Haley’s Giggle

Today was the 4th anniversary of Haley’s bone marrow transplant. It’s amazing to look at her and think not only that this happened four years ago, but how far she’s come.  She’s writing and typing out words on the computer; she’s learning to swim; she’s twirling albeit on toes she cannot feel.  She has the will of the world, but we already knew that.

To honor the now known donor, Hiltrud, and her generosity to Haley and to our entirely family, we celebrated the “Day of Giving” for the 4th year in a row. The first year was to support Uncle Pretty in his inaugural head-shaving event to raise money for cancer-stricken kids. The second year was donating things to animal shelters, the salvation army, and other charities. Last year, Haley’s class (along with Anna) made a mural for the Hem/Onc clinic at DC Childrens. This year, we focussed on the doctors, nurses, therapists, and babysitters that helped over the years. On the theme of painting, which both Haley and Anna are into these days, we bought 20- 8×8 canvases, and taped them together to make one giant singular canvas. Anna and Haley then took opposite sides, and made a painting, entitled, “Night of Hope.” We took a picture of it,

then divided up the painting, to give all of the doctors, nurses, therapists, and caregivers that have helped Anna and Haley along these challenging but triumphant years.  We hope if you’re reading this, you do something for someone else and keep this “Day of Giving” in mind and do in honor of Haley’s donor, Hiltrud (who also got a canvas).

So many people called and emailed and texted. Thank you all so much- we have the best family and friends in the world.