One Whole Year

Wow. Has it already been a year? It’s amazing how quickly time goes by. A year from this past Wednesday, June 11^th, I had my bone marrow transplant. That’s incredible. I would like to extend a thank you to everyone who has been by my side supporting me the whole time. And to think I still remember February 1, 2013 at CHOP in the Hematology clinic like it was yesterday. I am so blessed to have recovered so well and so quickly. Unfortunately, not every kid who is diagnosed is as blessed, so I ask you please to continue to Pray For A Cure. To all the nurses and doctors reading this (not just the ones who’ve helped me along my journey) I’d like to thank you, what you do is amazing. Also, to the nurses and doctors that have helped me along my journey, thank you so much for everything, I couldn’t be where I am without you.

As some of you may know, this past week, I had a few tests at Johns Hopkins on Tuesday, and one Wednesday morning. We received a few results back and so far my bone marrow remains Leukemia free! It was kind of weird to celebrate a 16^th birthday and a 1^st birthday on the same day. My parents were a little confused; do they get me sippy cups or video games?? Unfortunately, I didn’t receive any sippy cups. I did receive one “Happy 1^st Birthday!” card though.

I hope everything is going well for all of you and your families. I ask you to please continue to pray for everyone in hospitals; including the doctors and nurses. The patients need many prayers for recovery and also, doctors’ and nurses’ jobs are not easy. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about the people that take time to get to know you on a friendly level, not just a professional level, it’s that they work very hard for many hours a day to help not only young kids like me, but people of all ages with any type of sickness. Thank you and I wish you all the safest of summers!!!

In the words of St. Augustine, “Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others.” Even though you may think you’re in a really tough position at times, there is always someone who is struggling more than you at that moment. Don’t be selfish; God didn’t make us to be that way.

One last thing, I would ask you to please keep a specific patient in your prayers because prayers can never hurt. My friend Bobby Taggart who goes to Germantown Academy is struggling with a different type of Cancer. Please keep him in your daily prayers. Thank you and remember, B+!!