Travis Update 9/17/04
Six years ago today, our hero Marj, donated her marrow to give our sweet and then 5 year old Travis a chance at life. At that time, we held so strongly to visions of the future as our "beacons of hope" - just praying and picturing the day he'd be able to attend school for the first time ever, picturing when he'd ride a bike and to the fun things he and Spencer would do together, to imagining the joy of his Make A Wish trip, to then even his Bar Mitzvah and more�
And here we are, these 6 years later� and it feels like an eye blink. All these visions have come true so far� except of course the Bar Mitzvah, since Travis is only yet 11 (he turns 12 in Nov). But just the act of getting his Bar Mitzvah DATE (Thanksgiving weekend 2005 - how apropos!) was tremendously emotional, for me at least. Milestones-- each one of these events. All due to the ONE perfect marrow match for Travis (identified through the NMDP) - the one person who could and did give of herself so that our son could have a chance to live life. Marj, not a day goes by when we don't think of you - when we don't thank you. You are our hero - and I am humbled beyond belief at your selfless act. Thank you so much. We wish YOU health, happiness and joy, Marj.
And now, yet another wonderful thing has happened! While we've learned that many people who registered for marrow drives trying to help Travis have actually gone on to donate marrow - I'm so awed that yet another person we know has been called as a match for someone in need. I guess we can say this match is truly "close to home". Our ACROSS THE STREET neighbor entered the National Marrow Donor Program registry (with a plenty strong aversion to needles, I might add) at a drive 6 years ago at our temple, Beth Tikvah Congregation, to try to match Travis� and now after all this time, Jeff has been called as the best match and hope for a man who needs a transplant. Jeff is so kind, quiet and humble (and athletic - lucky recipient!)� it's so beautiful to know that he's been given this life honor� to give the gift of life and hope. Jeff is donating his marrow next week, so keep him in your prayers, too - and his recipient. And to add to this amazing beauty, some 11 years ago Jeff's own sister had a bone marrow transplant (using her own marrow - an autologous transplant) and she is strong and healthy today. AMAZING. The circle of life does indeed continue. And Jeff, we are SO proud of you!
So, for those of you who are in the NMDP registry, don't give up hope. DO let them know where they can find you if you've moved. YOU may yet be a match for someone now or in the future! www.marrow.org or 1-800-MARROW2.
And the "rest of our journey" so far� Travis is sweet, kind and bright as ever. He's now in 6th grade, still in the gifted and talented program - in fact, together with Spencer in the combined grade level special class! He's even a "Hall Patrol Monitor"! Ahhh� the simple joys of life that we now can experience! Travis' annual checkups (remember when they were 3 or more times per week for months and months?) are always anxiety provoking since we don't know what complications might show up - but each time, thank God they've been CLEAN. Cancer free! The one new but likely expected complication we now face is Travis' growth. Since he's not growing at the rate he was or should be at this age, he'll likely begin daily growth hormone shots to help spur on this necessary growth and maturity. His next endocrinology appointment is Monday, with this next step likely to begin at this time. Travis is bummed about the shots� but I think he's also relieved that he'll be getting help to continue growing and staying close to his peers in size. It's so sweet to see how his calm nature is absorbing this next step of survivorship. It's the classic survivorship issue -- "dealing with the problems caused by the chemo/radiation curative therapies". I just hope it's as smooth and easy as possible for Travis to manage through. And I pray that we continue to experience as few complications and challenges as possible.
And Spencer, the inspiration behind the launch of SuperSibs! (www.supersibs.org or 866-444SIBS - to support siblings of children with cancer), is continuing to grow and thrive as well. His latest claim to fame is quickly taking to the saxophone (he has my father's music talent as well as his 1930's jazz sax!). The boy can BLOW! It's just beautiful! While Spencer truly doesn't want to be the "poster boy" for SuperSibs! he does tell me how proud he is that we've made this organization come true to help kids in need. In fact, we're now providing ongoing services to almost 1,300 brothers and sisters of children with cancer in 42 states and Canada! It's been an amazing year - and both boys have been helpful with ideas and even office support at times. Indeed, this month they're "donating" their playroom space as we have boxes and boxes of trophies and packing boxes being prepared to mail out this month to all our newest SuperSibs! kids.
I think back 5 years ago on September 17th - and it was the night when Marj was a special guest in our home and at our temple, as our congregation and community honored her gift of life, as well as all those who are fighting cancer or who have lost their lives. That was also a Shabbat evening� as it is tonight. Tonight, Travis and I are going together to services� just for a private thanks and peaceful prayer. It seems so fitting. This week Travis sent a sweet note to Marj� and thankfully I made a copy to save in our collection of letters and mementos from this journey. I'm still in awe of this entire miracle. I hope I never completely lose this wonder and clarity about what's really important. I hope none of us ever do.
Thank you, everyone, for your continual love and support. We are so very, very blessed.
Hugs, hope and gratitude - and Happy New Year!
Melanie