Allison wrote this story with the help of her teacher, Melissa Mahlke. She wrote it to help other kids feel better about writing and drawing about their experiences in the hospital. Now she says she'd like to be an art therapist, and start a foundation to help kids who have to go through what she has gone through. We made copies and gave them to the therapists at Children's who help the kids express themselves. She also read it on the air for the Alice 105.9 radio thon, which raised 1.5 million for Children's Hospital during February.

Allison's story

Allison's story, continued

Update Spring 2008

A sincere apology for those of you who have been checking on the blog to see if we have any news. Ever since November I have found it impossible to post anything, whether from lack of energy or enthusiasm or just not having the time to sit down and think about what to write next. For two months or so, Allison was rebounding nicely and growing hair, becoming more like herself, and returning to things she loves to do. In March she started to get tired again, from the treatments, and is trying to keep up with school and other routine things. When I read the last post I wrote in November, I realized that she sounds very much like she did then, even though emotionally I think she is stronger and I've seen more of her old personality come through. Physically, though, she is just holding on and a little bit of activity or stimulation makes her pretty tired. We have two more treatments to go, in April and May. Then about six months of recuperation before she will start to feel better. Every three months for the next two years she'll be getting MRI's to see if the cancer cells start back again.

Holding pattern would be the best way to describe us right now. Our first anniversary of her diagnosis is April 4th.

We have some photos to post. We have also learned about two wonderful foundations who support Children's Hospital through donations, but are close to our own situation: The Morgan Adams Foundation and the Gabby Krause Foundation. Links are on the left.

Thanks for all of the love, queries, and support.

Best,

Dianna