Thursday, February 28, 2008

Update on Kayla


I have had several people enquiring on Kayla's well being. So ill try to bring you up to date.

My neice has had a very busy month!

First of all check out this link Dream Experience to watch a video that includes Kayla. Kayla's dream is to be a writer, possibly a journalist. Earlier this month she and three other kids got to "Be a Reporter for a Day" at the Edmonton Global TV station. It was a gift from the Kids With Cancer Society, as explained in the video. Of Course Kayla is the tall one with the curly hair.

Doesn't she look great?

You can forget about that hair now though because she has once again gone bald! No, don't worry, not more Chemo! Last Monday was family Day in Edmonton, and Kayla and her sister Lexi, shaved their heads in a benefit for Kids With Cancer. They and many others were balding for dollars and raised several thousand dollars. I am so impressed that somebody who had no choice but to be bald durin her treatment, would choose to give up her hair as it has just grown back! Makes an auntie proud. Lexie is only ten, yet she already has learned so much about cancer because of her big sister. She is so cool to shave her head to support this worthy cause! These two sisters are quite amazing people and have more compassion than many adults in this world.

Another child whom I think of often is young Steven Bell, who is a brain cancer survivor. He also shaved his head last week. CLICK HERE to read his mothers touching recount of that day.


Kayla got to be "A Cop for A Day" also. HERE IS A LINK to last years story about thaT. Towars to end of the clip, Kayla is named Commander of the Day and is given an RCMP hat to wear! I dont have any footage or photos yet from this year.

A couple of weeks ago, Kayla was out in the ice and fell, twisting her ankle and it was quite briuised and tender. Although she is quite nimble on her prosthesis, walking in the snow and ice is difficult for the most surefooted two legged person! Gladly, she has recoved after a few days off school, and was back in class again today. She was able to keep up with her studies, thanks to a very supportive councellor who visited the house regularly with homework.

This week, Kayla went for her scans, and thankfully they came back clear. No more cancer has grown since her lung surgery at Christmas! According to her mom, Kayla was beaming ear to ear when she heard the results. It is such a relief to us all. The doctors will continue to monitor her closely. As much as we all try to be possitive and pray for the best, there is always a seed of worry lurking in the back of your mind, and this latest news is very well recieved!

10 comments:

Joe Robinsmith said...

Glad to hear the Kayla is doing so well. Good to see that even with a prosthesis she can get out on the ice and snow to have fun. Loved the pics of the moon in eclipse. I watched it all the way to the Ranch that night. We've been down there quite a bit lately. Haven't seen you guys there in a while.

Chastity said...

I'm so glad Kayla has gotten some great news! I hope it continues!!

Dick said...

That is good news about Kayla. I am glad that she has stayed involved in some of those programs that are so good for kids who are fighting tough odds. She can be a real inspiration to other kids.

Bobbie said...

It's great to see that Kayla is doing so well, and I'm glad the latest scans came back clear. Kudos to her for shaving her head to support other kids with cancer. She's a real inspiration.

Kathy said...

Kayla looks great, and kudos to her for voluntarily going bald.

There were no girls at Steven's school volunteering to lose their locks, although several did donate to Locks of Love.

Hair is just hair, and when we were at St. Jude with all those beautiful bald kids we grew to have a special affection for smooth shiny scalps.

During chemo there is no stubble and there's something terribly charming about all that forehead.

I am so very glad the MRI was good. MRI days are the real curse of having a child with cancer, on those days we come face to face with our deepest fears.

Tell her to keep it up and we're rooting for here down south.

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan, It's great to hear such wonderful news about Kayla! Such a trouper to shave her head like you said after it was just growing back. Loved your pictures of the eclipes. Mine were so shaky, I couldn't figure out how to use the tripod to keep the camera steady.
Hugs, Faye

Penny said...

Great to hear the good news about Kayla. She's been on my mind and in my prayers. While it may only be hair, and hair grows back, it is a big deal to most people. What a generous thing for Kayla and her sister to do.

Skunkfeathers said...

Great news on Kayla. I think, along with Monica's Julia, we have a second FoN (Force of Nature) on our hands in Kayla.

As for the journalism wish of hers: Kayla, take this for what it's worth from a total stranger who only plays with words online. If you apply the determination, the courage, the fortitude, and the desire to your wish of becoming a journalist, that you have applied to facing other adversities in your life, I reckon you'll become as good a journalist in our time as we now have or know.

Granted, that's just my opinion. But those who know you wouldn't bet against you; those who don't, have much to learn.

The sky's the limit, Kayla. Go for it, young lady.

Curtis said...

Now that is way cool, getting to go to the TV station and participate. Good hear Kayla is doing well. I liked the addition of Steven Bell. He is a special young lad as well as his family is special. Ellen and I have met them personally and they are wonderful. Yes you are right Kayla has been busy. Have a great week.

George Townboy said...

Touching story .... and great news that the cancer has not returned.