Carlee

Hello,

Our names are Debbie and Doug.  We are the parents of Carlee.  An intelligent five year old who's round cheeks and sunny smile is imprinted in the hearts of all who know her.  Carlee has 2 older sisters, Brittney, 16 years old, and Alexis, 15 years old.  Carlee was diagnosed with High Risk Pre B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on January 11, 2006.  Carlee is in remission at this time, but going thru 2 1/2 years of treatment.  Carlees's life changed instantly from laughing and playing to daily doses of chemotherapy and weekly trips to the hospital.
Carlee's journey began with a trip to the pediatrician for bruising.  After an examination and some blood work, we were immediately sent to St. Joseph's Children Hopsital for additional testing to be done.  Within a couple of hours we received the news that Carlee had Leukemia and our lives would be forever changed.  From that point on it was like a whirlwind.  As you can imagine, we were filled with questions.  Trying to understand each poison that was going to be put into our daughter's body and the side effects it would have.  Try explaining to a 4 year old your sick even though she didn't feel sick.  Our first hospital stay was a long one (41 days).  In a single day we counted 14 different medications that went into her body.  It was devastating.  She is doing good now, but still has a long road ahead of her.

When we are away from the hospital Carlee is busy swimming, playing with her baby dolls, and walking her dog.  She also enjoys playing games and riding her bike.  She usually does not like to sit still for very long.  She sure keeps us on our toes. 

Life changes in an instant, a blink of an eye.  Life for our fammily will not be the same for a very long time----CANCER changes everything.  Everyday for the rest of our lives there will always be a fear of relapse or complications.

THANK YOU for letting me share Carlee's story.  I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Keeping Faith on this Journey.