Saturday, December 12, 2009

31 Days of Wishes: Day 12

Nine years ago today my friend Brittany was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia(AML) shortly before her 16th birthday.

Later that month, Kelly suffered a relapse of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia(ALL) shortly before her 12th birthday.

Brittany wasn't expected to ever make it out of the hospital, wasn't expected to see her 16th birthday.

I spoke at a Team in Training information meeting the day before Kelly turned 12 with my heart breaking as I didn't know if she would have any more birthdays.

Two young lives whose lives and their families turned upside down.

Both determined, both fighters, courageous, inspirational, loving, kind, gentle...



Kelly and Sarah at graduation

Nine years later, Brittany still lives with the pain, shock and fear of that day. 

Tonight Sue, Laura, Brittany and I will go to a Team in Training event to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.  

Brittany is the team hero for the Rocky Mountain Chapter just as Kelly was.

Brittany creates the possibility in her life of a world without blood cancer.  A world where no one has to hear the words, "you have cancer".

We fight on to honor Kelly's life and to make a stand for everyone that is touched by this disease.



My wish for today  and everyday is for Brittany's dream to come true.

3 comments:

  1. this year before relay the newspaper asked various committee members why they relay. My answer was "With the hope that my grandchildren will grow up in a world where parent's never have to explain to their children what cancer is. Your wish today echo's that. Thanks for all that you and your family do to make my wish come true.
    Linda

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  2. I pray for Brittanys wish to come true too! Keep up the fight, Ross!

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  3. Thank you for not just making empty wishes, you stand behind this wish, you take action every day to make this wish come true. If millions more people would stand behind their wishes, life would be truly wonderful and progress against horrible diseases and unjust evils would be made. You are amazing and I love you!

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