- R
Your daughter has cancer.
Words that make a parent's heart stop.
Jen and BJ Finley heard those words less than one week ago after they took their beautiful 8-year-old daughter, Brielle, to the ER because her temperature kept fluctuating the past few weeks. The ER doctor felt a lump near her kidney and Brielle was admitted to St. Joseph's Children's Hospital that same day. The next day, Jen and BJ's baby girl was in a 6 hour surgery to remove the 5 pound tumor and one of her kidneys. Thankfully, the surgery went well and she is recovering. Her journey toward good health, however, is far from over as she now faces 6 months of chemotherapy.
All parents have been in Jen and BJ's shoes with their own child's fever, myself included. Pediatricians tell us it's a virus, to push fluids, give Tylenol or Motrin, and rest. Am I right? We take our child back home, ride out the virus, and when it's gone we send our child back to school.
Brielle's chair at her school desk remains empty. Cards pile on her desk eagerly awaiting her return to school. We don't know when she'll be back. We miss her and we worry about her. Her friends are scared. I am scared. The class of 7 and 8-year-old children form a circle, hold hands, close their eyes, and send well-wishes to their friend in total silence. It would tug at your heart to watch them. How do I know all of this? Because I am Brielle's Second Grade teacher, Mrs. Zorn.
Let me tell you about Brielle. She is an adorable little girl with a big heart. She is happy, always sporting a cute smile with a little dimple. She is smart, funny, and always gives her best effort to everything she does. Everyone is Brielle's friend because that's just how sweet and kind-natured she is; children are drawn to her. She was recently recognized at school for good character, walking up on stage to receive the class award for caring. That's our Brielle. When her friends need something, she's there for them.
Now, Brielle needs us. Her family needs us. They need our prayers. They are just like our families. It could have been any one of us facing these hurdles. Brielle has an older brother, Zach, who wants his little sister well and back home. She has two dogs, Sydney and Bowdey, who don't understand where their little girl is. Her mom volunteers at school. Her dad is in the military.
The outpouring of love for her family during this difficult time has been immeasurable. People are asking me how they can help the Finley Family -- people I don't even know; therefore, I am starting this fund to show our support. We all know they will have unplanned expenses as they maneuver through this new water. So, let's help them.
My heartfelt thanks to anyone who donates, no amount is too small. If you are unable to donate at this time, please pray for the Finley Family.
2 Kings 20:5. This is what the Lord says: I have heard your prayer. And I have seen your tears. So I will heal you.
#TeamBrielle
Words that make a parent's heart stop.
Jen and BJ Finley heard those words less than one week ago after they took their beautiful 8-year-old daughter, Brielle, to the ER because her temperature kept fluctuating the past few weeks. The ER doctor felt a lump near her kidney and Brielle was admitted to St. Joseph's Children's Hospital that same day. The next day, Jen and BJ's baby girl was in a 6 hour surgery to remove the 5 pound tumor and one of her kidneys. Thankfully, the surgery went well and she is recovering. Her journey toward good health, however, is far from over as she now faces 6 months of chemotherapy.
All parents have been in Jen and BJ's shoes with their own child's fever, myself included. Pediatricians tell us it's a virus, to push fluids, give Tylenol or Motrin, and rest. Am I right? We take our child back home, ride out the virus, and when it's gone we send our child back to school.
Brielle's chair at her school desk remains empty. Cards pile on her desk eagerly awaiting her return to school. We don't know when she'll be back. We miss her and we worry about her. Her friends are scared. I am scared. The class of 7 and 8-year-old children form a circle, hold hands, close their eyes, and send well-wishes to their friend in total silence. It would tug at your heart to watch them. How do I know all of this? Because I am Brielle's Second Grade teacher, Mrs. Zorn.
Let me tell you about Brielle. She is an adorable little girl with a big heart. She is happy, always sporting a cute smile with a little dimple. She is smart, funny, and always gives her best effort to everything she does. Everyone is Brielle's friend because that's just how sweet and kind-natured she is; children are drawn to her. She was recently recognized at school for good character, walking up on stage to receive the class award for caring. That's our Brielle. When her friends need something, she's there for them.
Now, Brielle needs us. Her family needs us. They need our prayers. They are just like our families. It could have been any one of us facing these hurdles. Brielle has an older brother, Zach, who wants his little sister well and back home. She has two dogs, Sydney and Bowdey, who don't understand where their little girl is. Her mom volunteers at school. Her dad is in the military.
The outpouring of love for her family during this difficult time has been immeasurable. People are asking me how they can help the Finley Family -- people I don't even know; therefore, I am starting this fund to show our support. We all know they will have unplanned expenses as they maneuver through this new water. So, let's help them.
My heartfelt thanks to anyone who donates, no amount is too small. If you are unable to donate at this time, please pray for the Finley Family.
2 Kings 20:5. This is what the Lord says: I have heard your prayer. And I have seen your tears. So I will heal you.
#TeamBrielle
Organizer and beneficiary
William Finley
Beneficiary