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.