Update on Kate

The BLESSINGS of "BLANKETS of HOPE"

We are rejoicing and have great cause for praise that over the last two weeks we have seen significant improvement in Kate's energy level and over all health. It has been wonderful to see Kate engaging fully in life and getting the most out of each moment of her day. Kate's attitude is truly an inspiration. Kate embraces a day of feeling good like a precious gift truly living it to the fullest and not taking a moment of it for granted. I can't express to you the joy that fills my heart seeing Kate delve into life again. It is truly an "amazing grace" gift seeing the transformation in her health. Last weekend energy-wise, it seemed like she was running circles around me:)

Kate, Maggie and I experienced one of the most joy filled days that we've known in this journey, when we made the first delivery of Kate's senior project "Blankets of Hope". As we went from room to room visiting fellow oncology patients in the clinic and on the floor, Kate was able to personally give a blanket to other children and teenagers whose lives have been touched by cancer. The blankets were received with deep appreciation. Kate was truly radiant with joy as she visited from room to room, relishing in the ability to be the giver of a gift of encouragement, when she has so often been the recipient. One of the most touching moments of the day occurred when we visited a five year old little boy.
He was fun to visit and conversation became quite animated with Kate being taught how to "web" someone like Spiderman. When we noticed our new little friend had the same type of central line as Kate, we told him that he and Kate shared something the same. When he asked what, we lifted the bottom of Kate's shirt, so he could see her line. His eye grew wide with amazement and he said incredulously, "You have one too????" What a point of identity in the journey. The point of connection only deepened a few minutes later when Kate told her new little friend that they shared something else the same.... and she slowly removed her wig. His sparkling eyes grew wider still with amazement that this big girl friend of his was truly a lot like him. We all enjoyed laughter and smiles together as Kate and her special new friend made silly faces together and posed for a picture showing their "sameness".

While Kate has been improving daily, we have continued to wrestle with low sodium levels. We have continued eight hours of IV fluids each night, in an attempt to regulate this level. Late last week we added salt tablets hoping to boost the level. Kate's platelets remain low, as evidenced by the many bruises from even the slightest bumps along the way. Labs at the end of last week indicated that Kate's hemoglobin level had dropped. We will spend Monday at Children's getting a transfusion of RBC's. With this visit we will also deliver another 200 blankets.

Worship this weekend was wonderful and the sermon reminded us of the impact our perspective can have on how we choose to live our lives. By the grace of God, we have truly been able to see the good through the bad and "We know that in all things God works good for those who love Him." Rms. 8:28 Kate and I were talking at lunch time and realized that we had both written down the same quote from the sermon, as it resonated deeply with what we have learned on this journey..."If I allow pain to make me bitter, it blinds me to the truth of what God wants to do in my life." Martin Luther How incredibly gracious God has been in guarding our hearts and minds so that despite the many days of pain and heartache, that we have truly experienced JOY in the journey.

Grace and Joy to you in your journey,
Elaine