour surgery yesterday to remove 2 tumors from his spine. Allison, Lucy, Justin, Nora and many others begin their last rounds of chemo this week. Pray for an easy treatment and quick recoveries so they can go home! 

Just a friendly reminder that it's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Click -->  Ivee's St. Jude Journey

September is Childhood Awareness Month

Sept. is Childhood Awareness Month. I just changed my profile picture on Fabebook to the one above in honor of mycIvee who has been fighting a malignant brain tumor for almost 5 years, since she was 7 months old. She has known no other life than a life of medical treatments, cuts, surgeries, pokes and prods. If you have a Facebook or some other social networking account, consider changing your profile pic to a gold ribbon & spread the word about childhood cancer for the month of September. 46 kids are diagnosed & 7 die daily from some form of cancer. If you would like to help with funding for research, give to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or any other childhood cancer associations (ie. Cookies for Cancer, Childhood Cancer Association). BUT mostly, send up your prayers for a cure! Only God has the power to heal or provide the man made resources to do so. God bless you.