Dear fellow band members. I would like to share with you what happened in my neighborhood this last weekend. We had a fund raising event for the LLS in honor of my little neighbor who was challenged with Leukemia last year. Her story is below.
As you know our band director, Bob Austin, is also a survivor of Lymphoma. I invited Bob along with his wife, Hallie to come to our celebration. I was so happy to see that they were able to come and I hope that they enjoyed it. I of course added some pictures below. ;0)
Summer’s Story
At just 21 months old, Summer was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Because this disease is fatal without treatment, Summer began intensive chemotherapy within hours of the diagnosis. The treatment process lasted over six months, with the majority of this time spent in–house at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, TX. Less than a month into her treatment, her dad discovered that part of her central line was getting twisted, and the potential for the tubes to break and for infection was enormous. After several unsuccessful attempts from nurses to find a remedy, the family realized it was up to them to design their own solution. Meanwhile, Summer’s central line had broken twice within two days! After three breaks surgery is required to implant a new central line. They contacted Karen Alyea, a retired nurse, who is a seamstress, and working together developed Summer’s Lifeguard, a central line wrap.
Summer’s last treatment was on March 31, 2006. Her central line was removed from her chest six weeks later. Right after Summer was diagnosed, her mom would tell her that she was a soldier of God, and her “armor” included her entire family and friends, her medicine, and all the doctors, nurses, and specialists treating her. Summer’s Lifeguard quickly became part of this soldier’s armor in her fight against cancer. It is critical for chemotherapy patients to avoid infection. Their bodies generally have very low if any immune levels, since the medicines destroy good cells, along with the bad ones.
Summer’s parents maintain that Summer’s Lifeguard played a major role in saving her life by reducing the chance of infection and the risk of unplanned surgery. PRAISE GOD! Summer is now in remission. She is a very normal, active, and healthy toddler. She is our hero.
To join Summer's team for Light the Night Walk on October 28, 2007 at the Dr. Pepper Ball Park in Frisco go to :
http://www.active.com/donate/1tnDallas/2205_asimonsLTN1
or call Mary
Mary Kilgore
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