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Two Years Ago � Dear everyone, In three weeks, we'll be looking back on a life-changing day for us. It was on May 6, 1998 that Travis woke up (after a fun day with our family the day before), tried to get out of bed, and collapsed on the floor, screaming from pain in his legs. From that moment, we stepped onto what felt like another planet, that spun at a different speed, spoke a different language and operated with different priorities. While I can't recall the exact details, I'll be eternally grateful that our pediatrician, Dr. Bruce Bedingfield, had the foresight to conduct blood tests right away -- which landed Travis in the hospital that afternoon, on chemo, with a diagnosis of cancer. Thank God he caught this in time. This began a series of conversations about "life expectancy percentages" and choices for us to make. I call them the "talks from hell". And the marrowthon journey.

I don't think the fog has yet completely cleared -- nor may it ever. BUT, as I look up from the computer and see Travis and Spencer all dressed up in their Ninja suits while playing with their Pokemon cards, I know we've gone through some time warp to get through to today's "normalcy". Travis is strong, happy, sweet, and we hope, healthy. His last checkup was just stellar -- giving us a renewed sigh of relief and much hope. Unfortunately, the PCR blood test (that detects presence of Philadelphia Chromosome/cancer) was somehow lost or tainted, so Travis has had to give more blood to re-do that -- and we wait another 2 weeks or so for those results. Just as when this first happened two years ago, I can't imagine in my wildest dreams that this "healthy" boy will have anything other than "all clear" results. I just can't think otherwise, though Joe and I always know in the back of our minds, there's a possibility.

So while we celebrate and give thanks for these past two years and a future ahead of Travis Robert Yon, we also mourn the loss of another little boy, another Travis. My heart breaks as I write this devastating news -- that the sweet little boy we'd met at Disneyworld, named Travis, (post-BMT for leukemia as well, who had recently relapsed) passed away a few weeks ago. I learned from a friend of their family who contacted us, that he passed away surrounded by family and friends. I can't begin to tell you how this news hit me. Truly, it felt like there were two little boys, both with many similarities -- each guided on a similar path until a fork in the road -- with us happening to go one way and the other little Travis and his family going another. And somehow, we happened to be on a path (so far) that allows us to be altogether today. And somehow, this other family is now without their sweet little Travis today. I keep thinking that in some way, our Travis is carrying a bit of this other Travis with him (though our Travis doesn't know about this latest news)-- somehow an obligation to keep fighting and stay healthy -- to honor the memory of this little boy and for us to never take for granted our good fortune. Joe and I are deeply, profoundly sad for this family's loss.

On a hopeful note, at least we feel like we're really doing something to "give back" and keep fighting cancer. With Joe and the boys' support (they've been GREAT), I've been training in most of my spare moments for the upcoming marathon (June 3 in Stockholm). And believe it or not, so far, my fundraising total is now over $12,000 for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society of America! I really believe that people before me who have trained and raised money for this cause are direct contributors to our Travis being alive today. The research and new meds and facilities that this money has afforded is keeping progress -- and lives -- alive. Here's to a cure by 2003 -- or before. And until then, I'm hoofin' it -- yesterday completed an 18-mile training run!!! Yup, a loooooong 3 hours and 45 minutes of slow, but steady running. 70+ degrees and sunny, running along Lake Michigan and viewing the Chicago skyline -- it was magnificent! I now know the "runner's high" (or as Joe calls it "Runner's Chai" -- hebrew word for "life"). Reaching this milestone was BIG for me. And I now have NO doubts that I can do this marathon. Fortunately, I didn't have any leg pains while running -- blisters are my main problem. Nothing, in the scheme of things. So, today, with mildly sore and not-so-mildly tired legs, I write this update. And many thanks to my Team In Training running-mates! I couldn't have done it without you guys -- thanks Jeannie, Mary, Carrie, Lu, Kacey, Falisa, and our coaches Deren and Megan. We CAN do this. (-:

One last note -- yes, May 6th will be a somber day of memories for us. And happily, on May 7th, we'll be celebrating "Mitzvah Day" at our temple, working on "make-a-difference" projects in the community. Travis is SO excited for this day -- his chosen project is to again collect food at the local grocery store -- to be given to immune-compromised individuals via the HIV Coalition. Interesting timing of this Mitzvah Day - just perfect.

Love and happy Passover and Easter to you all,

Melanie, Joe, Travis and Spencer

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