| March 31, 2006 Thanks for checking in. We apologize for taking so long to update, but we always feel like we don't have much to say :) The pregnancy is going well as we just entered our 27th week (actually, I think "almost 7 months" sounds better) This little guy is growing bigger and bigger everyday (and so is mommy) and he's been so active lately. Finally last week after waiting patiently with his hand on my belly, Andy was able to feel him move for the first time. What a great moment :) We're excited to say we're in the final stages of planning before starting work on the playroom. Originally, the plan was to hold off on the playroom until the pediatric floor was renovated. We honestly don't know when or if the renovations will take place and it could possibly be years before any final plans are set. So, after talking with many of the pediatric nurses and doctors we all agree that we need to do something sooner. The playroom will remain in the same area, and while we're a little disappointed that we won't have a larger room to work with, we're certainly not complaining. In a meeting earlier this week with the peds nurse manager, child life director and hospital designer, we ironed out some basic repairs that need to be completed before we can actually start painting. They will be stripping the vinyl wall covering down to the drywall and with repairs we'll have a fresh canvas to work with. Hurley will also cover the cost of replacing the existing ceiling tiles, provide new and updated lighting, along with a new built in sink, vanity and double door storage unit. Beyond that we'll be covering all other costs with the playroom fund that many of you generously donated. We were very lucky to be introduced to a very talented painter, Tracy Fisher, who will be painting the murals. After much discussion on the topic of themes we've decided on a tropical fish theme. We'll be using teals, blues and many other tropical colors to give it a very welcoming feeling to all ages. Tracy has such wonderful ideas and with the whimsical way about her painting I have no doubt that she will bring the room to life. We're very excited to see this dream become a reality and we promise to keep all of you updated as progress is made. We have a few prayer requests for other neuroblastoma families we know. First, is for sweet little Christi Thomas from Ohio who's been fighting neuroblastoma for 3 1/2 years. Over the last few months this horrible disease has continued to spread despite aggressive treatment. She's now in active treatment at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia). She is an amazing little girl with the most wonderful parents, Angela and Shane. As with any parent whose child has cancer, you're willing to do whatever it takes to cure your child, and this family is giving it their all. Christi's original website www.christithomas.com is a great site (and the inspiration for Paige's website). They now have a blog www.christithomas.blogspot.com/ making it easier for her parents to update daily. Another little cutie is Gage, who is also from Michigan. I first met his mom, Melanie, after receiving an e-mail from her as they were being treated at the University of Michigan and the wonderful Dr.Yanik. We continue to follow Gage as he receives new treatment in Chicago. To enter his website you'll need to create a member name and password...it only takes a minute, so please visit and give his family your support. www.carepages.com/ServeCarePage?cpn=gagescarepage100 Sadly, on March 29th, little Ashleigh from Michigan lost her fight with neuroblastoma. We keep her family in our thoughts and prayers... Her website is: www2.caringbridge.org/mi/ashleigh/index.htm It's surprising to us how many hits Paige's website still receives. We're so touched that so many of you still think of Paige and our family. We receive many private e-mails from parents whose child has been recently diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Of course they have many questions that we try to answer as honestly as we can. About a month ago we received a heartbreaking e-mail from a dad whose 1-year-old daughter has been recently diagnosed. He wanted to know if we had any regrets on the decision we made to put Paige through treatment and did we feel it caused her more suffering? Andy & I immediately replied that we have no regrets for the decisions we made during Paige's treatment. We know in our hearts that Paige enjoyed her last year of life, despite the cancer. While the decision to bring Paige home with hospice was the most difficult, we cherish that time we had with her at home. We're so thankful for the love, support and prayers we received... and continue to receive today. We will never forget. Love, Andy & Sandi |
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| Paige March 2003 |
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| Paige March 2004 |
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| Who is she fooling....she's not really sleeping :) |
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| March 31, 2006 |