Message from Cheryl:

Had an appt. today- things are going really well- except that what I thought was exhaustion from the treatments from the last two weeks was reallly my body running with 4 pints low in blood. Didn't have much time to come home and grab a few things and make sure my kids were taken care of and went back for a transfusion. Two tomorrow, and one on Sunday. I sat in the infusion chair and listened to some very good music and had a really personal, special experience. I can't even explain how many blessings have come to me and my family because of challenges. My spirit has grown and reached and I just feel so blessed! Thank you for Kayla and Don for taking care of (the 3 yr old) and making it fun! Thanks Mom for fixing dinner for my kids. The next week is going to be great- a full tank of blood and real food!

Message from Cheryl:

It must be fun to be named "anonymous" someone gave me a $20 bill in an envelope with no name- when I picked up the money it felt sacred and I felt gratitude for that anonymous. Anonymous #2 knocked on my door and ran and when I went to see who was at the door was met with a BEAUTIFUL hand made quilt so pretty and soft with the dearest note. Thank you all you anonymous's and named angels out there!

The Benefit Dinner was a huge success!! Thank you everyone that helped and donated! We had an awesome turn out :) 

Yesterday was my mom's first day of chemo and radiation. Here is an update from her:

Day one down- Cheryl vs. cancer- I spent from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the cancer institute- 1 hr in radiology. Waiting, 1/2 on table and a good visit with the radiologist who has tweaked my plan with one I feel is really inspired for my good. The rest of the time was spent in a chemo recliner. First waiting, watching two r.n.s take care of every chair in the chemo unit filled to capacity all... day with often times patients waiting in the reception area for an open chair. They hardly sat down and I don't know when they ate. Two of us were left until almost quitting time and the nurses were just as cordial to us as they were at 11 a.m. Took my i.v. to visit the woman in charge of the loaning out wigs, hats, scarves etc. She was so compassionate. She sent me home with a children's book that pre-empted our regulary scheduled f.h.e. lesson. We read the book and we discussed things then the little kids tried on the wigs, looked in the mirror and my 17yr old took pictures. Not only did I start day one with the best western available to me, but I drank 12 ounces of essiac tea w/ a drop of frankincense in it, 1 1/2 cups of chemo tea (3 herbs to combat nausea), liberal use of essential oils on my stomach and feet, adrenal complex/vitamin I dissolve and put in my g-tube, but I also met with my naturopath to discuss further ways to all facilitate my body's ability to fight, survive and thrive!

I am in awe of people's generosity. There have been so many donations for the Benefit Dinner. People who have given my mom and younger siblings gifts, treats, dinners, etc. I am so thankful for all that have been real-life angels to my family.

Something incredible recently happened that I want to share with everyone. My mom has a blood clot and the medication she needs to take is very, very expensive. Her limited insurance will not cover it. A pharmacy gave her the first week of medication for free. We still didn't have finances figured out after that week, so her oncologist gave her another week or so for free. During that time a lady at the hospital had been helping my mom by talking with the pharmaceutical company directly. We recently found out that the company will give my mom her medication. She needs to be on it for 6 months. That's about $30,000 of medication given to her!!

Thank you friends, family, and strangers that have been helping my family during this difficult time. I will be forever grateful.

- Kayla

Message from my mom (Cheryl):

I have been keeping really positive since finding out about my health challenge but yesterday I went in to get marked for radiation- tattooed- and the dr. I guess has to be blunt- I was embarrassed to start crying and told him I was really trying to remain positive and am expecting a miracle. Then a few hours later I had to go to the chemo place and have my port flushed and blood drawn in prep. for starting on Monday. It was a real big dose of reality and I let negativity in. Wouldn't you know my r. s. pres. would be inspired to bring down a plethora of gifts for the kids, me and tasty treats. After reading her note which was the most important gift, I was reminded that none of us are alone, we are watched and cared for by a most loving Father!

Message from Mom: 

I just wanted to thank EVERYONE! I can't believe the love, thoughts, prayers, anonymous and known gifts being sent my way. I am way humbled and grateful! Met with the oncologist today and have my 5 week plan set, I think it is possible to see a miracle in 5 weeks, that is what I am praying for but if not I will keep going with the next plan! Thanks everyone!