Friday, November 21, 2008

Sarah Thweatt


I'm another NB mom who's a lurker on your site. Sometimes I feel guilty about all the lurking I do b/c we never got a site up and running and I do love checking on all our NB people. Anyway, I'm not sure if you've ever heard of us, but my son John is a patient of Dr. Russell's at TCH. We live in Houston. He was diagnosed stage IV, all the crappy stats, etc., on May 7, 2007. He is currently, blissfully NED, and we don't re-scan until the end of Jan. We're almost 4 months off treatment, and I appreciate every day of it and often reflect on how lucky we are to be here right now.

John was just over two when he was diagnosed. He has two older brothers, Jacob and Henry, 8 and almost 6, and Star Wars was hugely popular in our house when we started treatment. So John spent the majority of his time in the hospital memorizing all the movies. People would ask "won't he be scared by them??" and I would tell them to look around, b/c the tubes, lines, chemo, pokes were alot more nerve racking to him than Darth Vader and his Imperial Star Destroyer. He continues to be our little Jedi, humming the theme song at least a few times a week, depending on what he's up to. We've been Yoda/Obi Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker now for two Halloweens, and at last count, I think we had about 9 light sabers in the house. Needless to say, the force is strong in our family.


I heard of Erin way before I found your page. She is a true inspiration to many NB families, and now I know why. I was first impressed by the excellent goodies dropped off at the first Lunch for Life bake sale at TCH last spring. Those brownies were so awesomely packaged and decorated--they flew off the table. As I've come to know a little more about Erin, I'm amazed by her strength and determination. You are certainly right to say she lives with cancer every day but doesn't let it slow her down. Whether it's the plasma car races on the 9th floor (super idea, by the way), her dedication to school and the student council, or her friendship with Chet--Erin, you truly touch lives. You have such an amazing story. We are all stronger for it.


For those of us who live with neuroblastoma, thanks Erin and Vickie, for providing a glimpse of your battle, which you fight each day with such humor, strength, and hope. We hope to meet you in person sometime. We keep you in our prayers every day.


The picture I attached is from John's Make-A-Wish to Disney World last summer. Besides Star Wars, his other 3 1/2 year old passions are Mickey Mouse, his preschool class (he's a Zebra this year), and any outdoor sport that involves a ball, including soccer, baseball, football and golf. Pretty much, if you can throw it, kick it, or hit it, he's game.

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