Loving Lucy

To our tribe of supporters, all who have been following our little Lucy’s story, and to those of you who are following for the very first time: This family is gearing up for another fight. After a year of appearing to be “dead”, Lucy’s Retinoblastoma is starting to show signs of life again. Since we had hoped this tumor was no longer active – change of any kind is a threat. Starting in September, my brother Travis, sister-in-law Tori, and their sweet family will be gearing up for round #2 of chemo treatments for Lucy. Instead of the intravenous chemotherapy, this time will look much different: they will send a catheter up through her femoral artery – all the way to behind her eye, where they can treat the tumor directly. The effects of this treatment are a little uncertain in terms of how Lucy will feel in the weeks following the (minimum of 2) procedures. But we are hopeful! Her tumors were unbelievably responsive to chemotherapy in the past, so our hopes are high that this will be the final attack that will kill them FOREVER.

Treatments will take place under the careful watch of the team at Seattle Children’s Hospital, which is over an hour away from Lucy’s home. This means a drastic increase in travel time, fuel costs, and of course, meals on the go for Trav and Tor.

In addition to Retinoblastoma, Lucy also has a separate condition that affects her development. Lucy will be two years old in November but is still physically assessed to be around age 3-6 months. The last several months have brought huge gains in her growth, thanks to feedings through her JG tube. She is working hard on holding her head up, is now 19 lbs, and recently got her first tooth! In the coming months, she will be getting new equipment to help her be more mobile. A 2-year-old needs to be on the move! She has recently been measured for a new wheelchair which will help in supporting her in a more upright position so she can experience more of the world. It should be ready for her right around her birthday As you can imagine, these custom chairs also come at a significant expense, but this is a necessity this family will find a way to obtain!

These past 21 months have taken this family on a WILD ride, and have brought on ALL the feels: sadness, fear, exhaustion, anger, guilt, you name it… but LOOK AT THIS LITTLE GIRL – with all the trials she has been through, she still smiles right at us and brings on immeasurable feelings of LOVE, devotion, joy and HOPE.

Any and ALL levels of support are appreciated beyond words. Whether it’s a monetary donation, a purchase of “Loving Lucy” gear (https://www.bonfire.com/loving-lucy/) or just sharing Lucy’s story to raise awareness – it means the world!!