I was pretty darn excited to learn that my son was going to participate in an Extreme Makeover Home Addition which was broadcast last night. I new that it was to help a family which has a seven year older daughter that has a rare childhood cancer. She went through chemotherapy and a couple of months ago the cancer returned. Until I watched the show, I didn't realize how her condition would effect me. You can watch the show on ABC.com (Byers) or watch this short piece on a website that she has put together. She is on a mission to find a cure for this terrible illness. Please take a minute to check out her website to see how you can help.

http://www.jenessabyers.com/

LHP, Your son must be a very special person. I am so proud. Boey's story is heartbreaking. It is horrible when any disease effects a child, but cancer is so unforgiving.

I went to her website and watched her video which is on youtube. Here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8joZ7t12Ok

She is asking that everyone contact their Senators to ask President Bush to sign the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act Bill S.911. I for one will definitely do that.

Thank you LHP for sharing this.

My heart hurts,.........

LHPitcher,
Thank you for sharing.

I can't write this without tears. I am so, so, sorry that Boey ever got this evil disease.

My own daugher, Zoe, died April 19, 2006 from another rare cancer. There is no understanding what h e ll these children endure. The treatments themselves often kill or permanently injure them. The pediatric icu always has many young cancer victims. My Zoe lived 4 months in the picu, mostly on life support.They said to take her off. The next morning she showed improvement, when her brother and sister came to see her. She came home 2 months later and stayed here -- determined to never go back. When the cancer returned, as it so often does, it was terminal. Zoe stayed home with us, where the horrors of the hospital couldn't reach her. My constant prayers for a miracle were answered by her escape from the hospital, and her peaceful death in my arms after 4 months at home.

Boey is treated at the same hospital that we spent so much time in. I see the familiar corridor, the rooms, the walls. Getting back to 10N (the children's cancer floor) was a victory over the picu. It is a family there. Brought together by horrors the outside world doesn't see. Children battling cancer are very rarely like the pictures of brave smiling, bald little ones. I'm glad Boey made this video. I'm hopeful one day there will be a cure that doesn't kill. I'm hopeful one day there will be prevention.

I pray for all the children in the grip of this living h e ll.

Please, do as Boey asked, and pressure the politicians to support the Childhhod Cancer Bill.

EmeraldValley, I am so so sorry to hear about your loss. It really puts things into perspective. I am so lucky to have two healthy children. My prayers go out to all of the parents and kids that are having to deal with this Childhood disease. It flat out isn't fair for the kids. They don't deserve this. For all of us lucky ones out there, please take a minute to write these letters. It is the least we can do.

Emeraldvally, I too am so sorry to hear of your loss. I totally agree with LHPitcher it does put everything in perspective to a mom. My heart goes out to you and Zoe's siblings. How this must of been so hard on y'all. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for continued strength and loving care.

Emeraldvalley ...

You and your family have my sincerest condolences over the loss of your precious Zoe. I can't imagine the pain your heart must have felt as you loved your baby girl till her passing and beyond. God bless you and yours, and all the lovely children who are dealing with these hideous diseases called cancer.

Emeraldvally,

Thank you for sharing. I wish I could give you a big hug. I wish I knew what to say.

I wish you Peace and Love.

Emeraldvalley,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
May god give you strength.

Emeraldvalley,

Thank you for sharing the loss of your Zoe. I think all of us baseball moms need to honor Zoe and the other children dealing with cancer by pressuring our Senators to support this bill.

Hugs and prayers go out to you and your family!

First, Emerald - I am so sorry. Maybe we can help by doing what you asked us to do. And, may God grant you some peace.

Second, I have a friend whose daughter was in remission from Leukemia and recently was asked to represent our state in lobbying congress for these funds. She went to DC and spoke before a committee pleading the case of these children. She return home only to soon discover her cancer has returned. I am so sad.

I don't know how they can resist funding this and doing all possible to help.

emeraldvlly,

Boey died on Friday. One more angel in heaven. I hope she and my Zoe find each other there. They were both so full of determination -- and life. They will dance together, I'm sure.

When will childhood cancers get the attention that breast cancer and prostate cancer receive? Children are being taken by this dam ned disease all the time. So unfair -- sad -- heartbreaking in the truest use of the word.

God Bless you Boey. God bless you Zoe. God bless all young souls.

quote:

Boey died on Friday. One more angel in heaven. I hope she and my Zoe find each other there. They were both so full of determination -- and life. They will dance together, I'm sure.

emeraldvalley - I am so sorry to hear of your loss and the loss of this precious child. Hoping those children find each other is a wonderful thought and shows the strength and beauty of the human spirit. I believe the Angels in heaven rejoice in their presence and you will see them again someday.

emeraldvalley ...

Thanks for the update. I weep for Boey's family in the loss of their baby girl ... and I pray that she will indeed meet Zoe and dance ... I can picture them in my mind.

God bless them all ... and all the families and friends who have had to say goodbye to their beloved children.

ermeraldvalley, Thank you for sharing that update about Boey and your personal loss of Zoe as well.

There's absolutely no pain in the world that can match the loss of a child, I'm sure. Those of us that have never experienced such a loss can't begin to fully understand I'm sure. My prayers for you and other families affected by childhood cancers and tragic losses as a result.

Hugs from the bluegrass for you as you start a new year.

Many thanks for letting us know about Boey. While we can rejoice that she is now pain-free and in the arms of her heavenly Father, I know we will all be praying for peace and comfort for her family left here on earth ... and for you and your family as well as you remember precious Zoe. May God shower His richest blessings down on all of you.

As you all remember these precious children, please pray for my friend. She is the one I mentioned above that lobbied Congress for this bill as did Boey. She recently had a bone marrow transplant - her last hope - and is so far doing ok. Her web-site is prayforpalmer.com There were five children diagnosed with this cancer at the same time where she was treated - only two are still fighting.

I am so sad about Boey. On her site, it looked like she was going to be ok. There truly is so much suffering and how sad that there isn't more help for these children. Always support the Children's Miracle Network, as they do much for these children.

Emerald: My heart goes out to you. My little girl was born just a couple months before yours. I will appreciate her more tomorrow than I did today in honor of your precious little Zoe and I will think of you. Thank you for sharing.