lookin' good sam!

So a year ago, this past weekend, my best friend got married in Alpharetta, GA and we missed it. Well. They skyped us in. Here we were in Sam's hospital room, just 11 days after transplant. He was running a high fever that day, but buttoned up his dress shirt over his hospital gown and smiled bravely for our friends.

long distance bridesmaid

This past Saturday night, exactly one year later, we found ourselves at another very special wedding. We spent much of the night on the dance floor. After missing 6 weddings since Sam's diagnosis we had a lot to make up for. There's only one clear picture of the both of us from the night, and I love it. I just can't believe how far Sam has come and how wonderful he looks.

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one year post transplant

Day +365!!

Wednesday, April 3 marked one whole year since Sam's stem cell transplant at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Though our vision for the day (relaxing somewhere beautiful with Jack) and the reality of the day (long and grueling with plenty of pokes and prods) could not have been further off, it's A-OK because we just got the news that everything looks GREAT and Sam continues to be disease free!! And...as if that wasn't enough. We were also given the paperwork that will put us in contact with our donor! The National Marrow Donor Program prohibits donors and recipients from meeting until at least a year post-transplant. We are beyond excited to have the chance to personally thank the woman who's done so much for our family. And thank you ALL for supporting us every step of the way.

Remember this? What a difference a year can make.

goodbye sweet boy

As told by Waylon's parents:

"Let the children come to me, and not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:12

Waylon has gone home to his Father in Heaven. We were blessed to watch over one of God's children for a short time. Our son was surrounded by unending love and devotion. We can't thank our family and friends enough for their love and devotion to us and to Waylon throughout these last six months. Please pray for all the families and for Waylon.
We will celebrate his life on Friday, 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Okeechobee. At 10 am we will receive family and friends.
Will and Lauren

If you are still interested in helping the family, please don't hesitate to contact Sam or me. Here is a link to more information.

Out of the Hospital!

Sam is home! Thank you for all of the thoughtful well wishes, messages and prayers of support. He's feeling much better, and will be taking Arixtra (sort of like Coumadin) for the next few months. We will be headed over to Moffitt next week for his one year check-up. This is a very big deal for a transplant patient. I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Again, thank you so much.

admitted

Sam's been admitted to the hospital with a blood clot near his left lung. Though he really doesn't want to be here, it's a blessing it was found and treated before anything terrible happened. They want to keep him here for a bit for monitoring and to possibly find where it came from. Let's pray for his medical team here at Indian River Medical Center and for strength and peace for Sam. Did I mention he really doesn't want to be here?  :)

hey, it's just like old times....

Back in the ER

We are back in the ER for the second time this week. Sam has sharp pain on his left side when he breathes, and, as most of us know, if he's complaining about pain it must be bad. They've started an iv and will be running some tests and scans. Please pray this is something minor, and we will be home soon. And...happy wedding day Derek and Lauren!!