Thank-you

Yesterday we attended a fundraiser, organized by our friends and family in Phoebe's honour. As we walked into the restaurant, we saw that the room was full and buzzing with excitement and the best and most positive energy I have ever felt filled the space.  So much love in one room that it was most definitely felt by little Phoebe at CHEO. This situation has made something that I have always known very clear, and that is that we are very lucky.  We are lucky in love and family, in friendship, and in community.  We are lucky to have people in our lives who care so much.  When we are having difficult days, we often think of all of you cheering Phoebe on and sending her love and prayers, or we read positive messages that you have written and things seem better. 

Today Jon and I sat together and opened cards that were left at the fundraiser, by those who attended but also by some of you who were unable to attend but graciously donated.  Reading many of your thoughts and prayers for us and Phoebe brought tears to my eyes.  One card in particular struck me.  On the envelope, written in beautiful cursive writing, was "Phoebe Rose" and inside the card was a simple but incredibly thoughtful sentiment.  "To Phoebe Rose, from Sarah. My allowance!"  So wonderful.  Sarah and other young people gave allowances, emptied their piggy banks, sold raffle tickets, and were active members of the auction, bidding on Raptor's tickets, gingerbread creations and beautiful hand-made crocheted hats to help us and Phoebe.  We can't wait to brighten up Phoebe's room with all of the beautiful cards and artwork made by her young friends. It truly was a magical day, and there are no words to express how grateful we are. 

When the doctors told us to expect to be in hospital for a year, it was really important to us to be by Phoebe's side every step of the way.  For us to do this and still give equal attention and care to Mae, we put our lives and work on hold.  As a stone mason, Jon's busy season is about to begin, but instead of diving into projects, he is helping to care for Phoebe and Mae.  The money raised will allow us to travel to Toronto as a family which will mean that throughout Phoebe's transplant preparation and procedure, one of us will always be holding her hand.  It also means that once Phoebe is able to have visitors, the first one, anxious and excited to see her baby sister, will be Mae. 

We expect to arrive in Toronto sometime in early May.  We have had some delays due to chemo related complications, but because the bone marrow donors have been found, we will leave CHEO as soon as Phoebe recovers from her last dose of chemotherapy.  We are nervous and scared, but also excited to close another chapter and begin what could possibly be the last leg of this journey.  Home now seems wonderfully within our reach. 

All of your thoughts, prayers, generosity, love and support mean the world to us.  Thank-you from the bottom of our hearts.