Support Violette's Fight Against Neuroblastoma
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My sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lauren and Joe Sewell, are going through the unimaginable right now with their beautiful baby girl, Violette “Lettie.” Please consider donating to help this incredible family and their precious daughter. If you can’t donate simply keeping her in your prayers is deeply appreciated and comforting. There aren’t enough words to express thanks to you all!
This is her story in her fathers words:
“Our sweet Violette was born on July 17, 2024. Within the first 5-6 weeks she had been struggling with eating, which landed us at Hopkins for 2 weeks at the end of August. The resulting diagnosis was severe reflux and the treatment plan was a combination of an ng tube with a cocktail of medications to help her eat and comfortably gain weight. After being discharged for a few weeks, she became increasingly uncomfortable and her belly began to swell. We brought her back to Hopkins and were admitted once again. Violette had an MRI on 10/23 which the results indicated a serious, but likely treatable cancer called a neuroblastoma which metastasized to her liver. Thursday 10/24 she had a biopsy that will confirm the staging and direct our treatment and prognosis expectations. Friday 10/25 she had a CT scan to check her lungs to make sure the cancer hadn’t spread there, which it hasn't (praise God!) She had a blood transfusion to get all of her levels a little more regulated in preparation for her first cycle of chemotherapy. And they also conducted an Echo scan of her heart to make sure everything there looked good prior to starting the chemo. We had a consult/consent meeting with the lead oncologists on Friday also, which went well regarding the treatment plan. She started the first cycle of chemo treatment yesterday 10/26. The first cycle doesn’t differ based off of the results of the biopsy, so everyone was on board with starting it prior to receiving any results from pathology (likely won't get anything for a week). Overall the doctors think the prognosis looks really good, but we'll know more when we get the results of the biopsy. Still a long road ahead, but Lauren and I are very encouraged and optimistic after the last few days and the meeting with the doctors. We're trusting in God and His sovereign plan and just grateful for the prayers and encouragement we've been receiving.”
To add, Miss Lettie is the luckiest little sister to 2 big brothers (age 3 and 4) and one big sister (age 9.) Joe is a helicopter pilot, served active duty in the Marine Corp with a tour in Afghanistan and continues to serve in the Marine Corp Reserves. He’s had to our work on hold of course to be present for his baby girl and family. The Sewell’s are the most resilient, kindest, wonderful family. They would never ask but we think they deserve support during this unexpected time of their lives.
The below link for Caring Bridge is the site that Joe and Lauren plan on posting updates on Letties journey. Please do not donate money to that site, the money does NOT go to Joe and Lauren it only goes to the website. If you feel inclined to give please give through the GoFundMe page. Thank you!
https://www.caringbridge.org/site/07c997b5-9469-11ef-974d-6be29660e9fc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=webm&utm_content=copylink_leftmenu_php
**Please know. All money donated is going to the family to assist in the financial burden of childhood cancer with lost wages, added costs, gas, parking at the hospital, childcare for their other 3 children, etc. Thank you! The generosity shown by you all is extremely humbling and I dont think we will ever be able to express our gratitude.**
Organizer
Caitlin Sewell
Organizer
Eldersburg, MD