Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Hope {Bella's Story}



Hi Dear Friends. If you have been reading my blog for any time now, you have heard me mention my baby niece, Bella.  She was diagnosed with Leukemia just seven short months ago. You can read that story here. This little girl changed my family's life when she came into this world and continues to every step of her journey. I asked my sister to write a post about Bella so that we could share her story with others and gain more awareness for Childhood Cancer. Please, read on as my sister shares about Bella and what these past months have been like for their family.


My child is different. I knew that the moment she was born, though you couldn't tell from the outside. I could just feel it. She changed my life. For the better. I knew she was gonna grow up and do amazing things.


When I got the call at 3am that confirmed she had ALL Leukemia I was in a disarray. I wasn't sure what to think. I just knew I had to trust in God, that she would still do amazing things. They just may not be what I envisioned for her.


Seeing her go through so much pain from a simple blood test that ended with a bone marrow biopsy, a major surgery to insert her port-a-cath, starting chemo, and 10 days inpatient were tough.



When she got a high fever after only being home from 6 days and ended up being admitted for 26 days because of a blood infection I was scared. But after 29 days of chemo and countless blood and platelet transfusions I got the call from the doctor that unlike 98% of ALL patients Bella did not go into remission. I was then terrified. At this point, I couldn't hold it in anymore. All I could do was cry and pray to God that I needed Him. He had to make her better. I couldn't lose my little girl. Things get a little easier but the pain never ceases. Some days it just hits you like a freight train that your once healthy child now has a life threatening disease.



Now when people see Bella, they can tell she is different. She doesn't have much hair, she wears a mask and she has a port inside her chest. She can't play at the park or McDonald's without fear of getting deathly sick. She goes to the doctor at lease once a week to receive chemo. Her best friends are the doctors and nurses she sees almost everyday. She is a champion pill swallower. Did I mention she is 3 years old? She is amazing. Her courage and strength can only come from one place. God.


He loves her more than I can fathom, which is difficult to do since I love nothing more in this world than my children and Jesus. I must put my trust and faith in Him. He can see the big picture even tho I cannot. He will lead me where I am supposed to go.



Just like I feel He is leading me to become more involved in raising awareness for childhood cancer. If I reach only 1 person. That will be enough. Today Bella is in remission. It took a very long 4 months to reach that goal but we did it, but it wasn't without a few tears shed and many sleepless nights. We still have 2 years left of treatment and I am still scared everyday that I could lose my child, but I must be strong for her and my family. God is on our side.



How cute is her smile?! I can't help but look at that perfect, sweet little girl and just want to gather her up in my arms and give her loves. My heart melted the first time she called me "Auntie Ca." She is very special and precious to me.  Please visit Bella's Blog and Facebook to show support in any way.. prayer, sharing her story, or just to love on them!

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love." ~ 1 Corinthians 

13:13

12 comments:

  1. Reading this both breaks my heart but yet fills my heart with so much hope. Praying for her continued health and happiness. What a doll she is! :-)

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  2. How precious! Prayers are flowing for this sweet girl and her family - and all children affected by this terrible disease.

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  3. Thank you for sharing. Kids and cancer are two things that should never be in the same sentence. So glad that she is in remission now. Praise God! I am going to follow along on your sister's blog to keep up to date.

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  4. WOW! i am crying at my desk, i have a young daughter and i can't even to began to understand or feel what you have been going through, keep the faith and please keep us updated. She is beautiful.

    Txx

    http://fantasticfunfashion.blogspot.co.uk/

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  5. She is just amazing, and so is your sister. I am so glad you shared. I will be praying for your family and this sweet girl.

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  6. She is amazing and I am too tearing up! I will be praying every day for that little girl. Thank you so much for sharing.

    I am also a new follower and I am off to follow her blog also.

    Lyndsey

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  7. She is the cutest thing ever and I am so glad your sister shared her story on your blog too. I have been keeping them (all of your family) in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to do so!!!

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  8. Wow! This little girl is amazing! Both her and her mom! I can see her touching the heart of millions. God bless you all! I'm so glad I found your blog <3

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  9. New follower btw http://lifewithachristianwife.blogspot.com/

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  10. She reminds me of my cousin Tatum who is KICKING CANCER'S BUTT right now, as well!

    I know the Lord with use Bella to SAVE the lives of others! The verse that popped into my head while reading this is Genesis 50:20~"You intended to harm me, but God intended it ALL for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people."

    ALL my love and prayers to their family!!!!!!

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  11. Wowwowwow. Amazing little girl and amazing mother. She is so beautiful. This is such a beautiful post. So thankful I read this. And so thankful she is in remission now. I can't imagine how hard it has been for them.. so blessed to hear that they are trusting the Lord, though. Mm. Just so good Okay. Im gonna visit her blog!

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  12. what a beautiful story of God's faithfulness!
    i am a new follower and SO grateful to be here!

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