Meet Emma!

Emma's story, written by her mother, Michelle

Emma was diagnosed sept 12/12 with AML and began treatments immediately - very intense, very difficult. We (both of us) were in hospital (in patient) for 4.5 months most of which she was very sick, and then she got to go home in remission!  We were so excited and so full of hope.

She ended up back in hospital two months later having her gallbladder removed. More pain, more recovery...
We went as a family to Florida for three weeks.  Most of which Emma stayed in bed, resting, recovering. She was able to muster up some energy to spend an afternoon at Universal studios, especially the Harry Potter attractions. It is a memory we will cherish forever. 

A week after we got home, three months after being discharged in remission, Emma was tested because of a fever and the disease had returned. The word we never expected nor wanted to hear "relapse"...and so soon! Our hearts were breaking. We geared up for another round of treatments with hopes of getting into remission so she could have a bone marrow transplant. Both of her sisters were a perfect match. 

She was just finishing her second round of chemo and her body started giving out. We ended up in ICU thinking she would simply have a surgery to help with some of her difficulties....she gave us a thumbs up as they wheeled her into the OR saying "tell everyone I love them and I'll see you when I wake up!" A big smile on her face. But her heart stopped before they could do the surgery and though the doctors worked diligently to resuscitate her several times, it was not meant to be.  She left us and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus.  Completely healed, free from pain, dancing & singing forever! 

You can watch Emma's celebration of life video here: 

Celebration Service for Emma Grace Stewart from Kennedy Road Tabernacle on Vimeo.

Prints by Millie

My heart is heavy as I write this post.  Our dear friend and very FIRST featured cancer cutie has passed away.  Millie Flamm was unlike any child I have ever met.  She was gorgeous, hilarious, sweet, a bit goofy, kind, courageous, she could whistle better than my Grandpa, and was the strongest little girl I have ever met.  Heaven gained one incredible little angel last week.  We will miss her dearly.  

Millie in her hospital room.

Millie was the very first child my family met after Cami was diagnosed and the minute I set eyes on her, I knew we could handle it.  She had that sweet little bald head, I knew she was going through vigorous treatments, but she was playing, dancing and GLOWING!  Millie was so beautiful!  Millie and her parents showed us that they could have fun and be strong even when faced with every parents worst nightmare.  It was the first time I was able to take a deep breath and know we could face what was coming our way!   (Read more about the first time we met Millie here)

Millie and Cami

Cami and Millie were instant friends and played together often.  Over the course of their two and a half year treatment they became best little cancer buddies.  Millie was scheduled to go off treatment about 6 months before Cami and a few days after they celebrated her last chemo treatment, the Doctors called to tell Brady and Amanda that Millie's cancer was back (read the story as Amanda tells it here).  It was devastating for poor Millie and everyone who loved her, but she was up for another fight!  She received a bone marrow transplant in June 2012 she was so brave and fought so hard, but her cancer persisted.  Millie continued with trials, countless new drugs, and intense chemotherapy.  She fought hard, so very hard.   Her parents stood by her side every second and made sure her hospital rooms were filled with love, laughter, and lots of art supplies.  Millie was happiest when she was drawing and she was a little entrepreneur at heart.  She hosted art sales and even utilized the power of social media to sell her artwork on Facebook.  She saved all her pennies to buy her mom a mothers day gift... what a sweetheart!  Millie was always drawing pictures for her friends or family who needed a pick-me up.  She was always thinking of others.  What an incredible shining star she was.

Millie with her new bone marrow

Justin Bieber was one of Millie's biggest fans!

Millie's obituary

Millie gave her mom a hug before lying down to take her last breath after a courageous three and a half year battle with leukemia. Her last moment on earth was as inspiring and thoughtful as the rest of her life, and she will be sorely missed.

Millie is a sweet girl who spent countless hours in the hospital and at home coloring pictures for friends and family that she knew needed a pick-me-up. She was so grateful for the wonderful people who helped her that she in return was always looking for ways to help others.

She is the bravest person this world has ever seen and always had a smile on her face as she did what she needed to do while fighting her cancer. Millie stayed positive and always focused on the good things in her life saying “The grass is greener on our side – even with leukemia.” No matter how bad things got she always looked forward to the future with hope, and her art was always bright and cheerful.

Millie loved to sing, dance, tell jokes, trick her nurses, show off her incredible whistle, and talk and talk and talk. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family. She made her parents Brady and Amanda Flamm feel like they could do no wrong, and they were honored that Heavenly Father trusted them with her.

Her younger brother Austin adored her and she adored him. They will always be best friends. Millie loved to teach Austin games that she made up, tell him stories, and comfort him when he was sad. They loved to dance together. Millie was quite the designer and not only came up with fabulous outfits for herself, but her brother as well. She made everyone laugh and her giggle would light up the room. We love you our Silly Miss Millie!

Millie and her amazing family.

We want Millie's art to live on.  We know she would want it to be spread around to help others.  We are thrilled to announce that we have a few precious pieces of sweet Millie's art available for download.  Please print these off and remember what this sweet girl has taught us.  There is no better reminder to hold you kids a little tighter, to be a little more understanding, to be patient, pay it forward, lend a hand, leave a thoughtful note, and to be strong when faced with trials.  Millie Flamm has taught me so much and continues to teach me every day.  I hope that through her story and her beautiful precious art, that you can gain a little Millie in your heart as well.  All proceeds from the sale of Millie's artwork will be donated to her foundation: http://milliesprincessrun.org

Prints by Millie Flamm

Available at psiay.com/MilliesPrints

Millie's message to the world

The Imagination Flower

Boquet

Paris

 The Universe

Was drawn just a few days before she passed.  Truly amazing.    

Garden

Castle

Tea Set

 Watercolor

Love Birds

Heart Butterfly & Star Flowers

Click here to buy one of these amazing prints by one precious girl!  
We love you Millie!

Meet Baby Lucca!

  

On August 28 2012, My brother Verlin and his wife Mary Catherine welcomed sweet baby Lucca Elizabeth into their family along with older siblings Benjamin age 8 and Sophia 16 months.  Lucca was born a healthy weight and was a very happy baby. Everything was perfect, or so we thought.

    In November suddenly one night Lucca cried out in pain and they really couldn't do anything to comfort her. So the following day they took her in to the doctor thinking it was just gas, just to make sure everything was normal. Nothing could have prepared them for the shock they were about to hear. They discovered a large mass growing on her adrenal gland. This sweet innocent, happy, smiley baby who stole everyone's heart has cancer. CANCER at two and a half months old. She was immediately sent to Riley Children's Hospital in Indy where they diagnosed it as Neuroblastoma Stage 4s. Apparently she had it since birth and it had grown from there spreading into the liver and wrapping around her spine.

    From there on out life for them was turned upside down. She started chemo right away and has been doing a week of chemo, then a two week break, then another week of chemo etc. On her off weeks then she has endured surgery, a stem cell harvest and numerous sick days, Two weeks ago she was in Chicago for surgery and they removed the mass!!!!! Today was her last day of round 6 chemo. She did amazingly well and they plan on coming home tonight. Next she will be in Chicago for 2 months for a stem cell transplant, without visitors except Mom and Dad. That  means no kisses from Aunt Waneda :(

then after a short break another 2  months in Chicago for radiation, living in temporary housing since this is far from home.

    This brave little girl is always full of smiles, happy and giggly if she's feeling good. In her first 8 months she has been through so much more than most adults. And despite it all she still smiles every chance she gets.

Here are some updated pictures of this darling baby girl.  She is fighting the fight of her life in the hospital now.  Whatever it is you believe in, lets please join together to send Baby Lucca good thoughts, positive energy, love and prayers.