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Cleared for Disney! � Happy New Year, everyone! And what a way to start it, indeed. Today, Travis had another full checkup (including eyes) in Milwaukee and got the "all systems go" command for our Disney wish trip coming up so fast. We are, once again, so incredibly relieved. Travis' counts are holding strong, sixteen months post transplant: White blood cells 6.0, Hemoglobin 12.8, Platelets131 and Creatinine .6. WHEW! Joe and Spencer accompanied Travis for his labs and checkups while I had appointments for business, but I understand that the clinic and hospital staff (they visited the HOT Unit as well) were so touched and pleased to see Travis doing so well.

This was especially so, as this has been a week of deep sadness for them -- and for us all. Our friend, Teddy Morris (this "abundant" boy whose BMT room was next to Travis during their respective transplants) died this past week. It seemed to happen so very fast after his relapse -- we were all in a state of shock and sadness at the news. Joe and I attended the memorial service -- "A Celebration of the Life of Teddy Morris" -- in MKE on Monday evening and experienced one of the most moving, rich and meaningful events we will ever likely attend (in addition to that of Travis' one year anniversary service) in our lifetimes. For me, it felt like a searing pain, watching this family say goodbye to their young son and brother -- yet at the same time, absolutely awesome to see a crowd of over 1,000 people (many of them children -- and even Special Olympians, to boot!) paying tribute to this child who truly made a difference in so many people's lives. And the stories of this boy -- what laughter, joy and lessons he brought -- much of which was richly illustrated with stories at the service. For us, it was very conflicting, to be mourning the loss of this sweet child, surrounded by our shared medical staff, and at the same time, knowing that our son somehow has squeaked through so far. It felt so and random that we had "the good news." I learned so much, not only from Teddy's life, but also from how we will now remember his special entry into his eternal life. No parent should ever have to mourn the loss of their child. Kathy, David and Nate, our hearts ache with you. And they are full, that you have shared your lives, stories and memories of Teddy with us and with so many.

Today, also while in MKE, I was able to have a quiet lunch with Kathy, Teddy and Nate's mom. There we were, two moms with quite a unique common bond, two boys, cancer in our eldest, bone marrow transplants and motherhood (and of course, we two sassy personalities). We had so much to talk about, listen to and share -- each from such a different perspective. Kathy was so strong when Joe called me with Travis' checkup report -- that it was just great. She said "you guys have to keep fighting". And I agree, this fight is now also in memory of Teddy and in honor of Nate. So as you can see, it's been a day of huge relief with Travis and somber, deep reflection at the loss of Teddy.

As we prepare for our magical, opulant, decadent wish-come-true trip to Disneyworld, it was ironic that Teddy, too, had made this same wish many years ago. So Kathy prepped me for much of the magic and fun to come. And we've agreed to share photos and memories when we return. As you can imagine, the boys are VERY excited now -- as Nola and Paulette, our Make A Wish wish granters were here last weekend with tickets, itineraries, surprises, spending money, good cheer and celebration. The trip feels so real, now, and we're counting down the days! Looks like a family paradise. We'll be staying at Give Kids The World (www.GKTW.com) village. Details upon our return.

In the meantime, I, "the runner" (I've changed my language to make this real. Never before did I dream I'd be "a marathon runner"!) am training away, mile by mile to RUN the Stockholm Marathon in June. For any of you who would like to sponsor my participation in this effort, with donations going 100% to the Leukemia Society of America, please check out Travis' website at www.keeptrying.com for my cover letter explaining my purpose and the program, as well as a donor form to make a contribution. THE LSA's goal is to find a cure for leukemia by 2003. Hell, I'll learn to run for that cause any day. So, if you are interested and able, please see this link to participate in such a meaningful purpose with your financial support. And I'll run my buns off to honor my end of the bargain.

So that's all the news that's fit to print, folks. Life is as "normal" as ever -- with the ever-present reminders that we truly live with different filters now. Our priorities are forever changed (for the better, I believe) and not a day goes by that we don't remember how lucky we are. For life and health and for friendship, love and support from all of you. Thank you so very much.

Love,

Melanie, Joe, Travis and Spencer

P.S. Today I was asked (and took 2 seconds to accept) to be the family representative on a new Medical Advisory Board of Ronald McDonald House and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin to address the special medical needs of long-term care families (many of which are BMT patients) staying at the RMH -- with the possible outcome of building a special facility for BMT patients and their families!!! This is SUCH an important issue. I can't WAIT to advocate on behalf of so many for this vital need. What an honor and responsibility. Lemme at 'em.

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