Leila's monthly Chemo clinic visit

Leila is now going to Dr. B's office every four weeks for blood counts and an IV chemo treatment. She did well this week and her blood counts were good. She has had some stomach problems and missed school one day this week. She is back on the steroids this week also, which adds to the stomach pain, back and leg pain and her emotional ups and downs. We are learning how to be more patient with her during these weeks. She also seems to be more tired and wants mommy to comfort her more often than usual. Although weeks like this are difficult, we are still very fortunate and thankful that Leila continues to do well. We know many other children whose battle is harder and longer, which helps us to appreciate every day that Leila does well.

Leila's first LIMO ride!

On Saturday night we met our friend Cindi Thurmond for dinner at the Rainforest Cafe at the MGM and then had a surprise Limo ride down the Las Vegas strip. Cindi and her friends who are from CA, were here for the weekend and wanted to plan a night out for Leila. We had originally met Cindi in August during our stay at the Wyndham resort here in Vegas. Cindi was at the pool with her grandkids when we were swimming. She noticed Leila, whose hair at the time was falling out everywhere; and asked us if Leila was taking chemo. We started talking and found out that she belongs to an organization called Chemo Angels. Since our meeting, she has been sending gifts and home made cards to Leila and our entire family. She has "adopted" our family and continues to think of Leila and what she is going through. We are very grateful to Cindi for her generosity and wonderful heart. Thank you Cindi for your love and support.

Annual Make A Wish Run/Walk

This past weekend we attended the annual Kendall Tenney Make A Wish 5K Run here in Las Vegas. Kendall Tenney is the local newscaster from Channel 3 who tells the stories of the Make A Wish children and helps to raise money for the Las Vegas chapter each year. We had the opportunity to meet him and have our picture taken with him after the event. Leila, Rami and Deena had a great day during the event. The Make A Wish foundation had a special area set up for the WISH kids and their families to hang out and eat treats and do some crafts. We were also able to meet Miss Teen Nevada and we had a special visit from Snow White. The kids also had time to play at the Town Square playground, which they love.