4years.page

Dear everyone,

It's unbelievable to me that today marks 4 years since Travis' diagnosis with ALL PH+. What a journey it's been!

I remember, at the time, realizing that my life "before cancer" practically dropped away. And I thought we'd never remember nor care about anything before May 6, 1998. Slowly but surely, the clarity, memories and caring has come back. As someone said to me early in our journey, it takes at least 5 years to settle in to life going forward. So true, and we're still on the path.

The best news is that Travis is strong, growing, healthy (no more scares, thank you very much), and thriving in school. He's a wonderful 9 year old child. We are so blessed that Spencer and Travis remain as tight as ever - The Yon Boys, Best Friends. In fact, next year, they'll be in a combined advanced class - for 3rd and 4th graders. Spencer was beside himself with pride to have made it into this class. His face must have lit up the entire Northern Hemisphere when he read the letter from school. And his immediate reaction was to find Travis - who subsequently picked Spencer up in a bear hug and swung him around and around. They'd been planning this development for a year! (The power of a goal and vision, huh?). Joe and I were touched to our deepest core to see them celebrate together.

Four years ago, we just wanted our two boys alive. And due to tremendous good fortune, great medical care, the power of a strong spirit in this child and the pull of love and friendship from his brother, God's help and MARGE'S MARROW, the boys are, indeed, doing so well. Thanks, everyone, for hanging in there with us all these years. Thank you, thank you, Marge, for this gift of life. Almost every day, I have a new message from someone whose life has just been upended by cancer. It's all we can do to try to use our learnings to help others make it through. Travis is a beacon of hope for so many.

This is a big day. We are so grateful for this miracle.
Thank you.

With love, hugs and hope,

Melanie, Joe, Travis and Spencer

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"4 Years !"
Travis Update 5/6/2002