Claire’s continued cancer fight

Claire was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in June of 2020. Her mom Dianne, whose job was already impacted by the pandemic, was pregnant with baby Troy who came later the following month. Claire responded great to the induction chemotherapy, radiation and after the resection surgery removed all of the visible tumor, Claire had clear scans as of December 2020. She flew home in January 2021 and had a wonderful 4 week break from treatment and flew back to New York for Memorial Sloan Kettering’s pioneering 3f8 antibody treatment that takes one week to complete. At the end of that week were regular full body scans to look for any recurrence. Sadly there was a large tumor in Claire’s brain, in her left sinus, and on her right leg. The team at MSK wasted no time and surgically removed the brain tumor and used proton therapy to her whole brain and spine, with boosts to her left sinus and her leg. Claire threw up the tumor as it responded to the mighty proton beams, and once again obtained clear scans (yusss!)
Claire is still in New York waiting to receive MSK’s other pioneering treatment, 8h9, a life extending antibody that has changed what it means to have a Central Nervous System relapse of neuroblastoma. Her brain tumor had genetic testing completed and it shows that it has a mutation that is also treatable. 
With all these developments, mom has been unable to work, and just breathing outside of the home costs money. Relying solely on Kenny’s income has been challenging. Mom Dianne is trying to find ways to work remotely, but it’s a new way to work with the pandemic affecting all areas of life for everyone.
(entering first person, as mom)
I’m starting the fundraiser back up because I’m trying to find a way to keep up as Claire’s treatment continues down this new path.

I need the funds gradually over the next few months as we will be in New York longer than I anticipated. 
I’m staying at the Ronald McDonald house, so room and food are available here. Sometimes I like to get fruit and vegetables from the market, and I send some things home in the mail and use the funds for postage. Claire loves apps on her iPad, which we got for her with our first fundraiser. Once in a while I will let her purchase a a special app or an educational game that costs money. Just recently I paid for a month of Barbie Dreamhouse, and she loves doing nails and makeup on the models.  She enjoys making the dollies swim in the pool, like she used to do at home.
Recently, I bought an inflatable tub for Claire to take baths while she’s inpatient at the hospital. I bought value yarn and hot glue sticks so I could make a craft in the room since Claire doesn’t often feel well enough to go out.
Sometimes I will let her pick out a thing at target, or on our city walks, like sunglasses (which she likes to wear upside down)
Getting her to eat is a challenge that I pay money to encourage. She likes teriyaki chicken kids meal from Panda Express, and I will buy it when she asks for it, and it has encouraged her to eat more often instead of just her g-tube. She will also drink coconut water for electrolytes at times.
I got my hair cut a couple months ago, that was so expensive.
I love to read books to Claire so I have a subscription to the Epic app, $10/monthly, that allows unlimited picture books, that I can read, and it reads the books to Claire instead of YouTube, with its’ grunts and unpredictable content.
These things are independence to me, and it helps me to cope with Claire’s illness, and gives me hope that she will recover, go to school, and grow into the beautiful person I can see being so strong as no 3 year old should have to be. 
I can’t do this on my own, not even close. I have been so fortunate to have my friends and family by my side, and I’m so deeply humbled in this moment. I want to be here for her, and show the world that we can beat the impossible.
Thank you for your support. You are everything to Claire and me.