Kassidy's Journal

July 15, 2010

3 years. At times that seems like an eternity...other times it was just yesterday. We sit here tonight watching "Wipeout". As we sit and laugh we remember how Kassidy would watch this show and laugh so hard! It's a good memory.

Still makes me a little misty eyed...even the good memories hurt sometimes. We know that it is a part of life now to have "one of those days" or "a moment" when something triggers the memories and the hurt seeps in. I get those alot on the way to work in the mornings when I'm riding by myself and a song will come on the radio that Kass liked or reminds me of Kass and the tears start. Nothing like going to work with red eyes! But, not always do they make me cry, sometimes I just smile because I know Kassidy is sending me a message. Sometimes that is more comforting...the pink sunrise, the songs, and then there are the random memories when you wonder "what made me think of that?".......it's Kass just saying Hi!

So, what have we been doing lately? Well, earlier this year we were invited to speak at a church in Roanoke about Kassidy. Kassidy's cancer doctor, Mandy Meck had gotten married and her husband is a pastor at this church. She wanted us to come and speak about suffering. Courtney had her last cheer competition with the Rockers that weekend in Va Beach so Danny went and talked. Mandy said he did a very good job, there wasnt a dry eye in the church. Our feelings are that Kassidy did not really suffer. God doesnt give you more than you can take.

Courtney finished the season with a competition cheer team from Blacksburg, the Rockers All Stars. She enjoys it and she can still keep her tumbling skills from gymnastics. She has practiced with them this summer and they have tryouts in Aug for this coming year. Also, she tried out for the JV cheering squad at her high school for football season and she made the squad. Her back is doing better but still hurts every now and then.

This summer for vacation we went back to Hershey Park, PA.

We had been there before with Kassidy. As we walked around the park we remembered things that she did, the rides she liked,etc. It was nice and made us smile to know she had fun there. Tara Wheeler, Miss VA 2008, called us to tell us she would be in Hershey as well singing the national anthem at the Hockey Championship game. We met her on Tues and had lunch outside Hershey Park. It was great to see her again and to see that she still wears her Kassidy bracelet. We love you Tara!!

We just want to say "Thank You" to everyone that still goes to Kassidyspage. And for all the comments on the guest book. It still amazes us that people from all over the world is reading her story. We still find it hard to believe how many lives she has touched and how many people tell us what an inspiration her story is and how it has helped them deal with their own problems. She has given them hope and faith to keep moving forward and take one day at a time. To make the best of every moment. Please continue to check back as we will continue to update. And please still keep us in your prayers. God Bless you all!

July 16, 2009

Dear Kassidy,

It doesn't seem possible that you have been in heaven for two years now. Not a day goes by that we do not think of you....we miss you so much! In the mornings as I drive to work I tell you "good morning" because you have helped God paint the sky a beautiful pink for all of us to enjoy!

Everytime I see anything with "sassy" on it, we remember that sassy attitude! I miss your beautiful smile but most of all I miss hearing your sweet little voice!!

Life has changed since you have been gone. We don't take anything for granted any more. Things that seemed important before, we realized weren't all that important. When we get the chance to do something or go somewhere...we do...for we may not get the chance again. You never know where life is going to take you next so we take advantage of every moment we can.

Courtney has grown up so much! Can you believe that she will be in High School next year?? She will definately need you to watch out for her then. She is scared to go to High School...it will be the first thing that she has had to do without you telling her what it would be like. Court always had you to do things first and assure her it would be OK. I know you will be with her helping her along the way and helping her make the right decisions. I hope you can help her have good friends and choose her friends wisely. She continues to do gymnastics. She is a Level 8. Tomorrow the gym is celebrating your life and your Heavenly birthday with all the kids wearing pink and they are going to have a little get together with PINK cupcakes! I know everyone there still thinks about you and misses you too! At FlipFest camp this year Courtney got to meet Nastia Luikin, 2008 Olympic champion. She said that Nastia was very nice. Even previous Olympians have come to remember you at the second annual Kassidy's Rock Star Invitational meet. Terin Humphreys was the guest this year!! The meet has gotten so big that we had to hold the meet at Christiansburg Middle school. You would be so proud at how much this meet has grown in just two years. John M and John R (former Olympians) gave a scholarship to FlipFest to the gymnast that had the highest Bar score for the whole meet, since this was your favorite event! The girls did a Karaoke routine and their shirts said Kassidy's Krew on them! Still kept you part of the group!! I think that you will be a part of their hearts and lives forever!

There is still alot of people that remember you...Miss VA 2008 has one of your Kassidy bracelets. During the pageant, she mentioned that Courtney had told her your story and she will never forget it!! She is raising money for pediatric cancer and in Sept. she is planning to shave her head!! I know alot of the kids at school and at gymnastics still wear their bracelets. And me, Dad and Courtney wear ours everyday!! We never go anywhere without them.

As we sit and write this (and cry) we go back to day one when our lives changed forever. You were so strong and inspirational through your whole fight! We look at you and admire your strength and faith! We will forever have a special place in our hearts and you will never be forgotten!

We love you and we miss you!!

Mom,Dad and Courtney

We will forever....."walk in the foot steps of a champion... in our sport and in our hearts". You will forever be OUR CHAMPION !!

May 10, 2009

Happy Mothers Day to everyone!! I hope that everyone has enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and spent time with their mothers and loved ones. We had a cookout and spent time with Tammy's mother,father,sister,brother-in-law and their two kids. We had a good time but bitter sweet as well. We took pictures of the three girls outside in the grass...where we used to take pictures of the four of them! And thinking today of Danny's mom that passed away in 2001. I know that her and Kassidy sent the beautiful sunshine for us to enjoy the day!

Last weekend we helped at the SameFight golf tournament in Floyd. We enjoy giving back to this organization for all that they did for us during Kassidys fight. And we will continue to help raise money to help the next child in Floyd county that has cancer...because we know that there will be another. This disease will continue to take our children when we least expect it! The number of children with cancer is unbelievable. But we will continue on to help others that may have to go through this horrific journey.

School is almost out and we will continue to busy this summer. Courtney will be going to gymnastics everyday M-F from 8a-12p. She will get out of school then have one week before she leaves to go to gymnastics camp in Crossville,TN. Then the nex weekend some of the team will be going to a Regional camp. So she will be busy right after school lets out. She is learning new skills in gymnastics right now and is very excited! The girls enjoy learning new things and then they will have all summer to perfect them before starting to compete again in the fall. And then she will be going to High School. It doesn't seem possible that our little girl is growing up!!

Just recently I read on a caring bridge site from a lady that had lost her child.....she said that it's something that you never get over...it's something you learn to live with. We are approaching the two year anniversary for Kassidy going to Heaven. We have still struggled through the year and still shed tears frequently. No one can understand unless you have been in our shoes. The overwhelming grief that sneaks up on you and hits you so hard. People look at us and tells us how strong we are....that makes me want to laugh sometimes because inside we are falling apart!! It is impossible to measure the pain we experience or fully understand the difficulty of what we are walking through.

Understanding the loss can only come through the heart that has suffered the same.

We continue to pray for all those families that are still fighting and a special prayer for the friend Kassidy had in the hospital, Skylar, that is still fighting this monster!

Again, Happy Mother's Day to everyone! God Bless you all!!

---Tammy

March 10, 2009

I'm sorry it has been so long since we updated. We have been very busy with Courtney's gymnastics competitions. We are almost finished for the season. She has a competition this weekend and then State finals in two weeks. I hope everyone got a chance to see the newscast on the Kassidy's Rock Star meet that was held at Christiansburg Middle School. This was a great event and all went well. Kassidy would be so proud of our gym and how much support the gymnastics community has given to us. The reporter that did the story, Lauren Sisler, was a gymnast as well. When Kassidy first started gymnastics at Roanoke Academy, Lauren was her "big sister" there. So it was kinda cool that she could now do the story about the meet dedicated to Kassidy. VA Techniques gave out several "Kassidy" awards and even gave out a scholarship to a week of gymnastics camp that our gym attends at FlipFest in Crossville, TN. The meet was a great success!!

Also, Miss Virginia, Tara Wheeler is partnering with St. Baldricks Foundation to raise money for Pediatric cancer.

She is an advocate for the Children's Miracle Network and has worked with many children with Cancer. She met Courtney when she came to Check Elementary. Courtney gave her one of the bracelets with "Kassidy- Our Champion" on it and told her the story of Kassidy. Go to WSLS.com and go to the article that says "Miss Virginia goes Bald for a cure". [Click here for a direct link] She mentions meeting Courtney and that she wears Kassidy's bracelet in her memory. Please go to the St. Baldrick's website and read all that they are doing to raise money!

This is a wonderful gesture from someone that we have never met and that Courtney must have made an impression on for her to remember Kassidy.

I cant believe that so many people are still being touched by Kassidy's life. We feel this is the reason that we have gone through this struggle and that God chose Kassidy. He knew others would be touched and hopefully turn to Him more. Although we are pleased and excited about all the things done in Kassidy's memory I cant say that everything has been wonderful, just fine, etc. because I think this year has been more of a struggle to be "normal". It seems that this has been harder and we struggle more to cope with the pain of her loss. We can remember her more and some days that memory can bring a smile. And other days that same memory can bring such sadness. The struggle is that you never know when an object, place, etc. will trigger that overwhelming sadness of loss. Not every day is sad, but not a day goes by that we don't think of her. I Miss You Kass!!

God Bless everyone that still thinks of and prays for our family. -- Tammy

My heart is still aching like it was July 2007 but not every day. Some days I go back to that exact day, hour and minute when Kass lost her fight here on Earth. I feel like Kassidy wants and needs me to now carry a smile and not show pain because though she was in pain, she really never showed it to the extreme that I think she could have. As the days without her still are challenging, I will try my hardest to honor her bravery with a smile. Alot of people still ask our family how we are doing. There are really no words, and don't be surprised if we say "fine " or "OK" because for so long I watched Kassidy mask her pain and we learn from the pro how to do that.

When things are going good in life and we don't have a care in the world, we all too often forget about God. But at the first hint of trouble, we are on our knees asking God for help. God uses time like this to bring us closer to Him and to fulfill his purpose for our lives. Our purpose is to know God and make Him known. Tammy and I hope that God has used this trial in our life to help us know Him better and to make himself known to others. We have to rememeber that Gods promise never returns empty. His words stand true forever.

I will be forever touched by Kassidys life! I dont want to ever forget the wisdom she received from Jesus, because of her simple child-like faith, she has taught me how I should live the Christian life. I remember when she was first diagnosed, she kept her eyes on the cross....I mean literally kept her eyes on the cross. We have a cross at home that is about a foot tall and it sat on our TV. But when Kassidy was at home she would have us bring it closer to her where she could see it better.

She told Tammy one day that she thought cancer was just for old people. Tammy told her that cancer didn't care about age. She said "that's OK mom, I'm still smiling". If you ever have cancer you have to have faith and talk to Jesus.

And talk to him she did! In her suffering, Jesus held her close and revealed to her secrets of Gods Kingdom. Many people talk to me about how they prayed for my family and are still praying for us. I still wonder why Kass was chosen. She knows why, when she got to Heaven and saw her rewards, she found out. I have no answer to why she suffered on Earth but I know that Jesus held her every step of the way, carrying Kassidy and our family all the way through the valley of suffering.

Children with cancer are like candles. The danger of being extinguished by a gust of wind from no where. And yet, as they flicker and dance to remain alive, their brilliance challenges the darkness and dazzles those who watch their

light. Kassidys light will shine forever! --Danny

November 4, 2008

THE BRAVE LITTLE SOUL

Not too long ago in Heaven, there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God.

One day however, the little soul was sad, for this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked 'Why do bad things happen, why is there suffering in the world?'

God paused for a moment and replied, 'Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see unlocks the love in people's hearts.' The little soul was confused. 'What do you mean?'

she asked. God replied, 'Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences, and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.'

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued. 'The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer to unlock this love - to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity.'

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings, fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, 'I am brave, let me go. I would like to go into this world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts!

I want to create that miracle!'

God smiled and said, 'You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave, you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this, so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. These souls will help you create your miracle, however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and they will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you. Kassidy Jordan'

God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, 'Do not forget Kassidy that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought and, I will bring you home.'

Thus at that moment, the brave little soul was born into the world and through her suffering and God's strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those who were always too busy, found time. Many began new spiritual journeys - some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant families reunited and every family spent more time together.

Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives were changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle happened. And God was pleased.

This is our prayer that through Kassidy and our suffering that others can learn faith and trust in God. Glory be to God that Kassidy is in Heaven and free from suffering and pain. She is walking on streets of Gold,no more sadness, no more tears....only love.

October 4, 2008

What a beautiful fall day it was today. I went to the Floyd County Craft show today and it was a beautiful day to be out and visit with everyone. I talked with Desirae while there and even bought several of her jewelry pieces. One was a pair of angel earrings and I also bought 2 cancer bracelets.

They were bracelets with beads the different colors associated with the various types of cancer. She is donating part of the money she receives from them to charity. It was great talking to her. We talked about ways to help out locally for those children with cancer and even just the kids that had to be hospitalized. We talked about all the "crafts" that Chance and Kassidy had received while they were sick and never had the opportunity to use. We would love to get these donated to the pediatric/oncology at Roanoke Memorial. That way other kids can enjoy them! I think this is a wonderful idea!

Courtney also had a basketball game today. Along with gymnastics she is playing Rec ball and me and Danny are even coaching her team. We may not be the best team but the girls are improving and learning alot of fundamentals...most of all they are having FUN! Courtney even scored a 3 pointer today! Amazing!

In the next few months Courtney will start her gymnastics competitions. She will be competeing at a Level 8 this year. The first meet we have is at Paragon gymnastics. This is the meet that gives out the Kassidy Foster Vault award to the Level 7 with the highest vault score. We are looking forward to going back to this meet and seeing all the coaches/parents there again. They are some of the nicest people in our gymnastics family. Then we are going to West Va, Tenn, Atlantic City, NJ and Clemson University, SC.

We are traveling more this year and look forward to some exciting meets. Our gym is also doing the "Kassidy's Rock Star Invitational" meet again this year. We are glad that we still have things that are being done in her memory. It helps us that people still remember her.......

It's still hard for us and we have come to accept the fact that this is our life and we will always have a certain sadness with us always. But along with the sadness we have the happy memories as well and we have to keep going....Kassidy would want it that way! She lived life to the fullest and even through her treatments she lived life on the edge never knowing when her last day would come. She had no guarantee for tomorrow and neither do we. The fact is, we have no idea what lies ahead for us. So we should just live life to the fullest every day! Live the Kassidy way!

Living without Kassidy is sad, even though she is gone ... she will always live. And she continues to live in the hearts and minds of thousands of people. She just went to Heaven earlier than we did and we know she will be there when we get there. And until that day comes we will continue to try to keep as much faith as Kassidy had and live a life that is pleasing in the eyes of the Lord so that we will be assured that we see her again.

August 28, 2008

Sorry it has been so long since we updated. We have been trying to stay busy, we have to....we miss Kassidy so much!

We thought the grief would be easier now, but it seems to be harder to cope. We went through the shock of her losing her battle and it was hard to believe what had happened. Now the shock has worn off and we KNOW that it is real. We had milestones to get to before, like her first birthday without her, the first Christmas, and the first anniversary of her heavenly birthday. Now we have reached the year mark and we dont have any milestones to reach. Now the pain of her being gone is even more real. We can fo places that we have been with Kassidy and have those happy memories come back.

It's sad but we can smile also. We thought going to new places would be better but we learned the hard way that it's not. We went to Cedar Point in Ohio for a weekend trip. We were standing in line and there were two girls behind us about 15-16 years old. They had long blonde hair and were playing with each others hair putting it up in ponytails.

They were sisters...even now it makes me cry because we just looked at each other and I know we were all thinking that that's what Kassidy and Courtney would be doing if Kass were here. So, even the new things hurt. Just the smallest things make us remember Kassidy, like the smell of chocolate, songs on the radio, watching her favorite TV shows, the kids going back to school, every day that we walk into gymnastics...it never ends. We know time heals and it becomes easier but it will never be the same.

Unless you have lost a child yourself, you cannot understand real grief. You can lose a parent and it's hard.

But God does not program us to lose a child. God knows what it is like to lose a son. He is al loving and caring but he grieved when Jesus died on the cross for us. When a spouse dies, the other person is called a widow. What do you call a parent when they lose a child?? There is no word in the English language that describes that....because children should not die first.

....Courtney has started back to school. She is in the 7th grade. I can't believe how much she has grown and what a young lady she is becoming. It's hard to believe that she will be in High School next year. Where does the time go?

She is still doing gymnastics and will compete this year as a Level 8 gymnast. I know she is healing with time as well.

She talks more about Kassidy with the other girls at gymnastics. This summer when she went to camp she met a little girl from Northern VA who had Alapecia (she did not have any hair). She was bald and looked like Kassidy did after she lost her hair. Courtney took right to her and one night went to her cabin and talked with her and her teammates. When she got back she said that she had told them about Kassidy. This was a first for Courtney and we feel like this was a huge step to her healing. She talks alot about Kassidy and her memories of things they did together.

She is reading a book that was given to us "90 Minutes in Heaven". She reads a little bit at a time but she takes it everywhere with her..even to school. At night sometimes she will read to me in bed. What a great book and it gives Courtney some peace and is healing for her and for me!

We finally have the memorial garden just like we want it.

We have put landscaping lights in it and at night it is absolutely beautiful. I hope any one that can will come back and take a look. Our final piece for the garden we have to order. We are getting a bench with Kassidys name made into the back of it. Then it will be perfect for a beautiful angel!

In closing, we will continue to update her website. We thank everyone for continuing to check in. We hope that her website will be inspirational to those that visit.

Remember to hug your kids tighter, tell everyone you love them. We all need to realize that our children do not belong to us, they are gifts from God that he expects us to take care of for him while they are here on Earth. Life cannot be taken for granted. Each day is a gift to be used as preparation for what comes next.....Eternity

God Bless Everyone!

June23, 2008

One year.....we can't believe that's it's been almost a year since Kassidy was healed and went to live with Jesus. Many moments were filled with worry, anger, frustration and grief. You don't know absolute helplessness until you have seen your innocent child withering away in a hospital bed....knowing that nothing, no person, no technology, no amount of money or power can keep her alive. No matter what the future held, we made the most of each day we had with her. We made many memories laughing, goofing off and just being near the amazing child that we would come to call our hero and "our champion".

We believe that while this illness could have destroyed a family, and many families are broken after losing a child, it also had the potential to strengthen a family. Our family is emotionally closer. We no longer take things for granted. We see the value in living every day to the fullest.

Now learning to live after the loss of a child, we feel we have learned a tremendous amount about life. You can learn more about what's really important in life in a few short months on a pediatric cancer ward than most people will learn in a lifetime. Don't sweat the small stuff. Parents get upset for some of the smallest and silliest things. Their child gets a stain on their good shirt--SO...it's just a shirt. At least they were able to eat, drink, play or whatever it was that created the stain. Kids are kids...let them be kids...play, have fun, slow down and really interact with your kids. Laundry and house cleaning can usually wait a few hours while you spend some quality time with your children. There are so many things that we used to think were such a big deal, but now seem so small in the big picture of life. Most important is to hug your kids a little tighter, hug your spouse, parent, nieces, nephews, cousins,etc. Tell them you love them. You never know what might happen that you wont get that chance again.

Our family experience with childhood cancer has made us survivors. We have lived through it and learned from it. It has strengthened us in who we are individually and as a family. As we reflect on this life changing experience it seems like only yesterday though it has been almost a year. We've met many people along the way that will remain in our lives forever. Because of those strangers, friends, and our family we have survived. And for that support we will forever be grateful.

Your laughter and your smiling face

That twinkle in your eye

Your sassy little attitude

And the clothes you loved to buy!

The jewelry and all the bling

The make-up and gymnastics

You were growing up so fast

We always called you "plastic".

Computer,cell phone and AIM

Never anywhere without them

Talking with friends, having fun

and being silly at the gym.

Beautiful on the inside and out

God called you to live in Heaven

You changed the world with the heart you had

And forever we will keep BELIEVING!!

Keep Believing...Kassidy did!!

April 13, 2008

The 7th grade class at Check Elementary School dedicated this years Yearbook to Kassidy. We went to the yearbook assembly and they presented the first yearbook to Danny, Tammy and Courtney. On the back cover is a picture of the pink balloons at the release they had at the school. The other picture is of Kassidy's classmates sitting in the grass in the shape of a ribbon. This was beautiful! Then you turn 2 pages into the yearbook to a two page layout of PINK!! One side is pictures with Kassidy Forever In Our Hearts written in a big heart. Also on this page Courtney wrote a note that said "Kassidy Foster is my sister. She was the greatest sister in the world. I am sure she was a very good friend. I know she is with me and my family too. She is with you guys too! Kassidy will stay in my heart forever and ever. I Love You Kassidy!" On the opposite page is the dedication page written by Kayla Underwood...the friend that spoke at Kassidy's memorial service and funeral. I know this is kinda long but I wanted to put down what she wrote. We had a chance to preview this before the yearbooks were printed. We didn't change anything because I know this came straight from the heart and that's what matters. So here is the dedication:

What does it take to be a champion? Will, determination, talent, drive, kindness? It is rare to find all these qualities in one person. Our community was blessed to be in the presence of a true champion: Kassidy Jordan Foster.

Kassidy was a 12 year old girl, an active gymnast, honor student, loving daughter, and kind friend. Kassidy aspired to be a great friend, to be understanding and trustworthy, to be kind and not argue, Kassidy wanted to be the bigger person in everything she did. Little did Kassidy know, or any of us know, what was in store for her.

In January 2007, while training in gymnastics, she fell and hurt her knee. Kassidy had been sick over the past few months and gymnastics injuries were nothing new, but her knee would not heal. Kassidy's parents, Danny and Tammy, and her sister Courtney took her to the doctor at the end of March.

They finally found out that she had osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Kassidy and her family were scared, but optimistic, their strength came from Kassidy, and she knew whatever happened she was going to be happy. She had thousands of people all over the world supporting her. Check Elementary and the whole county of Floyd supported Kassidy and two little boys with brain cancer named Chance and Joshua, through fundraisers and the website www.samefight.org. We had t-shirts, bracelets, held bake sales, walks and more. While we were supporting them they were strong and fought, keeping Floyd strong and bringing the community together.

For four months Kassidy fought, she braved a leg amputation and chemotherapy, a fight only a true champion can win. At the beginning of July she went to California on a "Make-A-Wish" trip to shop at a four story mall. She told her daddy it was the best day of her life. On the flight back home Kassidy started to have difficulty breathing. The day she returned home they put her in the hospital. The doctors said she had only a short time, Kassidy's lung had collapsed and the other one was beginning to deflate. She fought, with her family by her side, until her last breath. On July 16, 2007 at 8:35 she passed away. Kassidy kept fighting until the time was right.

Everyone has a purpose and I think Kassidy's was to show people how strong you can really be. To take a look at what you have and be thankful for it. Kassidy was my best friend, a hero and a CHAMPION! Kassidy will never be forgotten and we will always miss her!

At the end of the assembly they did a slide show and in it was some pictures in memory of Kassidy. I'm glad that Kassidy had such an impact on these kids! It was amazing to see the kids with KJ written on their faces and they were wearing their shirts made to support her during her fight! I only hope that they remember the strength and courage that she had and hold on to that when they go through lifes struggles.

Please continue to check in as we will be updating some things coming up.....like Danny will be speaking at the 7th grade recognition service on the 23rd. We continue to do things in her memory and still read the well wishes and guestbook and want to thank everyone for keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. Please continue to do so as we are coming up on the year anniversary of Kassidy going to heaven. What a celebration she will be having on her first birthday in Heaven!!

April 13, 2008

It's been several updates since I have posted. Tammy has done the past several updates so I ask her if I could post something this time. I have sat down in front of this computer many times during the past several weeks with the intentions of posting something, but I really had a hard time.

I still find it hard to believe all that has happened. It is amazing the way Kassidy's fight is still on people’s hearts. So many things have happened since July 16th 2007. There have been blood drives in Kassidy's honor and memory. A scholarship from Fredricksburg, VA, Paragon Gymnastics has established to remember Kassidy. John Macready and John Rothlisberger... 2 former Olympians have started the Kassidy Foster Memorial Scholarship at Flipfest (a 9 week camp). We also learned during one of Courtney's meets in Knoxville, TN (Flipfest) that a gym from North Carolina started a "penny's for Kassidy fundraiser" and they raised enough money to have 2 scholarships at Flipfest in Kassidy's memory. www.flipfest.com (search Kassidy Foster Memorial scholarship). Kassidy and Courtney's home gym in Christiansburg, VA (www.vatechniques.com) held Kassidy’s Rock Star Invitational and the State of VA board, called VAUSG, they regulate all of the gymnastics teams in VA, chose Kassidy to receive the Spirit Award. She was the VA Gymnastics "Athlete of the year in 2007". Her coach said it took all of 5 seconds for the board to pass that vote to honor Kassidy.

Kassidy started her tough journey to heaven on March 29th and through it all my family stayed the course and kept our focus on GOD and you are right it was very hard to do that at times. A major crisis hit my family last year, losing a son or a daughter at such a young age is the pinnacle of all crisis..... nothing else compares. I lost my mother to cancer in 2001 and thru it all the enemy would throw all kinds of bad news and he would use it to push us away from GOD. Kassidy knew she was not going to win the battle on earth but the comfort that GOD gave her was true. She faced knowing she was going to die head on and never lost her sight on Jesus. He showed her a glimpse of heaven and she was not scared to die. The same spirit that comforted Kassidy and us is the same spirit that comforted Jesus Christ on the cross. The enemy kept hitting us but he did not prevail.... GOD in us did and that is how we keep going. I recently met a new friend and he had lost his father and we were talking and he gave me a very powerful word that no one else had. He told me that he believed that GOD will use certain people to carry out his work in the form of angels. He said since Kassidy faced death the way she did and won that she will go to people who are facing the same thing she went thru. She will comfort them in her way and tell them I have done this GOD will take care of you.

It is amazing the way GOD is using children to draw the unbelievers to him. I saw on TV where over 80,000 people where saved in Russia because of a teenage girl. GOD used my daughter the same way and for that I know I will get to see her again. Tammy told me she had a dream. She dreamed that Courtney ,Tammy and myself were at an amusement park and I told Courtney to go back to the park and get me something. Tammy said she got scared Courtney would get lost so we started looking for her. Tammy dreamed she was looking for Courtney and was very upset and Kassidy came out of the crowd and hugged her, she said she could feel Kassidy squeezing her and then she woke up. Tammy said that is Kassidy's way of telling her she is ok.

We are doing ok. I can honestly tell you that GOD's grace and comfort to us is real and so is he. Kassidy knew more about GOD than some people do in a lifetime. She was my daughter and I feel she died before her time. I always wonder what she would be like now she would be 13, but GOD'S time is always right. We have an "On Time GOD". Keep GOD the center of your life.... and remember you are one step away from your miracle and be ready to take that step. The love of GOD is like the ocean....you can see the beginning but not the end.

I ask you to come back to this site and read our updates from last year. Take care. Thanks for your prayer and support you have given us and "Keep Believing.....Kassidy did.

March 8, 2008

Hello to everyone! I know it has been several months since we updated but so much has been going on. We are keeping busy with Courtney's gymnastics meets and various functions in Kassidy's memory. First we would like to tell everyone about the blood drive that was held in Rocky Mount in Kassidy's honor and memory. We had 54 donors that day...16 of those were first time donors!! That was wonderful!! We are still planning to do another blood drive this spring/summer in Christiansburg as well and hope to get an even better response to that one. We also had a meet at our gymnastics facility called "Kassidy's Rock Star Invitational". They gave special awards to each level gymnast that had the highest event score. For the Level 7 Courtney won the award which was a plaque and it was called the Kassidy Foster Rock Star Award. This was special to Courtney. Courtney also had her highest overall score of the year at this meet...that was a fitting tribute to Kassidy!! Check out the news article about the meet at http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/149508.

We have also traveled recently to Atlanta,GA and Columbus,OH for meets there as well. So we have been very busy and on the go lately. At the Kassidy meet the parents presented us with a picture that was drawn by an artist. It touched us that the parents would do this and it is a very special picture to us. It is 16X20 and is a drawing of Jesus hugging Kassidy. You can even see the nail marks in Jesus' hand. They both are looking towards you and there is a look on Kassidy's face that makes you think that she is saying " I miss you all but I wouldn't be anywhere else". It's a look of contentment and peacefulness. We will try to get a copy to put on this site. Also please check out www.kassidyspage.com to see the video of Kassidy doing her gymnastics routines. We will try to update again soon and add some pictures. Continue to pray for all those that continue their fight.

January 9, 2008

We just wanted to let everyone know about the upcoming events we have planned in Kassidy's memory. On Jan 29th, at Faith Fellowship Church in Rocky Mount we are holding a blood drive. It will be from 12p-6p. You can call the church to sign up 334-3477. We are trying to raise awareness about how much blood a cancer patient actually needs during treatments. And to increase the donations in the state of Virginia (which is the lowest state in blood donation). If you are able to, please think about coming out and giving. Also on Feb 3, Virginia Techniques Gymnastics is holding the Kassidy RockStar Invtational meet. There will be more information on this coming soon and I will update as soon as times become available.

We managed to get through the holidays, and we are doing OK. We held the balloon release for Kassidy's 13th birthday in December. We had a good turn out and everyone came back to the house for refreshments. The tombstone is a beautiful tribute to Kassidy. With friends and family we gathered and remembered the happy times with Kassidy. This was a good day for everyone. Then Christmas came.....we did OK. We remembered Kassidy in the gifts that we gave...lots of Angel gifts this year! We want everyone to remember that she is with us all the time...right in our hearts! We kept our chins up through the new year and are looking forward to 2008. We will never forget Kassidy...she is always with us...even though we are doing better I guess we will always have those moments that cause an emotional break down and shed the tears. I don't think that will ever go away! But we have many happy memories also and not a day goes by that I don't think of something she said or did and it makes me smile. So right now it's still a little bit of an emotional roller coaster and I'm sure it will be that way for awhile longer.

Here is the lyrics to one of my favorite songs right now. Because God is the almighty one and we have to keep praising his name so that one day we will be reunited with Kassidy.

God Bless You All...We Love You

Keep Singing

Another rainy day
I can't recall having sunshine on my face
All I feel is pain
All I wanna do is walk out of this place
But when I am stuck and I can't move
When I don't know what I should do
When I wonder if I'll ever make it through

I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
Your the one that's keeping my heart beating
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
That's the only way that I'll find healing

Can I climb up in Your lap
I don't wanna leave
Jesus sing over me
I gotta keep singing

Can I climb up in Your lap
I don't wanna leave
Jesus sing over me
I gotta keep singing

Oh You're everything I need
And I gotta keep singing

December 16, 2007

We are still going to be doing the balloon release at Wilson Cemetery today to celebrate Kassidy's 13th birthday. Anyone that wants to attend is welcome. The ice here is melting rapidly but I know the wind is going to be getting up later. We will release the balloons at the cemetery but will not stay too long due to the temperature and wind. Kassidy's tombstone is set and is our tribute to her. We welcome everyone to stop and take a look at it. Also we have a memorial garden in our front yard and we welcome anyone that wants to stop and look at that as well. This spring it will be prettier as all the plants will bloom...of course all are pink!!

Yesterday we attended the Christmas Gathering for the gymnastics team. We love to attend these events with our gymnastics families that have given us so much support. But at the same time, this is one of the saddest times for us as well. We have always attended these with both Kassidy and Courtney and these are the times that we have to face the reality of a family of three now. Courtney had a good time visiting with all of her friends! Also the booster club is giving a Kassidy Foster Memorial Scholarship award. The coaches nominate 5 girls and they have to write an essay about being a team, being caring and giving, overcoming obstacles and what gymnastics means to them. These were given to the scholarship committee as an anonymous essay and they were voted on. They presented the award yesterday as well. The recipient was Colleen Shang which is a level 10 gymnast. It was a good essay and made me cry. Congratulations to Colleen!!

We know that the days ahead are going to be tough but we will be alright with Gods help and grace. We will make this the best Christmas we can for Courtney's sake and the rest of the family. We have our Kassidy angel ornament at the top of our tree and she will always be with us. Even though she is not here in body she will be with us at Christmas and every day because she will always be in our hearts!!

I hope that every one slows down and enjoys the time that they have to spend with all their relatives and friends!

I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and God Bless you all!

December 16, 2007

I hope that every one slows down and enjoys the time that they have to spend with all their relatives and friends!

I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and God Bless you all!

November 21, 2007

On Nov.17th, Tammy Courtney and I went to Fredricksburg, VA to visit Paragon Gymnastics. As you may remember from a previous update, the last time Kassidy competed there, she won 1st place on vault in her age group. Paragon has been so supportive, along with many other gymnastics clubs, they gave out the 1st Kassidy trophy that was awarded to the gymnast that won 1st place on vault, a young lady from Richmond Olympiad won the trophy. They awarded us with a plaque that says "presented to the Foster Family......2007 Commonwealth Cup Level 7 Vault Champion Award is dedicated in memory of KASSIDY FOSTER"--- "walking in the footsteps of a Champion... in our sport and in our hearts".

That trophy will be presented to to the level 7 champion from Paragon as long as they have that meet at their gym.

On November 18th we went to the Hotel Roanoke where the Old Dominion Eye Foundation has a Christmas tree ever year. All the families of loved ones who donated some of their organs are invited to hang an ornament in honor of their loved one on the tree. We framed a close up picture of Kassidy that showed her beautiful blue eyes, that is what we had donated. One set of her corneas went to Manassas, VA and the other went to Sacramento, California.

Kassidy's birthday is on December 10th she would have been 13. On Sunday December 16th, we are meeting at the cemetery to release balloons for her birthday at 2:30. This is an open invitation to you if you would like to attend, her headstone in which we have some neat designs of Kassidy should be in place by then. (Wilson Cemetery in Check VA)

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, it will be a lot different this year without Kass but we have a lot to be thankful for, we know Kassidy is in heaven with the one she loved so much. Gods plan for her in 12 years was a legacy. What Legacy will you leave to your family and friends when you are gone? Think about that. God made you, you are not here by accident, He made you and put you on this earth for a reason, and life's greatest joy comes when we discover his purpose for our lives and we begin to follow it. If you had a choice to die young and change a lot of people (or the world) or die old and change no one....what would you choose? Kassidy had no choice, she discovered God's purpose for her and she followed it. It is not too late for you to discover your purpose and to follow it...." Keep Believing" ........Kassidy did.

Thanks for your prayers and support We will update soon.

November 6, 2007

Over the past several months since Kassidy went to Heaven, we have received cards, hugs, hand shakes, phone calls, e-mails, anything that someone had on their heart to tell us they where thinking about us. But recently we received a poem from Kayla Underwood, and Chelsea Lambert signed kassidyspage.com, they went to school with Kass ... these two touched Tammy's and my heart so I would like to share it with you....word for word... they are to Kassidy not to us, this is PRICELESS.

hey Kassidy

i really miss u, life is soo different since u left, i think of you often, so does all my friends at FCHS. i try totalk to you in my prayers wondering if you can hear me, hoping you can. i wish i could have seen you more, gotten to know you better, and could have at least said goodbye. i am extremely sad you are gone,but happy you are healed. if you can hear me tell Jesus i said hi, i miss you so much. i saw a picture of u the other day, and began to cry, it amazes me i still can, after all the tears came from my eyes already, well bibi for now i miss you. Chelsa

My Best Friend, My Hero, My Champion

is looking down on me today saying I am ok.....

I'm right here with you and miss you too.

I know you can't see me but you can feel me.

I love you as much as you love me,

Tell daddy I'm still his baby girl,

Tell momma not to shed her tears because I'm always going to be right here.

Tell Courtney she's not alone she still has her best friend because its never going to be the end.

I'll be here everyday when you feeling the pain

I'm your little angel that wants you to have it all and more.

So Kassidy my blonde hair blue eyed angel wait for me with JESUS at those gates of Pearl!!!!!

( Kayla Underwood)

Thank You so much, please continue to pray for us, Kassidy's 13th birthday is Dec.10th... Christmas ... and her 40 weeks of chemo would have ended in Dec also. I will update with some more of the words Kassidy wrote herself in her journal during her fight.

October 21, 2007

It's been a little over 3 months since Kassidy lost her fight and times are still hard. I still find it hard to believe she is not with us any more, she will always be in our hearts. Every time I close my eyes I see her face. I know she is home and fully healed and that makes me homesick. We had the song "Home Sick" by Mercy Me played at Kassidy's services, that song is different when you have lost a loved one, you know they are home (Heaven) and being homesick is truly what the song is about.

We prayed for Kassidy to be healed on this earth, that was not GOD'S will. I received a letter from Pastor Gary Martin(he was Kassidy's Children's pastor and now pastors a church in Martinsville, VA), he was one of the pastors during the services. The letter talks about a man who was 58 years old and had cancer. He got mad at GOD because he would not be able to see his children and grandchildren grow old. He was angry that this all-powerful GOD would not heal him. His wife called a pastor to pray for him ,which he did the letter stated. The lady called the pastor and thanked him for praying for her husband and told him he had died. She also told the pastor that he was not mad at GOD anymore after he had prayed for him. She told him they read the Bible and prayed together before he passed. She told the pastor "My husband was not cured, but he was healed". Think about it... we prayed for the healing and that is what GOD did for us. Kassidy loved Jesus, she would defend him, she would let no one do anything without acknowledging him. Kassidy told Tammy to not worry about her, she was going to be ok. A pastor told me today...." GOD showed Kassidy a glimpse of heaven so she would not be afraid". I feel something happened to Kassidy to comfort her, I think back now about how strong she was, the things she said, the way she acted, never really showing how much pain she was in, she struggled some, but not the way people think she did.

Scriptures in the Bible do not support people in Heaven having knowledge about what we do on earth. I believe that when Kassidy got to heaven, she was able to tell my mother and Tammy's grandmother things we were doing. I believe every time someone goes to Heaven they tell everyone there what they need to know. Kassidy will get to meet the people whose life she changed and they will tell her all the things being done in her honor. I hope that Kassidy remembers the way Tammy and I raised her, as a Christian, I hope she says "My mom, dad and sister are right ...there really is a heaven!" I hope she remembers all the conversations she and I had about Heaven. I know she will be waiting for me when I get there.

There are people who will read this.....young or old, single or married, rich or poor, some who have lost a parent, brother or sister, husband or wife....but if you are reading this and you have lost a child, one of your own, you understand, that losing your child to a horrible disease like cancer and watching them die and it is nothing!!!! I mean nothing!!! You or anyone else can do, if you can face this and get through it, nothing else compares to it, anything else you face in life, you can get through it. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says " Be joyful, pray continually no matter the circumstances, give thanks always for this is GOD'S will in Christ Jesus"

Thanks for your continued prayers and support . Share Kassidy's story with someone and please continue to check in on her website We will update soon.

September 26, 2007

People have ask us "how we are doing" or "how are we feeling " since Kassidy lost her fight. We tell them we are doing ok, but on the inside, we are not doing good at all. Tammy and I have often wondered how Kassidy was doing....think about it, she was 12 years old and we ask her was she feeling and she would always say ok, but deep down inside she had to be "feeling" horrible. That is one of he things we are struggling with right now, we never knew"how she was feeling". Her attitude and the way she acted told us the way we think she felt. As I said on my previous updates, I said I have some cool things to share about Kassidy. We were going through some of her things that she had while she was in the hospital, we found a teen book that she had to write down her feelings. This is written by Kassidy...I will not add or change any words.....

I WANT.......The days and years go slow so I am very close to my family.

I NEED.........Nothing but faith,, Bravery and prayers from friends and family that care.

I FEAR..........The thought of cancer causing death. But I KNOW I'm not going to die!!!!and also losing my hair.

I WISH..........I understood why and when. I didn't have questions on how it started.

I HOPE..........I DON'T loose my hair The doctors(s) said I may or may NOT loose it. So I hope I don"t lose my hair.

I EXPECT......to get through this. And when I do have children I can tell them my story of when I was 12 and had cancer.

I AM..............HEALED IN JESUS NAME!!!!

I LOVE..........My family and friends and everybody else whos praying for.

But most of all I love Jesus!!

Those words were a blessing to us, we found that book after she passed away , we know she wrote that down when she first found out she had cancer.She always was my rock even when she was down mentally as far as she could go.We were at home with Kassidy and she was taking a shower. She was in the shower and she could see herself in the mirror, she had one leg... no hair, I ask her was that the first time she had saw herself that way , she said "yes". Then she said "dad I still think I am beautiful".... I told her I thought she was beautiful too. Then she gave me a hug and got me wet and she laughed real hard about that. Think about what she was thinking, a 12 year old seeing herself like that in the mirror but she thought she was beautiful. I think that was amazing. She ask Tammy one night.. Kassidy said "mom I thought cancer was for older people", Tammy told her that cancer did not care about the age of people.Kassidy said "Thats alright I am still smiling"We think back now and wonder how was she feeling. Finding the things she wrote and some of the things she said, maybe she was not feeling that bad, we believe that GOD himself was with her all the time comforting her and telling her she was going to be ok. That helps but the days are not getting better,we knew she was not feeling well after she passed....but right now the emptiness is deep. I wonder why Kassidy.... why Kassidy.. she already knows, God has told her and he has showed her. Just think of all the people that will come up to Kassidy in heaven and say ..."I am here because of you... because of the faith and strength you had, I am in heaven TODAY".......how cool is that !!!

Since Kassidy passed away I have had 2 pastors that told me , They thought Kassidy had ministered to more people in her 12 years than some pastors do in there whole mnistery. I know she impacted alot of people. I ask one of our pastors if he thought it was possible that some of the people that changed their life because of Kassidy if they could have been someone who was going to do something real bad to society, he said maybe they would be the next Billy Graham

Thanks for your continued support and prayers. Share Kassidy's story with some one whom you think could benefit from her story......keep checking in and GOD BLESS...

September 10, 2007

Hey everyone! I've let Danny do the last few entries and I guess I'm ready to come back and talk for awhile. Writing everyday to let you know how Kassidy was doing was easy for me, to be able to share her strength and faith with everyone. Since she went "home" it has been hard for me to want to come to this site and write. I thought that everyday would get easier, emotionally, but instead it has gotten harder. I miss her more today than yesterday and I think I will miss her even more tomorrow. I know she is better off in heaven but here on earth my heart is breaking. I wonder if there will ever be a day that I can get through without crying. Everyday driving home from work by myself is the worst time. It seems that every song on the radio I can relate to her, and I have time to think about her life and remember....and miss her even more!! I wonder if she knew how beautiful I thought she was, how proud of her we were, how much I loved her hugs and kisses, how her little smile just made me light up inside, how very much we loved her.....and how I now miss ALL of those things. I know that time will let us heal and the memories will make me smile...I know that God will help us get through this tough time. He hasn't left us through our entire journey and I know he will be with us now.

This past weekend we went to Fredericksburg, VA to Paragon Gymnastics. Their Parents Association held a sleepover in Kassidy's name. Danny and I took some of Kassidy's team mates that wanted to go. Everyone there was wonderful. They coach (Craig) explained to the kids that were there (128, one of the biggest crowds they have had for a sleepover) about Kassidy and that she had lost her fight with cancer but they still wanted to remember her because of her love for gymnastics. Every year their gym has a meet called the Commonwealth Cup. Last year, Kassidy won first place on vault at that meet. So from now on the gym is giving the girl that wins vault in level 7 at that age group a trophy that is in memory of Kassidy. How wonderful is that? She will be remembered every year! They gave our team t-shirts from their gym and I think the girls had a blast at the sleepover. They played games, climbed the rock wall and got to know some of the other gymnasts from Paragon. They gymnastics community is so giving andWell, I've rambled enough for one day. this gym has a BIG heart!!

In the next few weeks there is a horse show in Salem in Kassidy's memory....this idea came from our neighbor, Mr.Tuck. I'm looking forward to this event and we plan to attend at least some of it. I have never been to a horse show before! Kassidy always said she would love to have a horse but knew that we didn't have enough time to take care of one. But she loved to see them and I know she will be watching and smiling.

I know Kassidy is with us, all the time. I'm sure she would be touched by everything that everyone has done and everything that is still being done in her memory. I know we can not begin to thank everyone for everything, prayers, letters, cards, fundraisers, hugs or just being in your thoughts.

We will be updating on SameFight still and updating the journal pages and thank you page. We are also in the process of changing Kassidyspage.com so please keep checking back. We will also try to post some more pictures. Please continue to send your thoughts...it's good to still log on and see that people are checking her page. If you have a memory, a story, how she touched your life or her situation has changed your life we would love to hear from you.

Courtney has her first night of basketball practice tonight so we better run and get her there on time. Please keep Courtney in your prayers also...she is only 10 and doesn't express her feelings. I know she is missing Kassidy but she doesn't talk about it...so pray for her that God is helping her to get through.

God Bless you all!!

Tammy

August 22, 2007

We received a letter from the Old Dominion Eye Bank , the letter said......Take comfort that both of Kassidy's donated corneas were transplanted. Two people are now able to see a sunset, a mountain range, or a loved one's smile because of this difficult decision your family made. One of her corneas went to a recipient in Mannassas, Virginia and her other cornea went to a recipient in Sacramento, California. I hope this knowledge will ease the pain by the loss of your loved one during this difficult time.

This does help because this is something we prayed for to happen. We thank GOD those prayers were answered. It is cool because Kassidy is helping people from VA to California, we hope there will be a time that we can meet these people or at least talk to them on the phone.

Courtney has gone back to school and is doing ok, she is still doing gymnastics also now she wants to play basketball. I have returned to work. Tammy will return on Monday, she wanted to make sure Courtney was ok in school. Friday at Kassidy's school, each student will release a pink balloon (400 of them) and then they are going to plant a pink dogwood at the school. They are doing this in Kassidy's honor. Tammy and I are going to attend along with some members of our family.

We have been going through some of Kassidy's things , we have alot of cool stories to share so keep checking in for future updates .We miss her so much, it is still times when we say something about "the girls"... it is still hard to believe she is not here with us. I have always thought that she was at camp, spending the night with one of her friends, or she will come home tomorrow, well I got up one morning last week and I realized she was not coming home. But that is ok ,we know she is not hurting anymore and having the best times in heaven.

Keep checking in.....Kassidy's page will continue to be updated for a very long time .You guys are our family and we love each and everyone of you, please continue to pray for us and especially the ones who do not know Jesus. We don't know when our life will change , In January, our family was healthy, going places, visiting family and look how that changed. So love your loved ones unconditionally....tomorrow may not be here, make the best of the time that you have. I will update again soon!

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Just a quick update to let everyone know how we are doing. We had a fairly busy week .We spent time at home,going to gymnastics with Courtney, spending some time with my family and Tammys family. We went to church Wednesday night, it was emotional for us because we have not been to a Wed. night service in a while, but also we had not been there since Kassidys memorial service. We went to Blacksburg to the "Stepping Out" where Courtneys gymnastics club got to put on a performance for the crowd. Thanks to some of my officiating buddies Amy and Rob Morrow for stopping by just to visit Tammy and myself. After we left there we went out to eat and then went bowling with my sister and her boyfriend,we had fun but it was tuff because we have always had Kassidy with us at both places. I also went to work Thursday for meetings all day.

We got to spend 4 months with Kassidy and we have so many stories with her during that time so on my future updates I want to share some of those stories with everyone, some of them will be sad but they will also make make you well like I hear on a radio station ..."warm and fuzzy". We want to encourage everyone to keep visiting same fight and also.....kassidyspage.com . She has over 60,000 hits on there we will continue to update there to. Also keep doing the donations although Kassidys fight is over... samefight has a general fund that is helping other families so there is a need there to. We are in the process of starting scholarships in Kassidys name at Floyd County High School(where she would have attended) and also my family is going to have one at Franklin County High School(where I graduated) ..so we have alot of cool stuff happening so keep checking in especially for the stories we have to share with you guys about Kassidy during her fight.

We have received so many cards from people that has told us stories about how Kasssidy has changed peoples lives. I am going to put our email on here. I want you to email us and tell us your stories datakaco@swva.net Thanks so much we will update soon

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

We got home yesterday.We left gymnastics camp with Courtney and went to Pigeon Forge.We had a good time at camp, Tammy and I just hung around,ran some errands and took it easy.Those of you who know something about gymnastics can appreciate the current and former gymnastics that was there.... Courtney Kupets 2004 Olympic silver medialists...Kip Simons 1996 Olympian ...2004 olympic Silver medialist Jason Gatson and Brett McClure.... many current college gymnasts and of course camp directors 1996 Olympian John Macready and 3 time Olympian John Roethisberger. John and John are such great people. They have visited Kassidys and Courtneys gymnastics club, Virginia Techniques in Christiansburg also. They came to do motivitional speeches and trained all the team there also. They started a scholorship in rememberence of Kassidy at there gym in Crossville TN. It is called The Kassidy Foster Memorial Scholorship, you can read about it at there web site at Flipfest.com. We took pictures that is on there web page with the olymnpians.We have been told that Kassidy is gone but not forgotten...as long as Flipfest camp is open ,that scholorship will be given to a young gymnasts every year. Courtney (Kassidys sister) won it this year.Kassidy has touched many peoples lives and it will continue.

We spent some time in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg , every store we went into brought back so much memories of Kassidy because the last 3 years that is what we did after camp,shop, ride go-carts, play mini golf, just walked the streets in Gatlinburg and we had to get the air brushed shirts for the girls also ,everything we did this year we done the last 3 years, oh the memories.

Before we came home ,Tammy, Courtney and I stopped by the cemetery, we had not been there since the funeral, we knew Kass was gone but when you get home and she really IS NOT there that is when you know she is in heaven with Jesus.As we where reading the large amount of cards from the week, Tammy said that it will humble you, the words of encouragement from you guys will humble you. (and made us cry even more) but it is all good.

We realized God had a plan for Kassidy before her life began, he knew she would be on this earth for 12 years and during this time tell her about God , he had to find a family that would fullful his plan for her,he needed a family that would stay strong, believe and trust in his son Jesus and I am thankful that we had that opportunity to fullfill his plan. We still have alot of work for him and we are committed to continue Kassidys fight.... but in a different way.Kassidy past that Monday morning at 8:35, we were at her beside . At 837 I told everyone that right then 2 minutes later....Jesus had Kassidy by the hand and he was leading her before God , Jesus said "Father this one is with me......God said"Kassidy I am proud of you,you fullfilled my plan for me" ....Then Jesus took her into heavens gates. I know this happened I am so thankful and I believe with all my heart that she is in heaven because of our families faithfulness and love for Jesus. I will continue to fight the new fight for Kassidy and one day I will see her again and this time it will be me standing before God with Jesus.Then I will see my Kassidy again. Thanks for your prayers,cards and for your love for Jesus I will update soon.

Danny Tammy Courtney and our Champion "Kassidy"

Monday, July 23, 2007

Hello everyone. We will continue to update - maybe not day to day like the past. We ...as well as you (our prayer warriors) will need to continue to lean on our GOD for help and direction, so we will update you guys so you will know how to pray for us.

Kassidys funeral was great. We were able to see again how Kassidy's fight touched people and changed there lives. There were about 20 people that accepted Christ in their life at the funeral. When we met with our Pastor to discuss the arrangements , we talked about this. You probably remember from a previous update I posted. When we were in the hospital with Kassidy, she and I talked about Jesus. She told me she knew she was going to go to heaven but she wanted to make sure herself, so we all held hands and we said the sinners prayer as a family. So I knew she would be ok having the same thing done at her funeral. After the funeral, Pastor told me he thought it was around 50 people that publicly raised their hand and said the sinners prayer.... GOD IS GOOD!!!!!

SO NOW WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE..........

Today is Monday, we are in Crossville, TN at gymnastics camp with Courtney. .....John Macready and John Roethlisberger are two former Olympians that have about 8 weeks of camp for young gymnasts from all over the U.S. Kassidy and Courtney have been coming to this camp for the past 4 years. Courtney still wanted to come to camp for her scheduled week, but she wanted Tammy and I to attend also, so here we are .The staff here is wonderful! John is in New York commentating on the Pam Am games so he is allowing us to use his cabin. There are about 250 plus gymnasts here so that will help keep Courtney busy for a while. Tammy and I will just hang out and enjoy the day and run a few errands for the staff. I told Tammy this morning it is funny being here with no responsibility at all but we know that will change soon. So at the end of the week will keep up with our normal family trip after camp and go to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood... this is something we also have done for the past 4 years. Courtney got one of her friends from gymnastics to go with her. Then we will return home.

Boy how fast does your life change! 2 weeks ago (Monday), we were on our way to California with Kassidy, 1 week ago to this day (Monday) we were crying because she lost her fight on this earth, and today (Monday) I am telling you guys what we are doing without Kassidy in our lives..... life does go on. Please continue to pray for our family and remember your life can change in an instant also. Get your heart right with God, don't wait......... Kassidy did not want to wait and now she is living with her Lord and Savior.

THANK YOU for attending the services...thank you for the cards and flowers. and a big THANK YOU for the ladies of Havens Chapel in Check for the meals after the grave side service. We love you guys .......we will update soon.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

We had another great day. We started out going to the funeral with Tammy's mom and dad to see Kass. It went pretty good. Then those who visited got to saw the pictures we had to set up. We want to thank Becky Sallie for her hard work on the pictures. I also want to thank her so much for the development and for managing of kassidyspage.com. After we set the pictures up, we came back home and my family came. We had lunch, then arrived at the funeral home. My family, including my father ,(mom is in heaven) was able to to see Kass. At the memorial service I got to see alot of my past friends and of course our church family, but in Floyd Tammy got to visit with alot of her family and friends she had not seen since high school and of course the kids from school. We got to meet not only kids from Check Elementary and all the other schools, but also we had some high school students too. Kassidy's age was different from Chance and Joshua. God used Kassidy's fight to reach not only elementary students or high school, but also college students. We have seen ourselves and have been told stories from people who go to work or to school and realize their problems were not that bad. They thought about Kassidy and this disease she had and knowing what she was going thru was nothing compared to thier problems. We knew from the beginning that ever one goes thru a life changing experience and I want to thank GOD for being with my family and this county during the last 7 months.

Today is a day everyone will face, the burial of a loved one. I know this will be difficult for us because if you told me in January we would be doing this to our Kassidy we would not have believed you. She will be gone, but not forgotten. She not only changed you in some way, but she changed me. Yes, she changed me a lot, she taught me how to love unconditionally and to forgive those who had a negative impact on my life in my past. We were able to tell Kassidy how much we loved her in the last 4 months. I want every person reading this to take your last 30 seconds with your loved ones and tell them you love them in that 30 seconds the way we did with Kassidy over our 4 months with her. Once you lose that time you can't get it back.......We love you guys!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Wow what a day. It is 11:10 pm and we just got home. We started off this morning and went to the funeral home to see Kassidy. It was very emotional, but knowing she is in heaven with our Lord took the pain away. I forgot to mention on my previous updates that we were able to donate Kassidy's corneas. Their is a waiting list of 933 people in the state of VA that is waiting for that transplant, please pray that who ever receives her eyes that their body accepts them. We should know in about 60 days. After that we went to my dads house to have lunch and get ready for the memorial service. We started receiving friends at 5:00 and at 7:00 when pastor started the service people there were people waiting to see us. The service was very good and at the end pastor gave an altar call and around 30 people got saved. Praise God! We knew that Kass had a impact on peoples lives and we saw it tonight. To the people that we got to talk to ....thanks for coming, thanks for your words of encouragement and prayers. To the people that we did not get to speak to thank you for visiting and we are sorry we did not get to meet you. We love you. Pastor Josh said he thought there was about 700 people that showed up and 500 stayed for the service. That was truly amazing. You guys showed up to see a 12 year old who lived her life for Jesus; you guys are awesome. Tomorrow we are going to go to the funeral home, get the pictures setup and take Tammy's mom and dad to see Kass. We hope to see you guys tomorrow night in Floyd at the funeral home. Remember we love you guys and thanks for your prayers and cards. Our Champion, Kassidy, would really be proud of this community. We love you!!!!!

Wednesday, July 17, 2007

Yesterday was a busy day. I have often wondered why people wait until the last minute to make arrangements for their lost loved ones ...but now I know. We first went to the funeral home to make the arrangements for Kassidy. We were choosing the casket for Kassidy and we had decided on two, so we chose the least expensive one. Tammy spoke up and said "Kassidy is looking down at us from heaven and saying....mom and dad you know I am high maintenance (daddy calls her plastic), you had better not put me in that cheap casket"....so of course we choose the expensive one, (and of course it is pink). So we laughed about it. Tammy said people probably think we are crazy being happy right now when we are out making these tough decisions, but when you have the joy of the Lord in your heart, trust and love him as much as we do and know he had us by the hand (and a lot of times carrying us) thru this battle with Kass, knowing she is in heaven with him; you can't help but to make a joyful noise with the inner peace he has given us. Then we headed to Franklin County (my hometown) to the flower shop (Flowers by Jones) to choose the flowers (yes they were pink). Then we went to Faith Fellowship Church to meet with our Pastor (Gary Hoffman) to make the arrangements with him and Pastor Josh about the music. After that we went to Blacksburg to the gymnastics club to speak to some of the parents there, and of course Courtney ended up spending the night with Katie Sallie (one of Kassidy's best friends). So Tammy and I left and went home for the first time in many, many, many months without the 2 kids. We finally got to talk about Kassidy's passing on the way home and we cried so much. I had to get up this morning and run a lot of errands. Tammy stayed here and her best friend from high school spent the day with her. We have the arrangements set up so anyone came come visit us. We do not have any private services because it is very important for us to meet as many people who prayed for Kassidy. I know she touched many people her age and the parents that have kids her age, so come say hi. Tomorrow morning will be difficult because we go to the funeral home to see her, then we are going to go to Rocky Mount to my dad's house and then leave for Faith Fellowship for the service there. Again come visit say hi. We love you guys and thank you for your prayers and support and remember we are family and like Kassidy did.................Keep Believing! Kassidy is our Champion!!!

Monday, July 16, 2007

Hello everyone, this is Kassidy's father, this is this first time that I have posted anything about Kassidy's fight. As many of you know, we have been in this battle for many months. We have basically stopped our life to be with Kassidy. We have not worked in months. When Kassidy was first diagnosed we made the decision to stay with her every minute we could. The doctors told us that the survival rate with bone cancer was very slim. After Kassidy received several treatments, she had her amputation and also more spots appeared on ct scans throughout her body. We knew that time was limited. This made it very tough for us because of her age - she knew when things were wrong and we think maybe she kept it from us because she did not want us to worry. We took advantage of that time by going out with her when she was able to go. I cannot tell you how many times she would tell us she was sorry that we had to miss work just to stay with her. She hardly ever thought about herself. One night in June we were at home, we all held hands and Kassidy led our prayers that night. She prayed for the other kids she knew were sick, but she did not pray for herself. She was always thinking about others! Going to California was something she wanted to do. I was very scared to take her that far away from home but she was determined to go. I prayed and asked GOD to get us to California and back and when we got back to VA he could do what he had to do. That is exactly what happened. Kassidy got her wish, she pushed herself so hard to do her trip, she was hurting the whole time and she never once admitted it. The last several months I knew Kassidy was not improving. She told us she wanted to know everything. When she asked if she getting better we had to tell her no the chemo was not working. We talked to her about doing experimental drugs. She told me not to worry, it was not going to come to that. She knew she was going to get to go to heaven. We never thought it would end this quickly but when I saw the xrays Friday I knew it was over. Kassidy did not ask this time because she knew her body was not right. We took her to the 10th floor knowing it was almost over - broken hearted, numb, sick, scared speechless, any feeling you could have knowing your child was gonna die and nothing could be done. BUT we know who Jesus is... Kassidy's whole life was for him, she was my prayer warrior... oh to sit here and remember how she prayed makes me cry. She fought very hard before she passed.

It is almost midnight and we are home without Kass. We will decide tomorrow about the arrangements. We want to meet you guys and get to see the people whose life Kassidy touched. We will make this a celebration for Kassidy. I know this is long, but Kassidy is in heaven right now. I thank GOD that he allowed me to be the father of the most beautiful girl I know. Thanks to everyone who signed her page, prayers and cards we hope to see you at one of the services. We are all family!!!

Remember to slow down....love your loved ones unconditionally...enjoy life, live for Jesus ....Things can change in an instant...I know...it happened to my family. We will update soon.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Kassidy has shown what a fighter she can be. She is still hanging on and fighting. She is getting pain medicine that helps her breath better but lets her rest also. If we let her wake up she gasps and struggles because she cannot get enough air in her lungs. We have told her that it is OK to go and be with Jesus and oh, how many times we have told her we love her and will see her again in heaven. It just breaks our hearts to have to sit and wait for Kassidy to decide when it will be time to go "Home". We know she will be in a better place, free of sickness and pain, and being a beautiful angel ! So, we just sit and wait for the right time to come, for only God knows when that is. Continue to pray for peace, for Kassidy to have no fear about dying, and strength for all of us during this time.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Dear Lord, please give me strength while writing this. Yesterday we came back to the clinic for OP chemo. Kassidy had been complaining that she was having difficulty breathing. We were giving her oxygen just to keep her comfortable. They did a chest x-ray and the right lung has totally been taken over by disease and her left lung is filling up also. She talked to us for a little while yesterday and then went to sleep. They are giving her pain medicine every two hours for pain and to help her breathing. We laid in the bed with her last night and read her a book about Heaven. She had told us she was scared to die because she didn't know what Heaven was like. This book gave scripture and told her how wonderful Heaven will be. We told her it was OK to go with Jesus. That she could close her eyes and when she wakes up she will be able to run to God. That she will be totally healed and will run to God on both legs. I'm so glad we got to go to California and she enjoyed herself so much!! It was like she knew and used all her strength she had left for the trip and when we got back home she let go. She knew something wasn't right but was so brave and strong. She has been an inspiration to us all! Right now we are just saying our goodbyes and letting her know that Joshua and Chance will be waiting for her to show her around, and Grandma Ruby and all our other relatives that are in Heaven will be there to meet her. Dear Lord, this is the hardest thing a parent can go through. Please pray for peace for Kassidy. Please pray for strength for our family. Right now we are just waiting for her to go "home". It's hard just waiting for her to take her last breath. Dear Lord.....we give her to you...please take good care of her.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

We are home!! I love to go places but love it even more to come back home!Kassidy had such a good (but long) day yesterday that today she has slept a lot. She has been complaining that she is short of breath and she even had oxygen while on the plane. We thought it was because of the flight but even after we were driving home she wanted the oxygen because she felt like she couldn't get enough air. I called the doctor on call and Kassidy is suppose to go in for outpatient Chemo tomorrow anyway so she is going to get a chest xray then to see what is going on. Her foot and ankle also swelled during the plane ride....I guess from lack of movement to keep the fluid moving...I don't know. She says that she just doesn't feel good, and we are hoping it's just that she is worn out from all that shopping yesterday! I guess we will wait and see tomorrow...that's how we live minute to minute! Pray that her breathing will get better and that she will feel better all over. Thanks for all the prayers for our safe journey and return!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

We had an excellent day today!! Kassidy said it was the best day of her life. We were met at the mall entrance today with a red carpet with people lined up on both sides and balloons all the way down to the door. This brought tears to our eyes! The Make-A-Wish rep, Karla, met us and some other staff from the mall (Sofie). Also, Sandy, one of the owners of the mall met us as well. She presented us with a gift bag and was super nice. From there we were taken to Abercrombie at 9am. Kassidy got to shop in the store a whole hour before the mall even opened. The sales people there were great and they really got into helping Kassidy pick out outfits!! She spent most of her money in this store. Then we headed to M.A.C for her makeover. Her make-up was beautiful! Then we headed to her favorite store, Limited Too. We spent the rest of her alotted money there. For such a short time she definitely made a whirlwind of shopping!!! From there we went to lunch at the Quattro Cafe. Kassidy had actually gotten hungry (Thank God!) and we had got her and Courtney some Chicken Nuggets from McDonalds. So here we sit in this fancy little restaurant and they are eating from McDonalds! HEHE! The CEO of the California Make-A-Wish foundation came and met us at lunch! His name was Mike and he was such a great guy! The chef there prepared Kassidy a special cake and it was delicious!! After lunch we went to Tiffany's to try on jewelry. We got to go into the private room (with a guard outside the door) and Kassidy tried on jewelry that was worth more than our house! The last ring she tried on was a rare pink diamond and was worth $998,000...almost a million dollars! WOW! We took lots of pictures and that's the only way we will see those rings again! We had several hours so we had some other stores that had gift bags for Kassidy, including Nike, Colors of Benneton, and Dounney Bourke (hope that's spelled right). This was so nice of everyone. At 4:30pm we had our last appt at a salon for Kassidy and Courtney to have a manicure. They loved this. It was almost 6pm and Kassidy was still going! She had done so good, stayed awake except for a short nap at noon, and she enjoyed every minute. I asked her when we were leaving if this had been a good day and she said it was the best day of her life! And said with that million dollar smile. No matter what, this day and seeing her so happy has been priceless! We are almost all in bed now. We have a very, very early morning when the limo picks us up out front at 5am to go to the airport. Our flight leaves at 7:25am. So I better head to bed myself. I just want to say that this trip has been wonderful. The hotel, The Westin at South Coast Plaza, was great. The staff was incredible, with special thanks to John (Valet) and Daniel. All of the staff was wonderful!! The mall staff was incredible and also the Make-A-Wish staff!! We could not have been asked to be treated any better. Kasidy has definitely been treated like a movie star!! Well, better get to sleep. We praise God that he gave us such a good day for some wonderful memories!!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Today has not been such a bad day. This morning we woke up and got ready and went out driving. We drove up to Huntington Beach and went out on the pier. We watched the lifeguards/jr. lifeguards doing some training, some beach volleyball, kite flying and the SURFING! Kassidy got tired very quickly so we got back in the van and drove down the Pacific Coast Highway and just enjoyed the drive. Then Kassidy wanted to come back to the hotel and lay down. Her leg is still hurting where we think she pulled her muscle so we went back to the hotel. Me, Connie and Courtney went over to the mall and checked out the stores to see where we thought Kassidy would enjoy shopping. We came back in time to take pictures of Kassidy having her "spa facial". This was arranged with the spa next door and they came to the room to do it. That was great and Kassidy enjoyed it. They left a lot of products for Kassidy to use and we can do more facials on our own later!! Danny and Courtney went to the pool and went swimming for a little while. We got out and went to a few stores this afternoon and picked up some fruit for Kassidy to eat. She still is not eating real well, but at least starting to and trying hard....she's just nauseated...not throwing up but just doesn't want food....but she has to eat to keep up her strength....so she is trying. Tonight we have just relaxed around the room and are ready to go to bed. Tomorrow is Kassidy's big day to go shopping. We are getting room service with breakfast in bed in the morning and then the limo is going to be here at 8:30am to take us to the mall. She gets a red carpet entrance to the mall before it opens and gets to shop at Ambercrombie for 1 hour before it opens to the public. Then she is suppose to go have a makeover at M.A.C. She has several other surprises for the rest of the day but I don't want to ruin it for the update tomorrow. So I will leave it a surprise for you all as well! Off to bed now, early morning and busy day...will update late tomorrow. Please continue to pray that Kassidy's leg will feel better and the pain will go away. Also that she continues to try to eat a little more each day. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers. God Bless You!

Monday, July 9, 2007

We have made it to California!! It was such a long day for everyone! We drove to Richmond last night and got up this morning to be at the airport by 6am. Our flight left at 7:15a and we had one layover at Charlottte. When we got off the plane at Charlotte Kassidy did something to her rt hip and it has been very painful ever since. When we boarded the flight to Los Angeles she asked for medicine to help her relax and sleep for the flight. So, I think because she hasn't been eating it affects her much more than usual. She has been asleep ever since. She wakes up and is in pain so we are just taking it easy tonight and letting her (and everyone else) relax. I hope she will feel better tomorrow and be more awake and alert. She doesn't go on her shopping trip until Wed and she should feel a little better by then (hopefully, please pray that she wll feel better and can enjoy herself). Well, we are going to try to find something to eat and then we are just chillin' for the rest of the night. Tomorrow is a free day for us and we have not decided what we want to do....Sea World, pool, ???? California is definately nothing like home!!! We may drive down to the beach tomorrow and watch the surfers, that's something we can't see in Virginia!! Danny is upset that we came all th way to CA, our room is on the 10th floor with a beautiful view of the park but across the street is the mall and we are looking at SEARS!! Danny says he came all this wa to look at Sears!!! Well, better go and find something to eat since we haven't eaten since around 8:30a and the clock says 3:45p but our bodies tell us it is almost 7p so we have missed lunch and are now getting a late dinner. SO, the natives are restless and wanting food so we better go....we will update again tomorrow!

Sunday, July 8, 2007

We are still waiting to make a decision about California.....Kassidy is more awake today but still does not feel like eating. That worries her about going because she is not hungry. We are making her some strawberry ensure shakes trying to get some calories into her and hopefully that will perk her up. She wants to go but is scared also. We just don't know what is the right decision..go or not go??? So we are waiting and will let Kassidy decide later. We have a few hours before we need to get on the road to Richmond so we will update again when a decision has been made.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

We are waiting till tomorrow to see if we are going to be going to California. The last three days have been challenging. Kassidy has not eaten and has slept most of the time. She is talking very little and at times not responsive. We are hoping this is from some of the medication we are giving her. She has not received anything since about 1pm and she is still sleeping. The good thing is that she does not seem to be in pain. That is a blessing. We are not sure she is taking a turn for the worse but we know we may not have much time. So, we will wait and see what the morning holds......please continue to pray for our entire family.

Friday, July 6, 2007

Our hearts are heavy as we write this tonight and our thoughts and prayers are with the Harman family. We have shared in their emotional roller coaster as we are traveling that same path ourselves. It is comforting to know that Chance is completely healed beyond any healing he could receive here on earth. We are at a loss for words..... We will update tomorrow as we begin to pack for Kassidy's trip.....but for tonight we pray for strength, comfort and peace to be with the Harman family. (Read more about Chance here)

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Well, we returned to the hospital last night because Kassidy had a slight fever and she cried that she did not feel right. She knows her body and and she knows when something is not right so we were admitted to PICU and then transferred to the floor late last night. She did receive 2 units of blood and we were discharged this afternoon. She even wanted to go to the mall before we came home. Then we went and bought fireworks for tonight. Kassidy's Grandma and PaPa, Aunt Cathy,Uncle Paul, Sarah and Nichole and her friend Nikki all came to the house and we set off our "fireworks". They all had light up necklaces and bracelets on that the Rahmes family had given Kassidy as a present. Kassidy and all the others loved them lighting up in the dark!! This was a good 4th of July! Kassidy also received the gift that the Lynchburg Academy team and coaches had made. It is oragami paper cranes...1,000 of them. Each containing a special get well message. This is a Japanese tradition to help cure sickness. They are all connected together and have a ring so they can be hung up. We came home and hung it over her bed. She loved it and went to the nurses station at the hospital just so she could show all the nurses and tell the story about it and who made it for her. Thanks so much to Sasha and Lynchburg Academy!! Kassidy is already asleep tonight and resting peacefully. Tomorow we will try to start getting all our stuff together for out trip....she is so excited!! While she is asleep we better get some sleep also. Thanks again to everyone for all the cards she received this past week....it is amazing how many cards she is still getting. Please continue to pray that her counts improve and she is ready to go to California!! We praise God for letting us have this time together!

Monday, July 2, 2007

Can you believe it? We are still at home!!! Kassidy had lab work today. Her white blood count and platelets are down but her hemoglobin and AGC look great! We are just being cautious to make sure she doesn't catch anything to get an infection. She had a pretty good day yesterday and was doing good today until we got back from Roanoke. She has been asleep since we got home and complains that she doesn't feel well. We are hoping to hold off fevers and then we go back on Thurs for more labs. Hopefully then if her counts are still low we can get some platelets and blood to boost her up for her Make-A-Wish trip. They called today and we are going to go to Richmond on Sun to spend the night and catch a flight leaving on Monday morrning!! Kassidy is so excited!! We are going to be shopping at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. We are going to be staying in Orange County California. That's all we know right now....we just hope Kassidy can continue to feel well so that we can have a good time! We know there's a chance she can still end up in the hospital this week but hopefully she would only have to stay a few days to get fluids,blood and platelets....again we live minute by minute and just wait to see what happens. Kassidy was concerned about when her next Chemo would be because her knee is hurting....she does have tumors there but somdays it is swollen and some days not.....We will have the next chemo treatment when we get back from California so that won't be that long off. Please pray that everything will go OK the next few days and we can continue on our trip as planned..and Kassidy feels good and has the time of her life!!

Saturday, June 30 2007

Sorry I didn't update yesterday but we were just enjoying not being in the hospital. I think this is a record for us of number of days that we have gotten to stay home!! Yesterday morning we went to have Kassidy's blood counts done and they actually turned out good!! She did not need any blood or platelets!! God is good!! Her platelets are getting low but we go back on Monday to be checked again and I'm sure she will receive platelets then. But her Red blood count (hemoglobin) was excellent! We were so excited and thanking God all day!! We also went to VA Prosthetics and picked up Kassidy's leg again. Rusty had been making some adjustments and the smile that was on Kassidy's face when she was walking at the office was PRICELESS!! We haven't seen her smile that big in a long time. That made our day so much better. Then when we got home the Make-A-Wish person called and said that we are going to be flying out either the 8th or 9th, she had to make the final arrangements yet. And Nurse Connie is going to be going with us. So we called her and she had to make sure it was OK with work. She called back singing "California here we come!" Thanks to Leah on 10th floor at Community for allowing Connie to make this trip with us. The nurses on 10 are great anyway and we feel like they are just part of the family! But this will give Kassidy (and Danny) a peace of mind to enjoy ourselves while we are gone. We have finished painting Kassidy's room and spent yesterday trying to get the furniture back in order. We are still waiting on the quilt set to come in from JCPenney but it should be here early next week and her room will be complete. Then we have to start working on Courtney's room. So we have been keeping busy. Also last night Corrine Bookout (friend of ours, originally from gymnastics) brought an electric wheelchair for Kassidy to use. Hopefully we will be allowed to take this with us to California (on the airplane - I'l have to call to make sure because with security the way it is you never know) because that would be so nice for her to be able to just go where she wanted without having to get one of us to push her and it wouldn't tire her arms out either. She hates to be dependent on everyone else and this will give her a little bit of control. Plus she will have her leg but she gets very tired walking with it so I know she will need the wheelchair there also. So, we have been having some busy days. Kassidy has been feeling pretty good but gets blah feeling where she just doesn't feel right...probably her counts going down and she just doesn't feel her best. But we still make the most of everyday! We have no plans for today and are just going to enjoy our Saturday at HOME!!!

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Kassidy has been sleeping most of the day. She came in to watch us painting her room for a little while but the rest of the day has been spent asleep. Her teachers from last year, Mrs. Murphy and Ms. Aaron, came by to visit today. Kassidy was asleep most of the time but woke up long enough to talk to them for a little while. They brought her a scrapbook, with California stickers and other stickers , to keep track of her California trip. We are looking forward to her trip, even though we are scared about how her health will be during that time. Tonight we had to wake her up to give her medicine to her and she fought us a little on taking them! We told her that she couldn't give up now!! We were doing everything we could to help her but she has to help herself also by taking her medicine. She has been hurting in her rt side today. Dr. Fisher did the chest xray to check for anything going on there but nothing obvious to suggest any bony abnormalities but she does have some atelectasis....she is using a breathing apparatus to try to inflate her lungs more. That should make the pain less in that area. We laughed last night because she is like a newborn baby and has her days and nights mixed up....she sleeps during the day and then will be up several hours during the wee hours of the morning. And of course one or all of us is up with her. But these are precious moments as well. Kassidy hasn't felt like getting out and we know her counts are probably going down after the Chemo so that is understandable. We pray that the Chemo is working and that she will feel better in the coming weeks to be able to go to California. Kassidy is sitting here and wanted to thank everyone for all the cards, emails, and prayers and to let everyone know that she is continuing to fight!

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Kassidy asked me last night if we would get to go home today. I told her there was nothing to keep us there...she was feeling pretty good and actually wanted to leave the hospital. Most of the time she will tell us she is not ready to leave. But this time she wanted to go home. So Dr. Fisher came in this morning, wanted to know how she was doing, said her counts were great and we could go home. Hallelujah! Her counts actually were better today then yesterday..and that is after the Chemo! Right now she is in her recliner and sleeping peacefully. We continue to cling to hope but also know that God is in control. We rejoice in every moment we have together as a family. We are waiting to hear from Make-A-Wish again for a final date. We also are going to be taking a nurse with us on our trip...just in case we need it. Danny is very nervous about going that far away from home right now but with Connie (the nurse) with us it gives us a little bit of peace of mind. We continue to receive cards and well wishes and want to thank everyone for these. It's amazing how supportive everyone has been. Right now we need all the encouragement and prayers we can get. Again thank everyone for everything and we Praise God for everyday!!

Monday, June 25, 2007

We didn't get to stay home long....Saturday evening Kassidy started complaining of her chest and under her arms burning. There was nothing there that you could see but she was in terrible pain. We tried everything, cold rags, pain meds, creams, etc. Nothing seemed to help. Finally she got to sleep around 4am and at 7am was back up and hurting. Only this time she did have some red patches on her skin. We called the doctor and were admitted to 1014...again! The doctors thought she might have shingles...so we have been in isolation since we have been here. Today she has no sign of the patches, no rash, so they went ahead and started Chemo like we were suppose to have as an outpatient today. She has done well with it so far, no nausea. She woke up around noon today and was like a different kid! She sat up and ate a kids meal from Wendy's (chicken nuggets of course!) she even played some on her Nintendo DS. SO she was feeling much better. She still has some episodes of the burning pain and the doctors think it may be a form of virus. But right now all her counts are excellent so we are proceeding on with chemo plans. So by the end of the week she will probably be back for low counts but maybe we can stay out of the hospital and have them treated in the clinic....that is nothing we will worry about right now. We will just take it one day at a time. The doctor today said she felt like Kassidy's wrist looked better, her knee wasn't as swollen and the lymph nodes that was swollen at the top of her amputated leg did not seem to be so swollen today either. This is good news and we hope that this Chemo is a least making a little bit of a difference. We have to keep trying and to keep fighting. We are not ready to loose this battle yet! Continue to pray for Kassidy and for Chance to continue to fight and for good results.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

We were discharged from the hospital late yesterday evening. Kassidy has not ran a fever since we have been home! She is hurting more these days, but we can control the pain with medicine we have here. We are scheduled to go back for outpatient chemo again on Monday. We know we will be back in the hospital by the end of the week because her counts will be low and will probably need blood and platelets. Then hopefully when we get out of the hospital we will be scheduled for our California trip. We are still waiting to here from the Make-A-Wish people for a definite date. We got Kassidy's prosthetic, but it is going to take lots of practice..and we might still need some modifications to be made for it to be comfortable. We hope to get out some this weekend, hoping Kassidy feels like it.

It seems that both kids on samefight are struggling right now. I know they are in everyone's prayers and they need prayer more than ever right now. Continue to pray for Chance and Kassidy, for continued healing and favor, understanding, strength and peace.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

We are still in the hospital. Kassidy again had a fever this morning. Not as high, but high enough to keep us here some more. The doctors are going to do a chest xray to check for pneumonia but hopefully it will be OK. They seem to think that the fever is coming from the tumors so I'm not sure what we can do about that and if we can't just treat this at home instead of coming back in to the hospital every time. Kassidy's disease is still progressing and we have had to face reality this week about that. We continue to keep our faith and to talk to Kassidy about not giving up. We will do everything in our power to keep her going. We are trying to keep positive and continue to hope for a miracle. Please pray for that miracle, that we have the strength to keep going, that she can go to California and enjoy herself, that we have the strength to keep remaining positive and wisdom and strength to make the right decisions in the coming months.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Yesterday started off very exciting. We went to the hospital to do our outpatient Chemo, that went very well, and we left. We had to run some errands in Roanoke and then we were going to meet Rusty at Va Prosthetics to hoepfully get Kassidy's leg. But Kassidy started feeling bad so we went home. Her back has been hurting and her doctor thinks she may have a pinched nerve in her neck and her muscles are really tight in her back. She has given her some muscle relaxers and we hope that will start to help. After we got home yesterday Kassidy feel asleep. She woke up screaming to call the ambulance!! She was hurting real bad and she had a fever of 103.5. We called the docotr and we brought her back to Comm Hosp and she was admitted to 1014. She received antibiotics last night and is still receiving those today. They suspect she has an infection somewhere but so far her blood cultures have been negative. Her lab work has looked OK as well. She has not had a fever since we got here but she just feels really tired and achy. I hope she is just worn out from this past weekend when she did more than usual. Plus she worked more trying to walk the other day also. I know we need to pace ourselves, but when she feels good and wants to get out we do...because you never know when you might have that chance again. At this stage in the game you don't want to be able to miss a single moment that might be a memory forever! Everyone should live like it's their last day...you never know when it might be. Kassidy has tolerated this Chemo well and so far has not been sick at all and not even feeling nauseated. We hope this will be a short stay and that we may get to come home tomorrow (Thurs). Pray that this Chemo is attacking the cancer cells, that the pain will go away and that her body will start to be healed. Pray that she will feel better and be pain free. And hopefully we can get her leg soon and she will be walking soon.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Well, we have been having some great days!! Kassidy has been feeling good so we have been out and about the past few days. Saturday we went to the motorcycle ride/car show/Kevin Sharp concert. Kassidy got to meet and talk with Kevin and that was great!! We didn't get to stay long because the girls had a birthday party to go to for their friend that moved today to JAPAN!! So that was fun but sad as well, because we will miss them A LOT!! Katie took Kassidy around the skating rink in her wheelchair. She had so much fun but got really tired from being gone all day. Then on Sunday, we went with Aunt Cathy, Uncle Paul, Sarah, Nichole, Grandma and PaPa to Smith Mountain Lake to go out on the boat. Kassidy had so much fun being with her cousins, dancing and enjoying the boat ride. But again she got very tired from being out all day! Today (Mon) we went to Roanoke to VA Prosthetics to be fitted for her prosthetic. Kassidy was excited but she got very disappointed that the fit was not exactly right so we could not leave with the leg today. The prosthetist, Rusty, has been great. Kassidy enjoys giving him a hard time...he makes her smile!! We want to thank him for all that he has done and continues to do to see Kassidy walk!! Everyone at VA Prosthetics has been so nice and helpful!! We hope that after Kassidy's chemo treatment tomorrow that we can go back and her leg will be ready, but we will have to wait and see. The Make-A-Wish foundation called today to talk about Kassidy's wish and we may be going to California around the week of July 8th, that's not definite yet, we still have to wait for the final date. Kassidy is really excited that she will have her leg and be walking by then so that she can enjoy it more! Please continue to pray that the chemo stops the cancer cells from spreading and Kassidy's healing continues. Pray for peace and understanding and strength through these difficult times.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

We finally got out of the hospital on Friday. Kassidy just has not been feeling very well. But we were finally ready to come home. She must have been feeling better when we left because she wanted to go to the mall shopping!! So we did. Then last night we went to the gym for the Laua party and sleep over. Courtney stayed all night but Kassidy just went to visit for a while. She enjoyed talking to all her friends!! Today we are going to go to the Kevin Sharp concert and then we have a birthday party to go to in Christiansburg. Hopefully Kassidy will not get too tired.

We have been talking to the make-a-wish coordinator and I think we have it nailed down to what Kassidy wants to do. She wants to go to California and be taken in a limo to go SHOPPING! We think the trip will be 4 days and 3 night in California and then the plane ride out and back. So one day will be spent shopping and then the other 2 days we can decide what else we want to do...maybe go to the San Diego Zoo or something! We are very excited and Kassidy was just smiling when she was talking to the make-a-wish people! These will be memories that we will treasure forever!

On Monday, hopefully we will be going to Virginia Prosthetics for Kassidy to be fitted for her leg. How exciting!! Hopefully everything works and fits well...if so she can walk out on her own...if not it will be ready by Tues or Wed. It will be great to see Kassidy up and mobile again!!

Pray for a good day today and continued healing! God Bless You!

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

No fevers! YEAH!! Kassidy is doing OK. She still complains that her body does not feel right but right now all her labs are coming back good. I think that she is just tired but if she gets out and about she will hopefully feel better. We did get some reports from her scans and I think that she is a little upset that things had not improved like she thought they would. But stable is good...especially in her chest and lungs...the tumors have not grown any more but are still there. Her left knee has improved and shows signs of new bone forming...that's good. But on the flip side there are two new lesions ...very small...on her rt shoulder and left wrist. She is definately worried about them but we have to keep believing that the Chemo will get rid of them and nothing can heal better than the power of GOD!! Please keep praying that the Chemo will continue to stop the spread and start to heal and get rid of the cancer that is in her body!

One good news is the next round of Chemo will be outpatient...we will go in to the clinic, have the Chemo(3-4 hours) and go home. We will return a week later for the next round the same way. Her counts are not suppose to go down until after the second round, so maybe we will get to spend some time at home!! That would be great!

Thanks for all the continued thoughts and prayers! And thanks to Ocean Tumblers Gymnastics for the great blanket signed by the team!! Kassidy loved it!! You all ROCK!!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Kassidy has continued to spike fevers so we are still in the hospital. Her white count went down again today so we are watching that again and she is still getting antibiotics. She is just really tired and says she doesn't feel right. Dr. Fisher came in today and wanted to get xrays to compare with the ones done at MCV, so we spent time today down in Radiology getting xrays of all her bones. We still do not have all the results from her scans yesterday, but hope to have some reports tomorrow.

This morning I attended the Chance Crawford Scholarship presentations. It was very emotional for me, to be able to share Kassidy's story and hear about the other families situations, and know what a blessing it was to be included in receiving this for Kassidy. Travis and Laura Cantrell and Alan Harmen was there as well, along with our new friend Kaley, who has leukemia. Even the people who I had never met came up to offer support and a shoulder to lean on. What a great thing this is, not for finiancial support but for the emotional support from others that know what you are going through. I thank everyone involved and to Chance Crawford for keeping this event going all these years. You all are a blessing to us and our communities.

Again, today I just want to say that you never know when your life will change and you never expect it. Praise God everyday for everything. And make sure to hug your kids/family/loved ones,etc. an extra time today!

God Bless!

Sunday, June 10, 2007

We are still in the hospital. Today Kassidy's white blood count is going up which is great!! Her hemoglobin and platelets are going down though so she is going to get a unit of blood and platelets today. Hopefully we will be discharged tomorrow. In the morning we were scheduled to have our scans here at Comm. Hosp. anyway so we will get those done and then hopefully be discharged and go to Crystal Spring for the MRI tomorrow afternoon. After that if Kassidy feels OK we will be going to Va Prosthetics for her to be fitted for her prosthetic leg!! And her leg might be ready in about a week. She can't wait to be able to walk again!! Something so simple as balance and walking we don't even think about but when you don't have that ability it certainly affects your whole life and everyone around you! Be thankful for everything that you can do and have, you never know when it will be taken away. That's God's plan and we have grown stronger in our journey and learned to appreciate even the littlest things in life! Kassidy is doing well and has even been on the computer. Luckily, she is old enough to know when things are different with her body. She said she still doesn't feel like things are right and I hope that the blood and platelets will help today. Then maybe her body will be more balanced and she will be able to tell the difference by feeling better. Again, please continue to pray for good scans tomorrow and healing.

Thanks to everyone that came out to the walk for Kassidy at the High School Friday night. We were told it was a big success. We want to thank everyone who organized this event, walked or donated. Thank you all so very much!

Friday, June 8, 2007

Yesterday was a good day. Kassidy played at home with Courtney, made brownies, and played the Wii. Then, around 9:30pm she started running a fever. She was admitted around 11:30pm last night and recieved fluid and antibiotics. Today she is doing well. No fevers until about 3pm and it was 101.6 so they did blood cultures and she is getting a unit of blood. We hope the fever goes away and this will be a short hospital stay. We got good news today that Kassidy is ready to be fitted for her prosthetic. She is so excited that she will be able to walk again soon!!! Continue to pray for no fever and healing.

Tammy, Danny, Kassidy,and Courtney

Thursday, June 7, 2007

We had a good day yesterday. Kassidy didn't feel real well yesterday morning but we had to go get blood counts anyway so we went to Roanoke to the Hem/Onc Clinic. Her counts were OK, except her white blood count being down which is normal. She just needs to wear a mask when she goes out. They did give her 2 liters of fluid and she perked up, apparently she was a little dehydrated and the fluids made a big difference. When we left there we went and picked up her wig!! So exciting for her that she feels like she fits in when she goes out now...she was so excited that she could pick it up before the fundraiser event at Copper HIll Daycare last night!! We then went to the event and at first Kassidy did not want to get out of the van...people were coming up talking to her and lots of her school mates came by...she talked to everyone and eventually decided to get out in her wheelchair. She stayed the entire time and got to watch the tug-of-war between the fire departments...she even handed out the trophys at the end. She said last night that she "had a blast". It was good to see her out and so excited! She had a good night last night and we are still praying that the fevers stay away. If she does not get a fever then we will actually get to stay home till Monday when she goes to have scans done. Then she wont have to go back for Chemo till the following Monday (18th). Pray that we can stay at home that long! Continue to pray for good results for the scans on Monday. Thanks to everyone at Copper Hill Daycare for making that event such a success and fun evening for Kassidy! God BLess All of You!

Our condolences go out to the Patricia Sawyers family of Rocky Mount. She was Danny's teacher in High School and lost her battle with cancer on Tues. The family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Kassidy at Medical Charities. It's amazing to us how people from our past, and really don't know our family now, would make such a gesture and think of Kassidy at their time of loss. God Bless this family and our prayers are with them! Thank You!

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Well, we are home again...for how ever many days we can stay at home. We left the hospital yesterday morning and was planning to go to the Science Museum. BUT change in plans...the science museum is closed on Mondays. So, we spent some time down on the market in Roanoke and went to the market building and had lunch. Kassidy was already tired by then so we went on home. She wasn't feeling real well last night and slept alot, but that's understandable. Today she didn't wake up till 11am and then I woke her up so she would take her medicine. The phantom pain has increased and comes more frequently but we are still able to control it and make it bearable. We did get some good news before we left the hospital yesterday. Dr. Meck told us there was a lab test that Kassidy has been having done since we started and they can tell if there is bone deterioration from the lab results. Kassidy has always been sky high from the tumors destroying the bone......BUT now her results are almost to a normal level!!! PRAISE GOD!!! That means that at the least the tumors are at a standstill or slowing down!! Hopefully the scans we have on the 11th will show improvement. We are very encouraged by these results!! We return to Roanoke tomorrow for blood counts and hope for the best that they are not down too low yet. Please pray for good counts tomorrow and no fevers so we can stay at home for a few days. And most of all, we thank God for showing us improvement and giving us more hope that we are going to beat this disease!!

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Kassidy is still doing good. She has complained about some blurry vision and some shaking in her arms. The doctor came in this morning and looked up her medicines and those are all common effects from these two Chemo drugs, but hopefully that should be going away soon. She gets her last treatment for this cycle this morning at 10am. We will be finished by tonight and if all stays well we will be discharged in the morning. Kassidy has decided that when we leave she wants to go to the Science Museum downtown. So that's our plan. We have to do whatever we can these first two days before her counts drop. She is sitting up on the couch with me right now and doing well! Again, we thank God for every day!

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Kassidy had a surprise visitor last night...gymnastics olympian Dominique Dawes!!! I'll send pictures soon!! Kassidy was very excited and Dominique was very nice. Thanks to Pete Lampman and Amy Morrow from Virginia Amateur Sports for setting this visit up! Dominique hugged Kassidy and talked with her, very nice, loving and caring person. Thanks again to everyone for arranging this and also to Dominique for taking the time to come and see Kassidy. That was a moment she will never forget!

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Kassidy had a good night last night. She had Chemo yesterday afternoon and again did great with that. She sleeps most of the time that the Chemo is running but then wakes up in a good mood. She says that most of the time she doesn't even realize she's getting the Chemo. I'm so thankful that these drugs are not making her sick. She slept well last night and woke up this morning, ate breakfast and is feeling good. Thank God for all the answered prayers to take away the nausea and sickness. Please continue to pray that the Chemo is working. We go on the 11th to have more scans to compare with the ones from MCV. Please keep us in your prayers that those tests will show improvement of the cancer cells that have spread. We praise God everyday for the all the things he has done and continues to do.

Friday, June 1, 2007

Yesterday we had a good day. Kassidy went to the playroom and did crafts with the Child Life Specialist (Jill). She also rode around the hospital in her wheelchair. Physical Therapy came and worked with her to strengthen her legs and arms. She did good during her Chemo, still no sickness, still eating well and actually has gained weight!! That's wonderful! Today has been another good day with Kassidy wanting to go ride around, go to the computer (she's sitting right here beside me) and now wants to go outside. She starts her next Chemo at 2pm so we better go outside now while we can and we will write again later! Thanks for all the prayers!!

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

We just were admitted again to Community Hospital for the next round of Chemotherapy. Kassidy is in very good spirits and looking forward to NOT staying in her bed and being able to get around and do things while she gets Chemo this time. She is feeling so much better that she is getting bored at times now! Thank God that she feels this good! Dr. Fisher came in today and said she looks wonderful and whatever we are doing to keep doing it! She looked at Kassidy's amputation site and was amazed! She said most kids don't heal while they are receiving Chemotherapy. Only one other time has she seen a kid heal while getting Chemo and Kassidy is only the second one she has seen....and then the doctor said that only God could make that happen...and we believe that God has healed the cancer as well!!

We are praying that Chance will start feeling better soon and that the fevers will go away. Kassidy sent Brian a text this morning on our way to the hospital. She enjoyed that, but hates that Chance is feeling bad.

Pray that Kassidy's chemo goes as well this time as last and no vomiting, sickness or fevers. And the continued healing of her body.

Tammy, Danny, Kassidy and Courtney

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Kassidy had another good day yesterday. We had several visitors and she talked with everyone. She got around alot yesterday also. She wanted to go outside, which we did several times during the day so she could watch what everyone else was doing. While in the house she used her wheelchair and followed all of us around. Finally she is tired of sitting in her recliner and not doing anything. Thank God!! Today she wants to go to the movies and all of us are going!! I thank God that she feels like getting out and doing things. It's nice to have the whole family going places together again. All the bad things seem like distant memories right now. Even Kassidy said the same thing last night, that it seems like such a long time ago. But we will enjoy today and get ready to go back to the hospital tomorrow morning. We praise God that he has given us good days and Kassidy is feeling so good!!

Monday, May 28, 2007

We had an excellent day yesterday. We got out of the hospital around 11am and from there we went to Mill Mountain Zoo. Kassidy was feeling so much better that we thought we would enjoy the beautiful day! We had such a good time. It was good to see her enjoy herself and get out in the sun. We then came home where we had gotten a new Nintendo Wii. I thought this would be great for Kassidy when she was sitting at home. Her and Courtney played for hours! It was great to hear her laugh and having fun!! She got up and moved around more than she had in a long time. I can't begin to tell you what a great day it was!! We are home today and tomorrow and then we head back to Roanoke for the next round of Chemo. Kassidy will start that on Wed and will receive a treatment every day for 5 days again. Pray that she does as well this time as she did the last time...no vomiting, no nausea and feeling good!

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Well, we were having a good day yesterday morning. Kassidy slept good through the night on Monday night and had visitors Monday morning. She was in a good mood, laughing and being her old self! Then after lunch she finally went to sleep and when she woke up she told me she thought she needed to go to the hospital...she then said her eyes were burning...I knew that meant she had a fever. So, back we came to the intensive care unit to be monitored. She is receiving 2 different antibiotics and last night she received one unit of blood and one unit of platelets because her counts were so low. This morning her platelets were still low so she got a second unit of those. All was going well, they sent us to the 10th floor around 3pm. Then about an hour ago she started running a fever again of 101. So, we are back to getting blood cultures and waiting to see the results from that. Earlier, the Dr. had said they thought we would get out of the hospital tomorrow, but with the fever spiking again, I'm not sure now. I guess we will wait and see. I know that when we do leave she will have to have antibiotics again by IV at home. We are getting pretty used to that and Kassidy actually flushes her lines to her port and hooks up the Antibiotics and when it's done she flushes her lines again. She is even putting her own medicine down her NG tube also. She likes to be in control of what she is getting and that is good. She keeps everyone straight. We have seen her still in a better mood today and she is determined now that she is going to beat this cancer more than ever before!! It's still very up and down with how she is feeling. One hour she can be sitting up joking and laughing and the next hour she feels really bad. Alot of that is from her counts going up and down and so we just hold on and work through the times she is feeling bad because we know we will see that million dollar smile again shortly. Pray that the fevers go away and that her counts go back up.

I hope that Chance gets to come home tomorrow. I know they were planning on it and I hope that works out for them. My prayers go out to their family as well as they get to spend some family time together and hopefully will be at home soon!

Kassidy told us if we got on the computer tonight and emailed any body to tell them that she said hi, so "HI EVERYONE" from Kassidy.

Tammy,Danny, Kassidy and Courtney

Monday, May 21, 2007

Sorry we didn't update yesterday....we had such a good day that we were just enjoying our time together!! Kassidy felt so good yesterday. We went out for several hours, Kassidy talked with some friends, took lots of pics and just had a good time! She ate very well and just overall felt so much better!She got up yesterday and used the walker to get all the way through the house to the shower, took a shower and used the walker to get all the way back to the living room!! She just smiled and was so proud of herself for being able to get around! It brought tears to our eyes! She was pretty well wiped out last night but we all felt a sense of accomplishment with how well things went!! Today she woke up in a good mood, little nauseated but that seems to be going away. She said today, "You know Mom, I used to think Cancer was just for old people. But that's OK...I'm still smiling". She has so much courage and strength! She is an inspiration to me, Danny and anyone else who meets her! Today we go to Roanoke for blood counts, that hopefully are still good. She gets her Neupogen shots to increase her blood counts once a day. But sometimes she still has low counts and has to have a blood transfusion. But we are going to get ready to go now and pray that her counts are good and we get to come back home. You never know when you go if she is going to have to be admitted or if we have favor and get to come home. So pray for favor that we get to come home and enjoy this beautiful day!

Saturday, May 19, 2007

This is the first time we have went to the hospital, scheduled to be admitted, received the chemo and actually got out of the hospital as scheduled!! Gosh, that sure did feel good. Kassidy never did throw up from the chemo this time which has been wonderful! She was ready to come home today and she has eaten so well!! This morning she had fruit ( of course) and then at lunch she has eaten spaghetti and fruit. Hallelujah for prayers answered. She has been in better spirits today, sitting up laughing and smiling. Of course then she sleeps for several hours and hopefully will wake up in a good mood again. If she continues to eat she will not have to have the feeds by the NG tube. She hates the feeds!! She likes getting her medicines through her tube though...that way she doesn't have to swallow them. But she is trying to swallow them when she can because eventually she wants to be able to have the NG tube out. She is still doing well getting around and holding her balance on one leg. Courtney and I went to Check Elem. yesterday for the "Kuttings for Kassidy" to watch the kids get their heads shaved. I taped some of it for Kassidy to see. The cheerleaders did cheers, different people sang, they did a slide show, etc. It was very emotional for us but so inspirational to see what these kids are doing for Kassidy. Thanks to everyone at CES and all the kids there. YOU ARE GREAT!! And again, someone from the community stepped up to help us and mow the grass. Thanks to Ray and Judy Vest for doing such a wonderful job....it might even look better than when Danny mows!!! Thanks to everyone for all their prayers and cards. Pray that Kassidy has a good week, that her blood counts are good on Monday and Thurs, no fevers, and she continues to eat. Pray that the chemo continues to work.

Tammy, Danny, Kassidy and Courtney

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Kassidy had a good night last night (Wed). Danny stayed with her at the hospital and both of them actually got some good sleep. Kassidy's blood pressure was up during the day yesterday but they think that was from all the fluids she was getting. So they gave her some Lasix and then she just went to the bathroom alot to get rid of alot of the excess fluid. Today she has had a good day. Physical Therapy worked with her again and she stood today and walked a few steps with the help of a walker. She did good with her exercises and is doing very well. She just gets tired easily and usually sleeps afterwards but she does such a good job with her PT. She has ate fruit again today and continues to drink even though she has that bad taste in her mounth from the Chemo. That usually makes her not want to eat but so far she has not stopped wanting to try to eat. She has been nauseated but has not thrown up at all this time. Praise God! She has her last treatment starting at 10a in the morning. It will be close to midnight before it is totally finished. So if things go OK then we will be going home Saturday morning! YEAH! And I don't think that she has to come back (except for blood work) for two weeks. It will be great to be home and hopefully she will feel like trying to get up and around some more around the house. She has to build her muscle's back up from being in the bed so long but she is doing so well now that I don't think it will take her long. Contiue to pray for strength, and that the chemo continues to attack the cancer cells.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Yesterday we had such a good day. So far the Chemo has not made Kassidy nauseated. That is great...although the doctors said sometimes it takes until day 3 or 4 which today is day 3, so we will wait and see. We just pray that she will not be sick this time around. Yesterday she was feeling so good. She woke up wanting something to eat. She ate a pop-tart. First real solid food in a long time. Then Danny brought her a big fruit tray with grapes, pineapple, watermelon, strawberries and honeydew. She ate almost the entire tray, a little at a time, but at the end of the day we didn't have much left. She played games and did a craft. Then in the evening she asked to to get in her wheelchair and get out of the room a little bit. So we took a stroll around the floor. And then the most amazing thing happened....she asked us to go get her a bacon cheeseburger and fries!!! And she ate over half the hamburger and some of the fries. She ate more yesterday than she has in several months!! We had a great progressive day. Rusty, from VA Prosthetics is suppose to come by today to get her leg ready for the prosthetic. He stopped by Monday evening but had to reorder the stocking for Kassidy's leg. Then when he gets the go ahead from the doctors saying her incision is healed he can go ahead and fit her for the prosthetic. That is giving Kassidy something to look forward to. She even did her Physical Therapy yesterday evening on her own...without PT telling her to!! But yesterday, she got up from the bed and balanced herself and stood on one leg all by herself. I told Danny to look and Kassidy just smiled. She knew she had made some progress then. Overall the day was wonderful. Kassidy did things she hadn't done before, was feeling good, smiling and joking.....words can't explain how great that felt. Then last night everything caught up to her and she started having a lot of pain. She has been in a lot of pain through the night...first time we have seen this since her surgery. She is having phantom pain, where she still thinks her right leg is there and hurts. Eventually her nerve endings will know her leg is gone but for now they still tell her mind that there is pain. Hard to get through that kind of pain but we are using some new nerve drugs and hopefully that will eventually help. Right now she is sleeping comfortably, so I'm hoping that today will be another good day. Just want you to keep Clay Vest's family in your prayers during this hard time for them....but remember that Clay is walking with God on streets of gold...no pain, no fear, just happiness. We miss them when they're gone but we know they are receiving their rewards in heaven! God Bless the Vest family!

Monday, May 14, 2007

Well, we are back at Community Hospital and getting ready to start this round of chemo at 6pm. Kassidy has had a pretty good day. She started throwing up this morning at home and then again at the hospital. We think it was caused from one of the medicines she received here at the Hosp...one we don't give at home. But she has not thrown up since. This round of chemo does not have the nausea like some of the others. When the Chemo is done, the nausea will be gone as well.. That's a good thing. We should be here for 5 days with the last treatment on Friday morning. Then depending on her blood counts, hopefully we will go home Friday afternoon. Tomorrow we meet with the Dr's to see how often we have treatments in the next upcoming weeks. Hope to have a good night and will update after talking to the dr's tomorrow. Please continue to pray that Chemo works and her counts respond.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

We had a great Mothers Day today! Kassidy was awake A LOT today. She wasn't very talkative, but alert and responding to everything and everybody around her. She got in the shower today and that made her feel good. Much better than a sponge bath! At times, we even saw the real Kassidy come out and make a joke and smile about it! I Love that smile! Danny told her today that when she smiles it makes him feel like a million dollars! We packed our bags today preparing to return to Roanoke tomorrow to be admitted for more Chemo. Continue to pray that the tumors respond to the Chemo. And I hope everyone had a Happy Mothers Day!

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Kassidy slept alot today but Danny had a very busy day. He went to the Golf Tournament today. He talked with Brians Dad, Laura and Travis, and met numerous other people and members of samefight.org. He was amazed at the pictures of the kids hanging on the balcony of the Club House. He took pictures of the clubhouse so the rest of the family could see these. He was amazed at the turnout. You can't beat the support of the people of Floyd County and other surrounding areas as well. We received more cards and had several visitors again today. Kassidy did not feel like talking to anyone today and slept most of the day. Emotionally it is harder some days than others... for all of us, so she is entitled to keep to herself every now and then. The gym had their Cartwheels for Kassidy fundraiser today and did very well. Over 40 gymnasts participated and even her coaches (Ashley and Cheryl) did 100 cartwheels as well. OH BOY ,will they be SORE tomorrow!! I hope everyone has a good Mothers Day tomorrow. I want to thank Terry Smith for sending Danny home with the lovely flowers today...at least this is one year that he will have given me a gift! HEHE! Just kiddin'. Gifts at this particular stage doesn't come in material things. The only thing I need is my loving family and the best gift of all is to have Kassidy and Courtney home with me. Remember to give your mom and kids extra hugs and kisses tomorrow and have a Happy Mother's Day!

Friday, May 11, 2007

We have managed to stay at home two days and have made it through two nights almost pain free. I think in the last two days Kassidy has only had to ask for extra pain medicine twice. God is Good! Ashley Tanner came by yesterday to visit. Kassidy enjoyed seeing Ashley but her face was glowing with the biggest smile when Ashley gave Kassidy one of her warm up jackets from basketball. I have not seen her that happy in a long time. I will get some pictures posted as soon as possible so you can see that beautiful smile! Shawn, Ashley's Dad, finished the visit with a beautiful prayer. Kassidy's teachers from Check Elementary and some other friends also visited yesterday. Between visitors and phone calls we were busy...but boy was it good to be at home! Today more visitors, more cards, more calls and more presents. It's beginning to look like Christmas with all these presents here!! Tomorrow Danny will be attending the Golf Tournament fundraiser at the Great Oaks Country Club for a little while. Virginia Techniques is also doing their fundraiser tomorrow "Cartwheels for Kassidy". Kassidy has been eating more the last two days and has even asked for food (mostly fruit). I'm sure next week after Chemo her appetite will be gone again but for now it's great to hear her ask to eat! Courtney, her sister, has been keeping up with all her medicines and when each has to be given. She says she is going to be a nurse one day and she is getting plenty of practice. She keeps all of us in line! Continue to pray that the pain is controlled and that we have a good weeknd. Thanks for all the cards, gifts, calls, emails and especially the prayers!

Thursday, May 10, 2007

We arrived home late yesterday evening. It took us almost as long in Roanoke getting Kassidy's prescriptions filled as it did to drive back from Richmond! This time she had 9 prescriptions to be filled. We definitely feel like a pharmacy now! Kassidy did well through the night. Still having pain but we have been able to control it so far. Last night of course Grandma and PaPa had to come see us as soon as we got home and Aunt Cathy, Sarah and Nichole. Sarah and Nichole had their hair painted PINK! Today we are expecting more visitors from Blacksburg and a special visitor this evening. We same the pretty in pink pictures on the website. That was cool! Kassidy received a Vermont Teddy Bear from our friends at CNRVMC xray and it had on a pink sweatsuit, pink tennis shoes and had a pink duffle bag (that's where Kassidy is stashing her Jolly Ranchers candy!). It's good to be home. Hopefully we can continue to control the pain until Monday when we return to Roanoke for the next round of Chemo. Thanks to Check Elem. staff for the food and groceries here waiting on us when we got home and thanks to Shake Smith from Auburn Baptist Church for mowing the grass for us. Thank you Lord for such good people in the world! Please pray for the tumors to respond to the new Chemo.

Tammy,Danny,Kassidy and Courtney

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Tomorrow we are scheduled to be discharged from MCV. Our plan is to head home and hopefully stay there through the weekend. As long as we can keep the pain under control we will have at least those few days at our own home. We haven't been home but 3 days since April 3. It will be nice to sit on our own furniture and our own beds. On Monday we will again return to Roanoke for the next round of Chemo with a new regimen of drugs. Please pray for guidance for the choice of chemotherapy and that the tumors respond. I know we should be talking with the Make-A-Wish Foundation by the end of this week to go ahead and plan the trip for Kassidy. We'll let you know what she decides after we confirm the trip. She's excited!! That's the only time I have seen her smile for a few days was when we talked about where she wanted to go! I will update tomorrow, hopefully from our house tomorrow evening! God Bless You All for all the prayers and everything that people have done for us. We want to thank Cathy Young for cleaning our house while we have been away and Calvin for building a ramp on the back of our house so that we can get Kassidy in and out easier (and everyone that got this organized). For Grandma, PaPa and Laura for coming to stay with us through Kassidy's surgery. For Grand Pa Bee, Mike and Gage for visting us her at MCV. For Becci for bringing well wishes from everyone in their cards they sent. For Bob, Helen and Stephanie coming all the way to Richmond to see us and take Courtney for the night and got her mind at ease for awhile. Words cannot say thank you enough! Thanks for everyone's love and genorosity! Thank God for giving us such loving people in our lives!

Monday, May 7, 2007

Kassidy has spent most of today sleeping. We are waiting for Dr. Foster, her surgeon, to come talk with us about the results from her tests. He wont be in till tomorrow afternoon. But we are preparing to be discharged and go home hopefully on Wed morning. The staff here is arranging to have everything we need for home care when we get there to manage her pain. We will then have to go to Roanoke on Monday to meet with the onoclogists there to see where we go from here. Again at a crossroads...waiting...

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Kassidy has spent most of today sleeping. We are waiting for Dr. Foster, her surgeon,

to come talk with us about the results from her tests. He wont be in till tomorrow afternoon. But we are preparing to be discharged and go home hopefully on Wed morning. The staff here is arranging to have everything we need for home care when we get there to manage her pain. We will then have to go to Roanoke on Monday to meet with the onoclogists there to see where we go from here. Again at a crossroads...waiting...

Saturday, May 5, 2007

Yesterday we had such a good day with Kassidy laughing, smiling and making jokes. Then around 2am this morning she was in severe pain. The doctors had given her so much pain med that they were worried about her breathing stopping. This afternoon they moved her to a pediatric care unit where they have her on a monitor. She is doing better with the pain, but we are finding out that some of the medicines when mixed together are causing her vision to blur and her speech to be slurred. We are trying to figure out what combinations work and doesn't make her too loopy! We will stay in the unit for now and hopefully can go back to a regular room tomorrow if we can get things under control. I will try to update again tomorrow. Hope for a good night!

Tammy, Danny, Kassidy and Courtney

Friday, May 4, 2007

We had a great night last night. Kassidy was in a good mood, drinking a lot still in pain but the nurses did a great job keeping in control. Our nurse (Rachael) last night was wonderful. She got Kassidy's ports accessed again so that the other nurses could draw labs through it instead of sticking her again. Kassidy is doing so good, it's nice to see her smile and laugh again. She even joked around with Dr. Foster this morning when he came in. He asked about her pain and she had a big smile and said "well, at least my knee don't hurt". She is handling this very well! I've told her so many times how proud I am of her because she is being so brave and strong. It's not as bad as we thought it would be to see her without a leg and she even said that herself, that it wasn't as bad as she thought either. We are going to go to xray today for more tests and I think Kassidy is looking forward to getting out of the room a little bit. I will try to update again later.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Well, we survived another day. Kassidy had her surgery and amputation about half way up her upper leg. Kassidy came back to her room, awake and actually smiling....she was in good spirits and even joked around a little. She is sleeping now but in and out from all the medicines she has had today. She is having pain from the surgery but it doesn't seem to be as bad but we are still struggling to control it. The pain management team here is wonderful and does everything they can to get the patients comfortable. Dr. Foster came and talked to us after surgery. Basically we have to wait for the pathology reports to know if he went high enough to get all the cancer. If not, she will have surgery again and remove the rest of her right side from her hip. He is concerned that her left knee has gotten worse. Apparently the chemo is not working as well as the doctors thought. He has ordered lots more tests,, like CT, MRI, Bone scans, etc. to determine how much is in the left leg now and if it is anywhere else in her body. After those tests are done he will talk with the doctors in Roanoke and they will form a plan to continue her care. They may do different types of chemo drugs, may have to do more surgery or try to do other things. Again we are standing at that crossroads, waiting for answers to what path we take. Waiting....the hardest thing to do.....but while we wait we will pray for favor for Kassidy , strength and endurance to continue our fight.

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Well, we had the orthopedic doctor tell Kassidy this afternoon about losing her leg. Of course she was stunned and cried very hard. She asked a lot of questions and tried to understand what was happening. She is scared, she cried that she didn't want to have one leg, she wouldn't be able to do anything anymore, etc. The doctors and us tried to reinforce that she could live a normal, productive life and even do some sports. She even smiled when Daddy told her that she could go play golf with him!!! Danny, Kassidy, Courtney and I all joined hands and prayed. Danny said a wonderful prayer and then he had Kassidy recite a prayer after him. She kissed all of us, told us she loved us and we told her we loved her. She closed her eyes, looked so peaceful and went to sleep. She is resting peacefully and handled the news much better than any of us did. We always said she had more faith than the rest of us and she is proving that! She is a strong willed girl and of strong faith. Praise God for her having that strong of faith!! This helps us all be a little stronger. Pray for favor that the MRI scans do not show that the cancer has spread any more than before on her left leg. Pray for strength and understanding for the entire family.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Well again our life has changed in an instant. Today, Kassidy went to surgery to see why her knee was so swollen. Dr. Foster made an incision and the tumor started spilling out of her skin. All live cells, so he closed that spot and came to talk to us. The tumor has completely taken over her knee. At this point our only option is to amputate her leg. They are going to do some x-rays and scans to determine how far up they have to go, but we hope they can leave a good amount for later when she needs prosthesis. Needless to say we are stunned, devastated, numb...words can't describe how we feel. Now is the time we ask WHY? I know God has a plan but it’s so hard to see that right now. Some friends are bringing Courtney to us so that we can be the ones to tell her. I know she will go to pieces! And I can't even begin to think about how we are going to tell Kassidy! I hope that she sees that the pain will be gone and that she can still live a very productive life...but she may not see that right now! Pray that the other areas she had cancer in have improved. Pray that the tumors on the left knee have not got larger. Pray for strength for Kassidy, Danny, Courtney and myself! And that we have the ability to talk with Kassidy and Courtney about this to show them that this will hopefully save her life by getting rid of the main cancer site. Don't even know what else can be said...just pray!

Monday, April 30, 2007

We finally got the word that we are definitely going to MCV tonight. Dr. Foster has had a cancellation in his surgery schedule for tomorrow and he is putting Kassidy in that time. The plan is to do arthroscopic surgery to look at the joint, clean out the blood and determine where it is bleeding from and repair it. If it can't be done with the arthroscopic than he will have to open her knee up by surgery and do the same thing. We are trying to get everything ready to go and will try to update tomorrow as soon as the surgery is over.

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Courtney and I just got back from the weekend in Chesapeake at her gymnastics competition. For her age group and Level (7) she finished 10th on Vault and 10th on Balance Beam. That was great! It made it worth while when Kassidy got on the phone and told Courtney Congratulations and she was proud of her. That made Courtney's day even better. The weekend still got off to a rocky start. On Saturday before we left, Kassidy was still in a fairly large amount of pain. I even felt bad about leaving town. But she was being taken good care of in the hospital so we left. When we got to Chesapeake, Danny called and said they were headed back to the intensive care unit. Kassidy's epidural had come out of her back a little bit and it was no longer in the right place. They had to replace it and then stay in intensive care to be monitored. They got back up to their room around 11:30p. She slept good and Danny even got some sleep!! Today she had been complaining that her foot hurt. Her knee no longer hurt but her foot and her back hurt! We just can't win! So I talked with the nurse and she got the anesthesiologist to come back up and check Kassidy. He gave her some additional numbing medicine and the pain in her foot went away!! GREAT! So she just has to push her "Happy Button" to get an additional boost of numbing medicine when she starts to hurt. But at least the pain is controlled. The doctors are still talking about us having to go to MCV this week. We will know tomorrow what the plan is after our doctors call and talk with Dr. Foster, the specialist at MCV. I think that her knee again is accumulating fluid so it might be better for us to go to MCV and let Dr. Foster evaluate her. Maybe they could put a drain in her knee to keep the excess fluid from accumulating. I will update Monday as soon as I know something.

Tammy

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Kassidy had a pretty good night last night and got some good sleep. She is still spiking the fevers but not as frequent as yesterday. The fluid from her knee so far does not show any infection but she is still having some pain. She is throwing up more often but the doctors think that could be from the narcotics getting out of her system. We will wait out the weekend, see how she does but the onocologist is going to talk with the surgeon at MCV (Dr. Foster) to see if he could do anything different or if she needs to be seen by him again. We will know something on Monday but we may be going back to Richmond next week. Pray for Kassidy to stop vomiting and her knee pain to get better. Danny talked with Brian yesterday and this morning. We also are praying for them as Chance starts his treatments this week.

Tammy

Friday, April 27, 2007

I'm sorry we got behind and haven't updated in a few days.....The pain management had not been working so yesterday the doctors decided to put an epidural catheter (a line into her spine) that they can put numbing medicine in to control the pain. It doesn't get rid of the pain entirely but it is much more manageable and Kassidy can rest better. The Anesthesiologist had to put that in and she was admitted to the intensive care unit for several hours so they could monitor her vital signs. So last night we came back up to our regular room. Today she had a chest xray and it came back wonderful results. No fluid in her lungs, no collapse, perfectly normal!! BUT, then we had to go to ultrasound to have more fluid drawn off her knee. This time was only about half of the fluid as the first time (60cc). Then the doctors were concerned because the site where they did the biopsy (at MCV in Richmond) was looking worse so the surgeon came in a little bit ago and opened it and took some samples to see if it was infected. She has been running some pretty high fevers, so maybe that is where it is coming from. If so, at least she can get the right type of antibiotic and start feeling better. Today she slept most of the day because of the medicine they gave her before they drew the fluid off. She is sitting up a little more tonight so hopefully by tomorrow she will be feeling much better. The doctors are not sure what is causing her to be in so much pain but it seems that the chemo is working well. So they will continue to manage the pain this weekend and then Kassidy has Chemo #3 starting on Monday. Kassidy was so hoping to be better so that she could be out of the hospital this weekend and go with her sister Courtney to Chesapeake to her State Competition in gymnastics. Both Kassidy and Courtney qualified their very first meet of the season. And even though Kassidy could not compete she was looking forward to supporting Courtney. But Danny is going to stay with Courtney in the hospital and me and grandma will take Courtney for her competition. I hope that Kassidy is feeling better so that she can wish Courtney well before she competes. Nothing makes Courtney smile more than getting to talk to her sister on the phone when she can't be with her! Pray that Kassidy's pain is under control and that the fevers will go away. God Bless you all that continue to follow our progress!

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Well it took until 3pm for Kassidy to wake up but she is up and talking again. Unfortunately that also means hurting some. But the pain specialist came by today and we are going to be trying some new medicines and some patches on her knee to try to find the right combination for pain without her being so sleepy. That sounded positive and I think we are headed in the right direction. Also the xrays came back good. No more fluid than before and the bone is still making new bone to replace the cancer cells. Praise God for healing!

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Kassidy is resting well right now. We were up and down all night, either going to the bathroom from so much fluid that she is getting, or she would be uncomfortable and hurting. They are going to be getting more xrays of her knee today to see if the fluid is around her knee again and causing the pain. Also a Pain Specialist is coming to see her to see if there is anything else we can do to control the pain. Right now she is not having the sharp pains that she did but more a constant pain. She is on a lot of medicines and is sleeping most of the time. I hate that she doesn't talk to us because she is sleeping due to the medications but I would rather see her sleep than be crying out in pain. I like neither way, but we have to deal with it and for Kassidy's sake I would rather her sleep and not remember any of this. She wakes up frequently and looks at the clock and then she will ask , "What day is it?" And "is it am or pm?" One thing for sure, when you are in the hospital, all your days run together and you never know what day it is. She is doing well from the Chemo treatment and only got sick twice, so far. So that was an improvement. She still does not want to eat anything but is keeping her weight steady from the feedings through her tube. Over all we know that God is working on her tumors and she is showing signs that the Chemo is already working. We give God all the praise and the glory for what he is doing and going to do for Kassidy!!

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Don't some days just seem tougher than others? In trying to manage the pain, last night we felt like she was overmedicated so we skipped a couple

doses of pain meds. Kassidy was not responding, we had to put her on oxygen to keep the alarms from going off and was talking about crazy things!All from the medications. Good thing is she won't remember. Today we started the pain meds again because her leg was hurting and she has slept most of the day. She is starting to throw up again from the Chemo but I hope this will not last long. We are frustrated that the pain has not been able to be controlled yet, so most of the time Kassidy is either sleeping or crying in pain. I don't like her to not be able to talk to us and wake up but I think it's even tougher to watch and listen to her cry out in pain. Nothing can break your heart more than to see your own child in pain and there's not one single thing you can do about it! What a range of emotions we all are going through! I know we will still be in the hospital through tomorrow...not sure when we will get to leave but then we have to come back on Monday for the next treatment...but a few days at home would be good! We'll keep in touch and let you know.

Tammy

Monday, April 23, 2007

We had a good night last night. Kassidy finally got some sleep and we were able to control the pain a little better. Today she has been hurting again but seems to be doing better as the day goes on. She is getting ready to start her chemo treatment and getting medicine for the nausea. Jill came by today and painted her head bright PINK! She looks like a punk rocker with her pink head. We will post pictures as soon as we can. Her gymnastics coaches came to visit today and that made her smile! I'm sure she misses her time at the gym and everyone there! I'll update more later to let you know how the chemo is going.

Tammy

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Today was another hurdle we had to cross. Kassidy started losing her hair more yesteday and today it was bothering her so she decided that we should go ahead and shave her head. We did, but sadness came afterwards. It's hard at 12 when you are so conscious of your looks to suddenly not have that long flowing hair you have worked so hard to grow. She is trying to be positive and looks forward to tomorrow when Jill (the Child Life Specialist) comes by and can paint her HEAD!! She thinks that will be fun! We are still struggling with getting the pain in her leg under control. It was a bad night last night but then she has had a pretty good day. She got up and took a bath, put on her new monkey pajamas that her nursing assistant, Ashley, had given her and her new cute hat! Now she is struggling again with the pain. She is having muscle spasms where her leg will hurt really bad - no matter what medicine they give her, nothing helps. We are hoping that we will soon find the right combination of medications that will get her comfortable. Since we are already here in the hospital, the doctors are going to go ahead and start her Chemotherapy treatment #2 tomorrow. Then we should be able to go home by Wednesday hopefully! This one shouldn't make her as nauseated and hopefully will attack more of the cancer cells in her knee and the pain will get less from that. Please just keep praying that the pain will get better and strength for Kassidy to be able to deal with all that is happening.

Tammy

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Yesterday the x-rays showed that Kassidy had a lot of fluid in her knee. We had to go down to ultrasound and they put in a needle in her knee to draw some fluid off. The drew off 140cc (estimated 1/2 cup) of bloody fluid. She felt better afterwards but then last night the pain returned. She slept good but would wake up in pain until the morphine would kick back in. Her Doctor came in this morning and thinks that things are looking good. She said it's normal to have pain because the Chemo is dividing the cells and that causes pain. Also her body is trying to regrow normal bone where the chemo is killing the cancer cells and that will cause pain also. Right now we are just trying different medicines and strengths of medicines to get the right combination that will control her pain. The doctor said that if her pain isn't any different on Monday that Kassidy will have another MRI to make sure nothing has changed in her knee. We were also suppose to come back on Wednesday anyway for Chemo treatment #2 but Dr. Meck thinks we can start that sooner so we can do everything before being discharged again. She is eating good, still in good spirits, getting out of the room some and still joking around with the nurses and staff! She is sitting beside me right now while I type this and pointing out my mistakes! Today, Danny, Courtney and other family went to the Check Spring Fling. They got to visit with a lot of people and everyone asked how Kassidy was doing. It was good to do some socializing outside the hospital. Thanks for all the online greetings and cards from everyone, and especially all your prayers!

Tammy, Danny, Kassidy and Courtney

Friday, April 20, 2007

We said before we live hour to hour and things have changed quickly again. Kassidy was admitted to the hospital again late last night for severe pain in her right leg. No matter what medication we tried at home nothing helped. She is at Community in Rm 1019 but hopefully this will not be a long stay. They did xrays this morning so we are waiting for results from that. Hopefully her knee still looks ok and the doctors can find other medication to manage her pain and we can go home soon. We will try to update as soon as we know something.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

10:35 PM

We were able to come home from the hospital today. The chest x-ray showed a little area that was not fully inflated last night but this morning the area is smaller and is healing on its own. Kassidy came home and talked on the computer to some of her friends again. She is still having some pain in her knee but we are trying everything we can to keep the pain under control. Danny and I are trying to work as much as we can while she is feeling pretty good. Thanks to Grandma and PaPa for staying with her during the day! Danny talked to Brian Harman tonight and it's good to talk to someone that is walking the same path that we are... to share what each of our families are going through and get advice on various things. They even got to talk about basketball too! We are scheduled to go back to the hospital for another Chemo treatment next Wed (25th). Monday we have to go have another chest x-ray to confirm the healing of her lung. Kassidy has started losing her hair. She is in good spirits about it but it is still bothering her to see it come out. She has decided to cut it and dye it pink with purple highlights while she still has hair. The Child Life specialist (Jill) at Comm. Hosp. said sometimes she paints the kids heads so Kassidy is looking forward to having her head painted!!! The nurses and everyone at Comm Hosp 10th floor have been wonderful! They call Kassidy "princess" because she puts the bed up in the highest position so she looks like she is on a throne. Really she just does it to look out the windows!! Well, off to get some sleep and start a new day. We used to be able to plan for weeks ahead but now we plan from day to day and sometimes hour to hour. But we make the most of every day....you never know when your life can change in an instant. Remember to keep all of the families and friends of the victims at Virginia Tech in your prayers! And wear your Orange and Maroon on Friday in support! God Bless!

Tammy

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Last night Kassidy was back to normal. She wanted to get out of her room for a little while and she went to the computer room and talked with some of her friends. She is eating better and even says that the food smells good! This morning they did another chest xray and her lung looks like it is reinflated again. The Doctors came in around 10a and took the chest tube out. She didn't like that!! But with good medicine she is sleeping now and hopefully wont remember much of it. They are going to do another chest xray later to make sure it still looks ok. We have to stay in the hospital today and may get to go home tomorrow. Please pray that her lung stays inflated and we will update later.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

11:30 AM

Kassidy is doing much better today. They are going to keep the chest tube in a few more days to make sure her lung is going to stay inflated. She is drinking and even eating a little bit more. Her blood counts have improved and are almost back to normal. It's great to have her sitting up, talking to friends and even wanting to get on the computer. We never thought we would say this, but we can't wait for her to get back on the computer! She's not sleeping much but she had slept a lot the past two weeks so I guess she wants to stay up as much as possible. Of course Mom and Dad would like for her to sleep a little bit more so we could get some sleep!! But we're glad to see her being more herself again. Thanks for all the messages and hopefully Kassidy will be back on the computer soon and you all can talk to her on AIM or instant messenger.

Tammy

Friday, April 13, 2007

3:00 PM

Kassidy is feeling better today except for an occasional fever spike (from low blood counts). She received a transfusion this afternoon and they expect to remove her chest tube soon. She is expected to be moved from ICU to the children's floor later today! Hopefully, she'll be released from the hospital on Sunday.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

11:00 PM

Today, when Kassidy went to the oncologist, a chest x-ray revealed a collapsed lung so she was admitted to the hospital. The collapse was a result of the port-a-cath installation. The lung has been "reinflated" and Kassidy is feeling okay. She is expected to be in the hospital for 2-3 days.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

10:30 PM

Kassidy had a good day today. She was awake more and even ate part of a popsicle this morning. She watched some TV. Seemed to have less pain and didn't throw up at all! The nausea seems to be subsiding but she still doesn't seem to have any desire to eat. We continue to give her nutrients through the NG tube so she will not lose any more weight. Danny stayed with her today while I went to work. They looked at the website and Danny read some of the entries in the guest book to her. She seemed to enjoy that. I can't wait till she feels like being on the computer and can read all the entries herself. Thanks to everyone for all the encouraging words, thoughts and prayers. Tomorrow we go to have her lab work done. We are expecting that her white blood count will be very low. The Oncologist said this is normal but we will just have to wait and see how low. If it is OK then great but if low then she will have to have a transfusion while there. We'll pray for her counts to be up and surprise all the doctors!

Tammy

Monday, April 9, 2007

7:30 PM

Today we had to go back to the hospital to the oncologist's clinic. Kassidy threw up a lot last night and we had to stop the tube feedings. So, today they gave her some more fluids to keep her from being dehydrated. We also found out that one of the medicines she was getting in the hospital did not get called in to the pharmacy. We think that's what caused her to throw up. We picked that up on the way home and now she is resting comfortably. We hope for a better night!

Sunday, April 8, 2007

10:10 AM

Happy Easter to everyone! Kassidy is planning to be discharged from the hospital later today. We are going home with tons of medicines and she also has a naso-gastric tube (that goes into her stomach) in place so that we can give her medicines and nutrition through this. She is having some trouble with nausea but this is common with the chemotherapy. Overall, she is doing better today and the oncologists are encouraged with the way her knee looks. The swelling has gone down some and there are signs that the Chemo is already working. Praise God!! Thanks to everyone that has signed her guest book. That means a lot to us and Kassidy. We sat by her bedside last night and read those to her. This gives us all encouragement that we can beat this!

Tammy,Danny, Kassidy and Courtney

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

2:12 PM

Kassidy was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday night instead of Wednesday. We came to Roanoke to have some other tests done before surgery and she was running a fever, had fluid in her ears and felt terrible so they went ahead and admitted her. She got some fluids and antibiotics all through the night. This morning she went down to surgery to have the port put in and is back in the room already and doing well. She is hooked up to a morphine pump that keeps continuous pain medicine in her system. Right now she is snoring!! I think she will sleep the rest of today away! They are going to start the chemotherapy around 4pm tonight.

We also found out today that she will be going through around 40 weeks of treatments. So, maybe by Christmas we will be almost done. Long road ahead and each time she has chemo she will be admitted to the hospital for 3-6 days. She won't have chemo every week. She won't the next two weeks but the two weeks after and everything is subject to how she is doing and how her blood work is keeping steady. Things will change from week to week and sometimes daily. At the 11th week mark, we will have more scans to see if the chemo is working. If, at that time, the cancer is contained to her right femur then she will return to MCV and have the bone replaced by a rod in her femur and then come back and continue with the chemo.