Loving Arianna

This sweet prescious girl came into my life on her first day of kindergarten in August of 2012. Little did I know the blessings, love, and pure joy she would bring not only to me as her teacher, but to our entire school. Arianna was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ewing's sarcoma when she was 4. It was in her pelvis and she had a long fight ahead of her. She has an amazing Mom named Amanda and a wonderful big sister name Bri. They were her strength, and they continue to be today. Beating the odds, she survived the cancer and went into remission!!! Her hair grew back, she was full of life, and ready to tackle school! Our kindergarten year was full of fun and magical moments that she took such joy in experiencing. She did suffer from tremendous migraines that would affect her at times, but we worked through them. She lit up the room just by smiling, and each person she came into contact with absolutely adored her! She had my heart from the first day I saw her! She passed kindergarten with flying colors, and was excited about first grade!! Just like kindergarten she was amazing in each grade after that!! Fast forward to 2016. I am now a fourth grade teacher at the same school and guess who I get to teach everyday??? You got it! This sweet angel! Even though I saw her quite frequently during her 1-3 grade years, it's amazing to teach her again! She's the type of kiddo that makes everyone around her smile! Her classmates love her and have become her protectors! They look out for her, worry about her, and pray for her. Sadly, she is battling some things again that she's quite scared to take on. There are days where she curls up in my lap and cries because she doesn't want to lose her hair again. Her mom, Amanda, is amazing and does everything in her power for her two girls, but right now she's struggling. With Arianna having to go back and forth to St. Jude (she goes next week for scans to see if the cancer has grown) its hard to hold down a job. She works at a flower shop here in our hometown, but at times it may only be 1 day a week depending on how Arianna is feeling or doctors appointments. She has had to have a few surgeries to straighten her leg because the previous cancer stunted its growth and caused her foot to turn inward. There are so many sweet children out there that suffer from cancer, and it makes you apppreciate your health and the health of your own children so much more. They need our help, they need our support. Please ask yourself, "What if this were me or my child?" If you can find it in your heart to give it would help this amazing family so much. No amount is too small! Amanda is a very proud woman and she hardly ever asks for help, but she/they need it. As they await this trip to St. Jude next week I would also ask for your prayers. Again, like all little ones who suffer from this horrible disease called cancer they covet your prayers. Thank you for reading along and sharing this journey of this prescious little girl! I will keep updating as we find out new information from the doctors next week. Thank you agin!