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Sunday, June 24, 2007 8:00 AM CDT

Good Morning!

We made it through a very difficult week and there is no other way to go but up! I never knew how hard Father's Day would be for me, and honestly, it was worse than I ever imagined. Then Kelly's birthday was Tuesday and that hurt all over again.

I am angry at many things and anger is part of the grieving and recovery process. After a few days I am forced to live with the pain and go on and try to handle myself properly and then take each day, one day at a time.

After waking up Wednesday, Kelly's birthday was over and the recovery process started again. Lynne and I attend grief counseling classes, and there is one this week. It is good to talk to other parents who have lost a child too early in their life also.

Part of the recovery process is having the help of others to talk to and get things off our chest. I want to thank so many of you who have been there for our family these past few years. I saw many of my old friends at the beach this week playing rugby and it was great to see so many people who care for us. Our friends are so important to us and many of them have been so strong for us!

Michael is at a sleepaway camp this week and is having a great time. He really is such a good kid and he has a big heart. He is a great big brother and we are so proud of him! I am enjoying the quiet time, but miss him.

I do have to mention another sign from my angel. Friday night I was picking up weeds walking around my house, when all of a sudden I looked up and saw a beautiful butterfly flutter around and land on a bush right in from of me. It flew around me for quite some time and landed inches from me. I looked at it and talked to Kelly and I knew she was OK again. It was Kelly flying by, stopping in to wish me a good night and tell me she is fine. God, I miss her so much and love her so much. I do know she is fine and she loves us also. Believe me, she is waiting for us and she will be in our arms one day again!

Thank all of you for your phone calls, as they really help us get through these very difficult times, as we try to continue to get stronger and heal.

Love,
Steve, Lynne, Michael, Kelly and Buddy

Tuesday, June 19, 2007 5:08 AM CDT

Happy Birthday Kelly, my little Angel love!!!!!

Kelly's birthday is today! She was born at 7:09 PM and we remember it like it was yesterday.

I will look back today and remember the happy, healthy days and the wonderful times we spent together. We were fortunate to have been able to love and to hold this little girl for as long as we did.

She truly was an Angel sent to us to enjoy and we will always remember our little girl. We will go and visit Kelly today and have a cake later this evening with her.

Last year we had some of her friends over for a pool party and the pictures are wonderful to look at. I will try to get to get through today and things may get a little easier, I hope!

Last night I talked to a very good friend who has known Michael and Kelly since they were born. She went looking for a picture of Kelly and the very first picture they came upon was a picture of Kelly at a birthday party, and she had a big fork in her mouth and she was smiling as always! She was the only girl in the picture with a fork in her mouth and maybe she knew something all this time.

As I have said before, the best is yet to come for all of us and Kelly was buried with a big fork! I know she is smiling and looking down on us and waiting for us to see her again. She loved to eat and she always has a fork with her now!

Happy Birthday my little Angel, I love you so much and I miss you every minute of my life! You will be with me every moment and I can't wait to hold you again! I know you will jump into my arms and give me a big punch in the stomach!

I love you so much my little sweetheart! Happy Birthday you beautiful, loving, gorgeous, sweet, daddy's little girl! We will be together forever!

Love, Your Dad

Sunday, June 17, 2007 12:20 AM CDT

Happy Father's Day Kelly, my Angel ! I love you so much.

Kelly was born on Father's Day, 13 years ago! And her 13th Birthday will be Tuesday! This is a very painful day , even as I write this letter to my Kelly! I know I must be strong but it still hurts so much!

We are trying to get through this tough time. It hurts, her loss, so, so much, I never thought today would be such a hard day. I miss her so much and it still is not fair or right but I can not go back there anymore.

I went to church where we had Kelly's Memorial Service early this morning. Going to church is both satisfying because I feel good in the presence of God and then I cry because Kelly got sick way too early in her life.

At church, Richard , the pastor, showed me the new prayer room dedicated to Kelly and I sat there for quite a while this morning. I sat there and talked to my Kelly and then I regained my strength and made it through the morning.

We are going to hang some new wind chimes near the tree by Kelly today so she can hear the music when the wind blows.

Michael and I had a great day at Busch Gardens yesterday for Fathers Day! He woke me up at 5:30 in the morning and we were at the park by 7! SheiKra, the famous roller coaster became floorless and my daredevil son was on the first ride, front row as it was opened to the public.

Last week we rode Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, and that that roller coaster goes 128 MPH and is 456 feet high and we had a blast at that theme park as we got a way for a few days.

We will get through today and see how Tuesday goes. The first of every special day is very hard and this weekend is very painful and frustrating.

But when I see Kelly's girl friends I do feel better, hugging them and talking to them as Kelly is with them and will be forever. Thank you for your kind words and continued support, it really does help.

Kelly, you are the best daddy's little girl and I can't wait to hold you in my arms again! I promise I will live in your honor and you will never be forgotten!

We will be together, forever!

Love Your Dad

Friday, June 15, 2007 5:30 PM CDT

We made it through another week! Now let us get through this one and then we can make time fly again! Kelly was born on Father's Day, 13 years ago, and we will never forget that special day!

I started thinking about that this afternoon and got angry again ! Then I realized I cannot go to some places in my mind yet! It still hurts too much.

Kelly's birthday this year is Tuesday, June 19th. Kelly, you will always be with me in my heart, forever. I look at your pictures all the time and smile and cry! It is not fair at all but we must continue to live. We will continue to live in your honor! This weekend we will go visit Kelly and we plan to spend time alone as a family on her birthday.

Kelly has been away from us for over three months now, time does help a little, that is all we have now, time spent away from her, but with Michael. Kelly's big brother is such a good kid and he is doing great right now!

Kelly, I want you to know I love you so much, it hurts so much at times but I know you are watching over us every day, with that big Kelly smile.

You are the best little girl and I will always love you with all my heart. Kelly's friends have been so good to me and I know they will always treasure the time spent with her too.

We plan to go to Busch Gardens early tomorrow to ride the floorless ShieKra tomorrow morning as it reopens and then we will get ready for Sunday and Tuesday!

Thank you all for continuing to follow Kelly, she is the most beautiful little girl in the world and it is not fair or right to have lost her this early in life. Why, why, why! I am going to church Sunday morning and afternoon and I will ask God that same question!

Love,
Steve, Lynne and Michael

Monday, June 11, 2007 4:07 AM CDT

The Mass last night was beautiful and well attended by many of Kelly's friends from her school and her other activities.

Three of Kelly's classmates were the offertory servers and John, another classmate who was instrumental in the Mass being intended for Kelly, was the alter server too. Her classmates will forever be with Kelly and she will forever be with them!

Going to church is heart wrenching at times and very peaceful, too. There are so many mixed emotions I went through sitting in church, wondering why Kelly, why my family, why me, why us, looking at her friends and seeing Kelly inside of them, then knowing she is in heaven, resting, not in any pain, but then I would give anything to have her back or you take her place, in a second, so she could experience the things we all have!

It hurts so much at times to think about those last moments, the last few days, months, and years and then the pain, hurt and anger returns. I get angry again and relax for a few minutes and know there is nothing I can do to bring her back. Then I want to live in her honor and be there for other children, and make a difference in their lives, if I can.

I cry and hurt so much at times and then relax after a few minutes. It is still an emotional roller coaster I am on and who knows if it will ever stop, when it will stop.

It really was wonderful to see and hug some of her close friends and know that they will never forget Kelly yesterday at church. She touched so many lives while she was battling, and before she was ever sick, and her love and smile will never be forgotten. It is true that I will never be the same person after losing a child and many things are looked at differently but somehow, I must move on and continue.

Kelly will live inside my heart each day.

Tuesday is three months since Kelly flew off to be in another place. I love her so much still and miss her more every day. Kelly, I would switch places with you if I could in a heart beat. I miss you so much and love you so much.

We will be together, forever one day, and I can't wait to hold you again. Thank you for being the best daddy's little girl ever.

Thank you all for continuing to support our family as we are taking each day, one day at a time, step by step.

Love,

Steve, Lynne and Michael

Monday, June 4, 2007 5:11 AM CDT

Check out the new photographs of Kelly! We are going to update them more regularly now that Michael has more time off for the summer! You can see that gorgeous Kelly smile !

We made it through another weekend. We go to visit with Kelly often. Her new headstone is beautiful. She deserves it!

There was a father of a child in Kelly's class that passed away this week. We went to the funeral service Friday morning, and it was very emotional for me at times. I felt Kelly in the church. It was good to be there to support the many parents and children from the kids school. The music hurt the most. Many of the songs that were played Friday were also played at Kelly's service. I did see many of Kelly's friends there and it made it easier after I hugged them.

The man is now resting very close to Kelly and many of her teachers and friends got to see where Kelly lies. Many people commented on the beautiful engraved headstone that marks Kelly's special spot. The service was right next to Kelly, and I mean right next to her! When her friend from class comes to visit his father over time, he will be able to visit with one of his classmates too!

Laying in bed early Sunday morning, I heard birds chirping outside my window. I was sleeping in, and I thought that was my girl Kelly telling me to get up and sit in the hot tub like we always did on the weekends. I listened to the birds singing for a while and then saw the birds sitting on the fence, chirping away. It was Kelly and her other childhood friends she has met, waking me up again with her music. I never hear birds singing outside my door! Kelly was letting me know she is okay and playing with other children she has met ! I know she is playing her piano for everyone!

A newspaper article on our Kelly was reprinted again in the local paper last Saturday. Ironically, the writer attended Kelly's school a few years back. He really gave back to his alma mater by spending a tremendous amount of time and effort researching. Kelly truly would have loved the idea of this scholarship in her honor to help other children. We are sure she would be smiling about his !!! In case you missed it, you can go to:

www.tampatribune.com
Community/Northwest/Cancer Victim Will Be Remembered

At the end of the article, please take a moment to post a comment. We feel the writer did a fabulous job.

Thank you all for continuing to support us. Michael is a great big brother and doing well now. He has been through so much and has grown up these past few years. He is ready to go on to high school in the fall and he is a good kid! We are very proud of him! He continues to get great grades and thrives on school and everything it has to offer. This week he is volunteering his time at a local church. We are sure Kelly is right there with him, also.

I am doing better, time helps to heal, but the hurt is still there. I will never be the same person after losing my child. It really is a very long struggle and battle, and it has broken my heart. Many things do not matter any more and do not mean the same thing. Friends have helped us so much and we appreciate their love and support as we recover.

There will be a Mass dedicated to Kelly next Sunday afternoon at 5:30 at St. Paul's Church in Tampa. We will be there for her and are looking forward to seeing more of her friends at Mass. We went to the evening mass last Sunday night and it was good to see some of Kelly's friends. John, one of the nicest kids and the next class president of the kids school, was the altar server and he has a special place in our hearts the way he has spoken about Kelly. He is the person responsible for having the Mass dedicated to our Angel. John, you are a fine young man and Kelly will always be with you!

Kelly, I love you so much and you will always be daddy's little girl. I cry so many times for a few minutes here and there because I miss you and love you so much. I will always treasure the times we spent together laughing and joking around. It is so unfair to have lost you so early in your life but I spent the most wonderful years of our lives together.

We will be together, forever!

Love,
Steve, Lynne and Michael

Monday, May 28, 2007 6:45 AM CDT

Congratulations to the first two winners of the Kelly Muldoon Christian Citizenship Award. Jessica and Mariagloria were the winners this year !

Lynne and I passed out the first scholarships in Kelly's honor Friday morning at the kids school and it was a touching ceremony! The two winners are truly wonderful girls and they were both very close to Kelly! It was a pleasure and an honor to be able to tell the children and parents about the award and then presenting it to two worthy winners. We got to see many of Kelly's friends. I thanked all of the teachers and I promised the girls I will see them a lot next year at mass on Tuesay morning and other school functions. Kelly would want me to keep in touch with her friends and the school for her! And I promise I will! Her friends mean so much to me too!

The school is arranging for a memorial garden in Kelly's name. It is going to be right outside her 5th grade teachers class room. When we started school, Kelly was in 5th grade and her teacher, Mrs. Grant, was a godsend to watch over her while she was fighting her battle. We have become very close to her and her family and I consider her to be my mother watching over our family now. It is only fitting that the garden should be right outside her first classroom and a large beautiful statue of an angel will be planted soon and will watch over all the chidren as they walk by.

I have to tell you about a few other signs that we have received from our Angel Kelly recently, and I cannot make these things up! It is truly amazing the situations that arise that Kelly is letting me know her spirit is alive and she is watching over us.

We still have her cell phone connected and last week I was driving in town, and just as I was turning onto a street called Kelly Road, my cell phone rang, and it was Lynne calling me from Kelly's phone. It popped up, Kelly's cell!! It has been a long time since I have received a call from her phone since she passed away!

Last week Michael and I went to buy him a new camera and we met the nicest man who helped us and was so generous with his time towards us. We spent over an hour with him and he took a liking to Michael who loves photography also. Just as we were leaving the store, Micahel looks up, and right above our heads was this beautiful color poster, custom made, with the UNC colors, logo's and scenery from the UNC campus. We both loved it right away and I asked who made it and I wanted to buy it for Kelly. It turned out that the man who was so generous with his time to us designed it and produced it and we bought it on the spot. He is a graduate from UNC and a Tar Heel through and through. He is making us another UNC poster for Kelly now and it will hang in her room too.

Last Thursday evening I played in my golf league and played with a person I had never met. We got along great, I actually won the league that night, and just as we were finishing our last hole, he asked if I had any children. I told him about Michael and Kelly. I mentioned that Kelly just passed from this life recently but she is watching over us every day. I mentioned our UNC soccer story and told him about the article in the paper the previous day. It turns out his wife played soccer at UNC years ago and his in-laws and family are all Tar Heels and from North Carolina! He knew all about the UNC woman's soccer program and was amazed that they created an annual award on Kelly's honor. That does not happen too many times at a large program like the UNC woman's soccer program and he stated that Kelly must have been very special to the team and I truly agreed !!!

It was another sign from Kelly that she is guiding me on the right path and meeting more special friends from UNC.

We are having a few of her soccer team mates over today and are looking forward to spending time with her friends. I am doing better each day, slowing recovering, although the hurt and loss will never go away.

Kelly's headstone turned out beautiful and it was placed a few days ago. We go to visit her every week and spend time with her! Kelly would be proud of how it turned out! Thank you all for continuing to pray for Kelly and us and for keeping in touch. The words and thoughts all help to keep us going every day. Have a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

A wonderful newspaper article about Kelly ran in the Tampa Tribune on Wednesday, May 23. You can view the page here:
http://www.tbo.com/life/familylife/MGBQPNZEZ1F.html

Love,
Steve, Lynne and Michael

Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:26 AM CDT

There was a nice article in the Tampa Tribune on Wednesday, May 23rd, about our little Angel.

It can be viewed online at www.tampatribune.com. Then go to Community, and click on Carrollwood. The title of the article is:

A Victory Amid a Battle Lost to Cancer

I hope you enjoy reading about Kelly.


Love,

Steve, Lynne and Michael

Saturday, May 19, 2007 12:02 AM CDT

Graduation was fantastic! And Kelly was right with us!

As I have said before, I have seen many signs from our girl and always will. She is in our heart and she is in our spirit and will be forever.

While we were at church waiting for Michael's graduation ceremony to start, we were sitting in the front row and I was thinking and looking at the altar. One of Kelly's best friends, Jessica, was sitting right next to me, just where Kelly would have been sitting.

I was smiling, looking at the beautiful candles on the altar when all of a sudden, from out of nowhere, the top golden ring on the one candle in front of me, just flies off and lands right in front of me. There are four identical candles that surround the altar and this candle, the one right in front of me, just loses its gold top and the ring lands at our feet.

I said to Lynne, there is Kelly again, making her presence known that she is with us and with Michael that evening! She will and has sent me numerous signs that I love to see! I know it is Kelly letting us know she is all right and waiting for us!

Michael looked great in his graduation gown and we are so proud of him as he goes into high school in the fall. He has handled everything so well and he is growing up too fast! He got straight A's and now, he is a young man.

I promised all of Kelly's classmates that I would stop by to see them regularly next year and go to Mass with her friends on Tuesday mornings. We will continue to see all of her friends and teachers. Kelly will be with that class forever and I know they will never forget her.

Michael and Kelly's yearbook came out last week and there was a beautiful tribute to our Angel. The yearbook staff designed the page, without us knowing. Of course, the headline on Kelly's page reads:


"Forever Rely On God"


A couple of years ago, everyone started to send Kelly FROGS. So yes, her room was painted green, and still is. Frogs are EVERYWHERE. Her friends are a wonderful group of kids and I promise to see them as much as I can next year. I feel like I need to see them and they want to see me also.

I am doing much better now, it has been over two months. Time helps to heal, but we miss our Angel so much. We will never, ever forget our little girl!

We started a scholarship at Kelly's school and will pass out the first annual Kelly Muldoon Christian Citizenship Award one morning this week. I am looking forward to seeing Kelly's friends and school mates again already!

Thank you all for your love and support as we continue to recover from our loss. Kelly, we love you so much and we will be together, forever. You will always be Daddy's little girl!

Love, Dad, Mom and Michael

Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:31 PM CDT

Michael is graduating tonight and he is ready for a big weekend! We have been very busy with all of his eighth grade activities and he is doing so well !! Lynne's mother is visiting this week - she wouldn't want to miss it !!! We are very proud of the way Michael's grades are and how he has handled this past year! I can't believe he is going to high school next year! He will do awesome !!!!

I have been going to Mass with Kelly's class every Tuesday morning and it is great to see all of her friends from school. I promised them I will see them all alot next year at school and I will make sure I keep in touch with all of her friends this summer. It is good for me, too, to see her friends and her friends enjoy seeing me.

We made it through Mother's Day last week also. We are visiting Kelly every weekend and take Buddy along with us. It is easier to stay for longer periods of time and her new, granite headstone should be placed soon. It is beautiful! Kelly, you deserve it!

It has been over two months now that Kelly passed and the hurt does get a little easier every day. Time will heal but we never ever forget our Angel and we talk to her and about her constantly.

The memories and the love we had will never be taken from us and Kelly will be with us and near us forever! Thank you all for helping us get through this time!

Kelly, we love you so much and I can't wait to hold you in our arms again!

Love Dad, Mom and Michael !!!

Sunday, May 6, 2007 1:50 PM CDT

I was sitting in the hot tub today as Kelly and I always did together on weekend mornings and I look up and see a beautiful cardinal fly up to the screen, sit on the porch table for a second, look at me and Buddy, squawk a few times at us, get some breakfast from our bird feeder, look at me again and fly off! Buddy was looking at the bird with me and he did not even bark at the bird either. Kelly was stopping in to say good morning!

Church was an event this morning, as the crucifer, the girl who walks up and places a cross in a stand, was sitting next to me. She was a friend from Kelly's softball team and I said hi to her and told her to make sure to put the cross in the stand so it won't tip over. Minutes after she walked back to me I smile at her, and the cross falls over in front of the congregation. Kelly was saying good morning to me again. Or she was yelling at me to make sure I go to church every week for her. That has never happened in all the years we have been going to this church!

I also saw the new children's prayer room the church is finishing up and Kelly will be forever honored in the church. It is a beautiful room that anyone can go to to pray and relax. Kelly, I promise to finish the room and you will forever be on display there, with your portrait hanging !

Kelly's wonderful piano teacher puts on two recitals each year. A year ago today Kelly performed her Concerto in C Duet at the recital. It was her most wonderful performance and we watch it frequently! I went to the recital this afternoon in honor of Kelly and to see some of her friends play. I shut my eyes and listened to the girls and boys play piano and I imagined Kelly was on stage again. She was smiling down upon me for being there and I know she was with all of us there !

I was having a bad week last week but then I went to Kelly's class Tuesday morning and then sat in Mass with her friends. It was a beautiful service and her friends all hugged me after Mass was over. I have been staying away from her friends and her school for whatever reason, maybe I was not ready to go see them yet, but now I can't wait to see her friends again! I promised Kelly's classmates I will go to church with them next year and I will make sure I stay in touch with all of her friends in class. I will participate in some school activities and Kelly will be with her friends! Kelly would want that! Now I look forward to seeing her classmates when I take Michael to school. This has hepled cheer me up again.

I realize it is a long recovery process and there is nothing we can do to bring her back in this life. But Kelly would want us to live a full, happy one and keep her in our hearts and minds. She would want us to keep going and not stop living a full complete life in her honor.

This week I am going to go to Mass with her class again and I am looking forward to another good week of work and thoughts of daddy's little girl.

Kelly, you will be with us forever and we love you so much. I promise to keep recovering and you will be with me in everything I do! I promise to be happy this week and smile everytime I think of you! You are so missed but you are with me every minute of every day! I love you so much and I will keep looking for other signs of you being near us ! We are together forever!


Love,
Steve, Lynne and Michael

Sunday, April 29, 2007 7:44 AM CDT

I received a few signs from our little angel Friday evening. Maybe Kelly knew I was having one of those bad days where you are angry, frustrated and mad at the world. Driving home after playing golf and winning our Kiwanis tournament for Kelly, I turned on the radio and heard "Baby Girl", playing and I started to cry again. You can feel good and then bad in a second. I missed the time we would be driving in the car, listening to country music together and that song, our favorite together, brought back so many good memeories of Kelly.

Later Friday evening, Lynne and I went to another Relay For Life cancer walk near our home. We have many friends who take the time to organize these events. Kelly's Irish Dance friends were walking in her honor at this one. As we walked up to the track, the luminaries were all just being lit, and we both said, let's look for Kelly's name.

Well, right after we said that, we look down and we see a lady lighting a luminary and it was Kelly's !! It had her name on it and it was the very first bag we looked at that night! Kelly, you were letting us know you were there with us and so many of your friends! It was truly an amazing site!

I played golf Saturday with some friends again and it was another start to get back to normal. We went to Kelly's final resting place yesterday, brought Buddy again, and we talked to Kelly for a while. It is easier to stay and we stay for much longer periods of time and talk to her!

Today we are having some of Kelly's friends over for a get-together and a day on the lake. We will also sit in the hot tub, and enjoy some of the things Kelly used to. I sit in there now and remember the hours of fun we had together sharing laughs and talking !! We spent so much time together just holding each other and I know she is with me when I sit and think about her.

There are also many things that are hard to do without her next to us. We used to spend hours watching Wheel Of Fortune, Jeopardy, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel and Smallville episodes. We would play Boggle and Pente and many other many other games together. All TV shows are hard to watch now. It is difficult to even turn those shows on. In time we will be able to watch them again and she will be sitting next to me !

I want to thank all of you who have made an effort recently to phone us, send a card or an e-mail. It is a very, very slow process to rebound from the loss of a child. A very difficult time, and there are many challenges for our family that lay ahead. We miss her so much, and there is an empty feeling but we are moving on each day, very slowly and again, taking one day at a time now.

Kelly will always be with us and we love you and miss you so much. Gosh, I miss holding her, biking with Kelly, playing outside with Kelly and just having her with us. It still is so unfair and so hard to talk about and it hurts so much. My heart will always be broken and things will never be the same but we will go on and Kelly will always be with us and so many other people.

You are my daddy's little girl and we wil be together, forever!! We love you so much and miss you!


Love, Steve, Lynne, Michael and Buddy

Tuesday, April 24, 2007 3:08 PM CDT

We had a wonderful visit to Animal Kingdom this past weekend and we stayed at the same hotel we took Michael and Kelly years ago. Michael rode Expedition Everest, the roller coaster, 13 times and could have kept going. I could not keep up with him!

There really is a void in our lives now and I know life will never be the same. But we are trying to go on and slowly keep going. I never knew how much my heart was broken, not having my little girl around, even if it was in a hospital bed. I could always hold her, touch her and smell her. It gets a little easier to look at young girls her age now and the pain will hopefully fade away.

We recently looked at some pictures taken a few days before Kelly passed and she was very sick. But she was always in my arms and that is what I miss now.

I went to the kids school for a quick visit for the first time Monday and it was tough on me. Now, the second time will be a little easier and it will get easier on each subsequent visit.

Thank you for your continued support, it helps get us through this tough time. There are many more good moments and there are many sad times also. You keep going and take one day at a time and try to remember her smile!

Thank you! Steve, Lynne, Michael, and Buddy

Sunday, April 15, 2007 6:23 PM CDT

We all had a better weekend! Friday night a few of Kelly's friends were walking in a Relay For Life to raise money for cancer research. We stopped Friday evening and it was good to see the girls and support their hard work.

I went back early Saturday morning to check on them and they were still walking. Kelly would have been proud of their effort and they walked in her honor! Emily raised over $1500 by herself and we are very proud of her! It was good to hug Kelly's friends again and good to see them.

As I have mentioned in the past and other people have stated, we will receive signs from Kelly that she is with us time to time! At the walk we set up a luminary to burn in her honor all evening. There were over 200 set up around the track and they burned all night long. Many caught on fire, many burned out and there was only one that stayed lit the whole night and looked like a brand new bag in the morning. Kelly's luminary bag was the last shining light on the track all night long and was the only light left burning in the morning. We kept her luminary and she was there watching over us and her friends all weekend.

Kelly, we are together forever like we always said we would be!

Saturday afternoon we went to Kelly's grave site and we were able to stay longer than in the past. It was a little easier to go there and we sat and talked to Kelly together. We bring flowers and last week Lynne brought, you guessed it, Buddy. Kelly would want Buddy to come by and visit her !!!


Today, the Crisper's soccer team had a party for our coach who is getting married and it was great to see the whole team and all of my players parents again. I thought it would be difficult at first but it felt good to see the girls again and play some volleyball, talk, and hug ! Kelly was with us this afternoon and our team will play again next year. Kelly will be watching !

Michael goes back to school next week after a long spring break. It is hard to keep going but we take one day at a time. We must make sure Michael is taken care of. He is going into 9th grade, at a new high school, in the fall. He is a great big brother and we are all so very proud of him.

We will get through tonight and onto the next day. Kelly, we miss you so much, your beautiful crazy hyper lovable dog is keeping us going and there is no peace with him! You are still telling Buddy to drive us crazy, and he is listening, too!

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support. Thank you to our wonderful friends that are helping us get through every day.


Love,
Steve, Lynne, Michael and Buddy

Thursday, April 12, 2007 4:49 AM CDT

Today is one month since our little girl, our beautiful daughter passed away in our arms! We are taking things slowly and one day at a time.

Things are much quieter now, as we miss Kelly so much. I am trying to slowly move on with my daily life. Kelly would want me to. Buddy is the only thing not quiet, as he is one excitable puppy. He loves to chew Kelly's stuffed animals if her door is left open!!

Michael is doing great, he is such a good kid and a wonderful brother to Kelly. He is going into 9th grade next year and is looking forward to high school! We talk continuously about Kelly. It is easy to never leave her out of our conversations ! We always talk about her, knowing she is still with us. Michael has some very special friends and teachers who we love dearly!

Our friends have been very supportive and we would not be here without them. Our families are keeping us going all the time also. We continue to go to the grave site and visit with Kelly and talk to her.

We have established a scholarship fund for Kelly at her school and will honor a deserving seventh grader each year in her honor.

With Kelly's condition, we thought we were preparing for her loss and we would know how it would feel but there really is no way to know the hurt. Our hearts and spirits are crushed. Things will never ever be the same without Kelly in our world, although she is watching over us daily and I know we will be together one day.

The soccer team party is this weekend and it will be good to see all of her teammates and the parents again !!

Thank you all of the love and support you have given us during this past month. Kelly, we miss you and love you so much. We will be together forever! You are daddy's little girl!

Love,
Steve, Lynne, Michael and Buddy

Monday, April 9, 2007 5:58 AM CDT

It is amazing how fast a year can go by. Last year we were in Washington D.C. for a vacation and we remember walking all around the city together.

We went to Kelly's gravesite with some more flowers and eggs for Easter and visited with her yesterday. I can only stay there for a few minutes now and then I get angry and sad but it is good to go there and talk with her.

We had Easter dinner with Mrs. Grant and her family yesterday; she is a teacher at the kids school. It was good to see her family and visit with them for a while.

Michael is doing fine. He has been a great kid, always helping with chores. We miss Kelly so much but we are moving forward, very slowly and one day at a time.

There is a soccer party this weekend and it will be good to see all of Kelly's teammates again and in a happy gathering.

This week, Kelly will be gone a month already. It seems so far and yet so close that she passed in our arms, but we must keep going for her.

Kelly would want us to keep moving forward and keep her spirit alive with us.

Thank you all for continuing to pray for Kelly and our family. It is the hardest thing to ever have to go through and not fair, but we will never be far from our Angel.

She is with us daily, together forever.


Steve, Lynne and Michael

Wednesday, April 4, 2007 5:03 PM CDT

Kelly really does have a fork with her! I received that letter from someone weeks ago and it really struck me! There are so many things that hit me recently, but that fork story struck me at my heart when Kelly was suffering and fading from us. We really did place a dessert fork in her hands and told her that the Best is Yet to Come!

I know she is still with us as the Gators won the mens basketball championships Monday night! When we were in North Carolina watching the NCAA soccer championships, Coach Anson introduced us to Pat Summitt, the Tennessee woman's basketball coach. We were able to speak to her for a few minutes and she came over to Kelly and said, "Don't worry, the Tar Heels have you on their side and they are going to win the championships for you! She said there is no way they are going to lose because Kelly was on their side." She was a very classy, wonderful woman who spent some quality time with Kelly when she was in the Carolina locker room.

And now her team wins the National Championship too! Kelly, you really are a good luck charm! And we miss you so much and love you so much but I know you are with us and many other people and you will always be there.

We are taking one day at a time, slowly moving forward, very slowly! Michael is doing great, probably better than both of us and we are so proud of him. He always talks about Kelly and we always include her in our conversations!He is proud to be a big brother to Kelly!

Kelly is with us, and someone said, only a breath away at any time, and I know she would want us to move on, keep working, and make the best of our lives. Kelly was a fighter and she never gave up, she held on for us and she wants us to keep fighting everyday also.

We will always have her in our hearts. Our hearts are still crushed with our loss. But we will always remember Kelly as the strong, fast, tough girl she was before she got sick.

We have established a memorial scholarship fund in Kelly's name. It will be given to a deserving seventh grader each year at her school.

We are planning to go to church Good Friday and Easter Sunday and Kelly will be right next to me in her beautiful Easter dress with her big smile! We are going to dinner with Kelly's first teacher at her school, Mrs. Grant, and our angel will be with us! We are looking forward to spending time with her loving family. Kelly will be smiling down upon us! Our new Angel statue in the garden looks over us daily !

Thank you all so much for your love and support. We are moving forward slowly! It is a slow process to recover and heal. It will take time and her memories will always be with us.

Have a Happy and Safe Easter weekend with your families and give your children a big hug for Kelly!

Love,
Steve, Lynne and Michael

Sunday, April 1, 2007 1:34 PM CDT

The days are going by slowly but we are doing better each day. I never knew the pain and hurt would be so strong as we continue to take each day, one day at a time. My heart is so broken and crushed but Kelly is still with us!

People have said in the past that there will be signs of Kelly. Yesterday afternoon, I took a quick spin on the boat, turned the engine off sat in the middle of the lake and closed my eyes. When I opened them a few minutes later, a butterfly flew onto the boat, landed near me and flew off into the sky.
Another sign that Kelly was near me again!

Last night I had some dreams of Kelly and the UNC soccer team! She was alive, running around and I was looking for her! She is still with us !!!

I was talking to someone Friday morning and was sad, and she said Kelly was a fighter and never gave up, right until her last breath. She reminded me that Kelly would want me to continue fighting and moving on, keeping Kelly with me every day and making sure Michael and Lynne and Buddy are taken care of.

There are times where I am feeling lost and then other times when you I feel good and you know Kelly is with me.

Church on Sunday was a little easier to step into than last week. Things will get easier bit by bit but it will take time, and then there are times now when I cry but then recover in a few minutes. We all miss Kelly so much!

Michael got straight A's on his report card last week and we are so proud of him. His school play and talent show were both wonderful and he performed so well. He has many of friends who are very supportive, and we have many friends who are there for us every day also. Thank you, it helps!

It is so sad that Kelly, in this life, will never be able to experience the things other girls will but, we realize she was very sick and she is not suffering any more now. I still wish I could have her back like she was 3 years ago! Maybe I will wake up one day and she will be with us again.

We are continuing with Kelly's scholarship endowment for a deserving student every year at school. The award will be given out annually and this is one way for Kelly to continue to help her friends forever. It will be one special student every year, that's for sure!

At times it is so hard for me to write about Kelly because my heart is so broken and crushed. The pain of her loss is so strong and we miss her voice, her face, her laugh, everything !! I never knew how much I would miss my little girl, it is such a loss to us. But I will continue these updates to keep my girl with everyone who has followed her journey for so long.

In time it will be easier but now, the hurt is so strong! We sometimes can not think about her last few weeks because it brings back bad memories. But as I have said before, we will do everything possible to love our girl and keep her with us every day.

By the way, she does have a fork in her hands along with some other very special items and I know she is in a better pain free place now!

And for Kelly, the Best it Yet to Come!

I will never forget those words and Kelly is having the best time smiling down upon us now. Kelly, I love you so much and miss you so much more, but I know you are not in any more pain now, and you are watching over us. I promise to live the rest of my life as you did yours. You will be my little girl forever and ever !

Thank you all for your love and support.
Together Forever!

Steve, Lynne and Michael

Wednesday, March 28, 2007 6:44 AM CDT

The Fashion Funds The Cure was held at Saks Fifth Avenue last night. Kelly had modeled in this fashion show for the last two years. It was a fundraiser for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, and it was good to see so many people who have helped us and supported us in the past.

It was very hard at first just to be in the store and remember Kelly there modeling, but after seeing a few friends and relaxing, I was able to get through the entire evening. Kelly was mentioned and shown on the video screen modeling in last years show and she looked beautiful again !!!

We returned from our fantastic trip to North Carolina and it was another step in the right direction to heal a little. It was great to see all of Kelly's teammates on the UNC soccer team and we will return every year to honor a player with the "Kelly Muldoon Award".

The whole program is nothing but first class, from the coaches, players, support staff, parents, and every one else associated with the team. There are not better people around and they were so good to us and Kelly last weekend at the awards banquet and last year. They are our friends forever !!

Michael received straight A's last quarter in school and is doing unbelievably great, probably better than Lynne and I would do right now! He will be going into 9th grade next year and is looking forward to high school! He has a wonderful group of friends that are very supportive to him and it is helping his adjustment! We are all taking one day at a time now.

We miss our Kelly so much, the memories will remain with us forever and the pain is slowly getting more bearable for me to handle. I mean slowly!! We are going to visit Kelly at her gravesite this weekend.

Lynne and I have established an Annual Scholarship in Kelly's name to be awarded yearly at her school. This will be given in unison with the Christian Citizenship Award to a deserving seventh grader.

In addition, Kelly's school is also going to plant a tree and designate a special area with for her that will include a bench and a garden.

Another wonderful tribute to Kelly comes in May, as Kelly's piano teacher of six years will also have a planting ceremony and celebration of Kelly's life at her house to remember our beautiful princess.

We will continue to remember the good times we always had with Kelly and keep going, day by day!

Love
Steve, Lynne, Michael and Buddy

Sunday, March 25, 2007 8:22 AM CDT

And the recipient of the NCAA National Champion University of North Carolina Woman's Soccer First Annual Kelly Muldoon Award is................

Katie Brooks!!!!!!!

What a trip! Lynne, Michael and I flew up to attend the UNC Woman's soccer banquet and it was a wonderful evening! It really helped to see all of Kelly's teammates again. The banquet was packed and the girls all looked so beautiful dressed up!

Coach Anson reviewed the year and the players were given their various awards. Michael and I spoke briefly about what the UNC girls meant to Kelly and our family. And Katie Brooks received the First Kelly Muldoon Award! Tears flowed and it was a touching evening for everyone.

Saturday morning the dogwoods were in full bloom as we strolled around the UNC campus. We then met the team again and played the Memorial Service video. It was a very emotional time for all the players.

We promised to return next year and the girls told me they are going to do their best to defend the title for themselves and Kelly. She will be with those girls forever!

We also visited Duke and stopped at the various places where we had taken Kelly on our previous trips. Our most memorable visit Saturday was at the Duke Chapel. It was good for all of us to go to those spots again where we had Kelly physically with us!

It is amazing to know that Kelly is with you at all times. Yesterday, while at UNC, a Cancer Relay For Life Fundraiser was taking place on the soccer field! As we stopped by, my favorite song was being played on the field, the sun was shining, many people were walking and Kelly was there with us!

Today eight hot air balloons sailed over the house, the same ones that Kelly loved to watch as we sat in the hot tub every weekend. Kelly will always be with us and with many other people and her signs will be around us all the time.

We are so proud to be part of this weekends award banquet and the award in Kelly's honor is another tribute to the way our daughter truly lived her life. She will never be forgotten and she lived her life the right way, every day!

We are going to go to the gravesite later and we will talk to her about this weekends trip. We always mention her name and the fun we had, she will be part of our conversations forever.

Last Sunday was the burial and the Memorial Service for our Kelly and we take each hour now and try to move on, ever so slowly, but we will never ever forget our wonderful blessed daughter.

Can you imagine if the Gators play UNC for the basketball championships next weekend. I know who Kelly would want to win and she will be smiling with us! Thank you all of the love and the support this past week. It was needed and meant so much to our family.

We will get through today and then on to Monday and Kelly will be right with us!

Love,
Steve, Lynne, and Michael

Tuesday, March 20, 2007 8:02 AM CDT

Kelly's Memorial service was beautiful, and she deserved it!
The church was at its fullest capacity. So many of Kelly's friends, teammates and our friends were there for our Kelly. My brothers spoke of Kelly's vibrant life and how she was so full of love. Kelly's piano teacher, Ronda, played the song that Kelly played in her last recital. Then Michael, so brave and handsome, who has grown up too fast, strode to the podium and spoke so beautifully of how he loved his little sister! Kelly would have been proud of him !

I then was able to speak to our friends and tell them that Kelly loved life and lived her shortened life to the fullest! She was with everyone in the church and you could feel her presence!

We celebrated Kelly's life and she would have been proud of the love and tears that were flowing in her honor. Our families and friends have been so good for us and will be there in the future for us to lean on for support !

We are traveling to North Carolina this weekend again as we just were told that the University of North Carolina's Womans soccer team, the 2007 National Champions, Kelly's other soccer team, are having their awards banquet this Friday evening. They are giving the first annual "Kelly Muldoon Award". We are going to present it at the banquet.

The UNC coaches and players were so inspired and touched by Kelly this past season and they have come up with this award to give to the most deserving player who exemplifies the way Kelly lived her life every day. The core values that the player must live by are how Kelly lived her life. They are as follows:

Relentless
Tough
Focused
Disciplined
Grateful
Resilient
Positive
Classy
Caring
Noble
Selfless
Inspirational


We will get to see her teammates again and Michael will get to speak to them for Kelly. It will be a wonderful tribute to our angel and the award will be given out yearly to the player that lives, loves and plays the way our Kelly carried herself throughout her own life.

I want to thank everybody for the love and support that we have received through this journey. Kelly will never be forgotten and she truly has touched so many peoples lives. She was a very special young lady whose spirit will be with so many people forever.

There are other scholarship memorials we are planning in Kelly's honor. At her school, we will be giving a Christian Citizenship Award and Scholarship to a deserving 7th grade student in her honor each year. That award will be given in May, beginning this year to a classmate of Kelly's.

Thank you all again for everything that you have given us and we promise to live our lives as Kelly would have wanted and I will make sure Michael continues to grow up so strong and he will always be a proud big brother to Kelly.

Love,
Steve, Lynne and Michael Muldoon

Saturday, March 17, 2007 12:06 AM CDT

Happy St. Patricks Day My Irish Angel Kelly!!

I bet you are dancing an Irish jig right now for your daddy! You are smiling down upon us, laughing, and having a wonderful day!

For those unable to attend this weekends memorials for our Irish Angel, you would all be so happy to know that the funeral home is beautiful, her white casket is gorgeous, many large floral arrangements surround our girl and she will be visited by so many of her friends later on to share their love!

There are many pictures, trophies, and past awards that Kelly won for people to view.

We will do our best to make sure Kelly Rae, on St. Patricks's Day, is celebrated and loved ! I promise to make a toast to you this evening as we gather with our friends after your service, you will never be forgotten and you will be forever loved!

We will get through the evening and Kelly will be surrounded by so many of her friends and family! Many people will be wearing Kelly green in her honor!

The weather is perfect, the sun is shining, the wind is blowing, a gorgeous day to be outdoors, playing soccer and running around, just as Kelly would have wanted!

Please give us the strength to share our girls love with everybody and I so am proud of my daughter right now. You have touched so many lives and you made a difference in so many people, you should be proud of that my Kelly! I will live my life now the way Kelly lived hers. She has changed me forever! I miss you so much! I promise, to you!

Kelly, twelve doves, one for each year of your life, will be released at your burial service by your brother for you tomorrow and we will have a wonderful celebration of your life at the packed church in your honor, you so deserve it!

You truly deserve it, you gorgeous girl. I love you so much and I know you will be with us today and tomorrow.

Love, Your Proud Daddy!!!!!!!!

Friday, March 16, 2007 2:44 AM CDT

Our families our arriving in town today and tomorrow to attend the Memorial Service and Visitation of our Baby Kelly.

It has a long week, I never knew time could move so slowly! There are moments when I find myself busy and working again and then there are times when I cry so hard at my desk and in my car. I am angry, sad, hurt, and have such a broken heart now.

People say your heart will never heal. The pain may become more bearable, but it has been a very difficult week. The memories will keep us going for the rest of our lives. I would do anything to have Kelly back next to me but I know you will send me signs that she is with me again, soon!

Michael has talent show activities at his school this weekend and we are looking forward to attending to watch his performance. It will be good to see him and his many friends at school. Michael is a great kid and I know this has been so hard for him, losing his sister and best friend! It has been a long difficult three years for him, to watch his sister get sick and fade away in front of him. We are so proud of what a smart, young man that he has become ! He is proud to be a big brother to such a special girl!

Tomorrow afternoon we will attend the visitation service, Sunday is a private burial with our family, and then Kelly's Memorial Service at church! We will do our best to get through it !

Kelly, we miss you so much and the house seems so empty without you! You will never, ever be forgotten and you will be with us and so many people forever.

We love you so much and you were such an Angel to be with. I miss you every minute!

Love,
Dad, Mom and Michael

Thursday, March 15, 2007 7:43 AM CDT

Kelly's obituary was printed in the newspaper today. For those who would like to view it please go to:

www.tbo.com and type the keyword : obituaries

Just when you think you are Ok, you hurt again and the pain and the loss comes back so hard. Just when you are fine, the tears come again right now!

I know in time, things wil get better, but it hurts to know that Kelly passed away so recently, just a few days ago in our arms. How I would give anything to have her in our bed just a little longer, just feeling a little better, talking again and being able to kiss her again and hold her, laugh and play any games again!

So many hours were spent with her just loving her. It hurts so bad, it is not right, but we have to go on. It hurts inside so much. There are good moments and there are so may sad moments right now. Michael is doing better and he will speak also at the Memorial service Sunday. He is such a good big brother and such a good kid!

Thank you all so much for continuing to pray for our family that we have the strength to get through this weekend.

Kelly, I know you are pain free and in a beautiful place, but your family misses you so much. You were the joy of our lives, even after you got sick and battled like the champion you are, you are so missed and loved by so many. We miss you so much. I know you know that too. If I could hold you in may arms in the big chair just a few more times!

Please know that we miss you and send us more signs that you are here with us! Your family misses you so !

Love Your Dad

Tuesday, March 13, 2007 7:32 PM CDT

We made it through today, alot better than yesterday. We attended a Memorial Mass and prayer service at the kids school this morning and it was good to start the healing process.

The Mass was very touching and everybody was asked to pray for heaven's newest sweetest Angel, Kelly.

At the prayer service many kids in Kelly's school got up and spoke from their hearts how Kelly touched their lives and it was very emotional for everyone, not a dry eye in the church.

I was able to speak to the children and told them Kelly will be with them forever and she truly loved her classmates and the school. It was a first step to speak about Kelly and it was good for me to confront her passing.

After the service we spent some time hugging the children and laughing with her friends. The children were very sad after the service but the hugs and stories about Kelly seemed to cheer the children up and they were all a little bit happier as we left. Their hugs felt good and I told them Kelly was with me!

Later today we attended another Memorial service where the kids went to school for five years. These were Kelly's happiest and healthiest days and how Kelly loved her friends at this school. It again was good to hear how Kelly touched so many children with her spirit and courage and she will be with these kids forever also.

It all seems so long ago but I can't belive she passed away only yesterday. The time goes by way to slow now and it seems as everything is going in slow motion. We meet with the funeral home to prepare for the burial and memorial service tomorrow morning.

Reading everyones entries, I realize now how many people Kelly touched in the past. She truly was a hero, so courageous, such a fighter, and so loving and humble.

We take one hour now at a time and we will get through tomorrow ! Thank you all for your love and support and we will get through this challenging time together. Kelly is watching over us right now!

Love , Steve, Lynne and Michael

Monday, March 12, 2007 5:35 AM CDT

Kelly passed away peacefully in our arms this morning at 2:48.

She is truly an Angel and will be with us together, forever!

Kelly passed away and took her final breathes in our arms this morning. The past few days were very hard on her. I awoke out of a deep sleep for some reason at 2:00, got next to her in her bed, and her breathing and her strong grip suddenly changed. Mom and I were holding her, talking to her, tellin her we loved her so much, Michael kissed her on her head, then she was gone. We continued to hold her for a few hours and then she was taken away from us.

A few hours later, I turned on the radio, and the first song I heard was "Baby Girl" by her favorite band!
She as telling me not to worry, she is OK, and daddy's little girl is fine now, even though we are not !

It has been a very difficult day! It hurts so much, the pain, the loss,the emptiness, the quiet room, the loss of our Kelly!

But when I read the uplifting words that so many people send, it really does make you feel better. I know Kelly is in a better place now, pain free, running again, smiling, laughing, playing piano, jumping on our grandparents, punching people, but it still hurts so bad inside.

You cry, you stop, you cry some more, you go on, you hurt, you wonder how it is going to be, you worry about Michael, you can't stand the quiet room! You miss her kiss, her touch, her skin, her smell, her hugs! I would love to hug her just one more time!

We are finalizing the Memorial service for our Kelly and it is no fun to do right now either. But there are so many friends to lean on and we will, for comfort, love, and support to make the next few days go a little easier!

Kelly is not in any more pain, she is running around and she is looking over us now, in a wonderful place, but I do wonder why , why Kelly and why did this happen to us!

We will get through tonite and take every hour by hour now, to get through this difficult time.

It is so unfair and not right but we will go on and plan Kelly's wonderful memorial service, that she so deserves.Thank you all for you love adn support for this beautiful littel girl, she was a fighter till the end and she was so tough, then her little body could not handle it anymore, and it gave out! God, I miss her already so much!

Love. Steve, Lynne, and Michael

Sunday, March 11, 2007 4:15 PM CDT

Sunday afternoon and our Kelly girl is still hanging in there with the best of them! Who would have thought we would have had this many extra days with our Angel Kelly after last weekend and this weeks troubles!

She does not look good or feel good, her breathing is more spaced apart, she can not hold anything down, and we can not feed her any food or many fluids from now on. But besides all the negative things that are happening, we still can sit with Kelly , hold her, talk to her, touch her, feel her smooth skin, talk more, but even I am getting bored of my same stories!! They will forever be ingrained into our Kelly in the future. I know she is enjoying the few minutes away from my stories right now !

We have the wonderful nurses from Hospice who are helping us monitor Kelly. They are with us 24 hours and are they fantastic people! Kelly is slowly, and I mean slowly shutting down. But with a young person, and such a strong heart, it takes even more time for the body to completely shut itself down. She is continuing her monster battle and we are right with her!

More good news today, Kelly and I watched the Gators and her Tar Heels both win their basketball games all weekend. She is probably sick of me screaming in her ear and having the volume turned up so loud, but I made sure she got the details of the games !

Let us pray and hope we get through tonite, and into Monday morning with our loved little girl. Honestly, we may not but we have been saying that all week too. No one should have to go through this, but she is not suffering and not in any pain. She is a fighter and she is not giving up, but there comes a point when you do not want ther to live like she is any more.

She can hear us and feel us and she knows mom, dad, Michael and Buddy are around her at all times. You have to take a few minutes break here and there to recharge yourself and then you sit with her again for as long as you can!

Thank you all for the prayers and positive words of encouragement we are receiving for our Kelly. She is truly amazing so strong, and so loved! She knows it because I tell her how strong and loved and special and beautif

Love , The Muldoon Family

Saturday, March 10, 2007 5:17 AM CST

Kelly made it through Friday afternoon and last night, and she is resting comfortably, which is all she needs to be doing now. On Friday, Kelly was in my lap with me for hours. I just read to her and held her, touched her, felt her smooth skin, watched television and talked to her and squeezed her fingers. She knows that we are near her all the time and she loves having a hand to hold onto! She is probably sick of hearing my stupid stories but she is going to hear them all over again today too! The older I get, the better I was, I tell her! She has no choice but to listen to my exaggerated sports heroics now!

How many times can I kiss her big smooth head and touch her and hold her, who knows but she is going to get a full dose of her daddy's arms today and tomorrow! She will have a hand and some fingers to squeeze all day today! She will need a break from me soon!

She cannot hold any food or any liquids down right now and she is having a harder time breathing also. Hsr breaths are farther and farther apart now. She has a slight cough and a fever but we are doing what we can to make her comfortable!

But our tough, strong, courageous, beautiful, loved, kind, sweet, loved, did I say loved again, little Irish Angel continues her amazing fight! She is so tough and strong! I remember her wrestling with me when she was younger and her strong heart is keeping her going! Her strength and will to continue to live is tremendous. Did I say she was tough! She always had a good one-two punch to my belly in the old days, that is when my stomach was smaller and harder! I always told Kelly she could beat up Michael but Michael could not punch Kelly back! Those were good rules to protect my little girl! Michael did not agree all the time though! She still has more of her to love still and she is not ready just yet to leave us! We are not letting her go just yet!

We do not want her to suffer and she is not now. She really, really is amazing and she continues her fight! I honestly never, ever, thought she would be here now after last weekend, yet our Kelly girl is still here! How strong! When she was younger, she was an athletic, fast runner who never stopped! Lynne was always taking her somewhere and doing something and her strength and strong heart is pushing her and us on!

I have so enjoyed our quality special time and memories of having her in my lap in the big chair this past week, just talking to her and getting her to smile, ever so faintly, and respond back to my squeezes! Someone said to enjoy every minute you can because these good times will get us through in the future. The memories of her in my lap yesteday, last night and today will always bring a smile back to me.

Kelly, you are the bravest, most courageous little girl, truly a hero, and so inspirational and so very tough and strong! Watching old videos and looking at pictures recently reminds me of all of the fun and good times we shared and our love together and there will be many more when we meet again in a better place.

I asked her about the Angels last night and she has seen them and she will not be afraid! Kelly will be in a much better place soon, laughing, and running again in no pain, punching little boys, wrestling with her grandfathers, watching over her family and sending her love to us! She will be one sweet precious trouble maker, that's for sure! But she will smile and use her big blue eyes to get her out of and situation she gets her crazy self into! She tells me not to worry, even though I always will miss her so, so much!

May we have another enjoyable, peaceful day today and Kelly, may you rest and in my arms all afternoon. We will watch basketball, golf, and American Idol later and you will hear me talk and read to you all day, I will try to shut up later, but it will be tough to do! I will do my best to talk all day about who knows what but you will hear my voice in your dreams forever! I know you want some peace from me but you are not going to get it today!

Thank you all for following this little girls miraculous fight! She is the most beautiful little daddy's girl in the world, the most loved daughter to us now and forever.

Have a wonderful and Blessed day, we will try also!

Love, The Muldoon Family

Friday, March 9, 2007 7:25 AM CST

Kelly made it through another evening and is continuing her fight! She is so strong and she is so tough. Now I am so glad I wrestled with her, played with her toughened her up when she was so young!!

Kelly was in my lap, enjoying the soft seat on my stomach last night and early this morning. At times she does wake from her sleep and then we talk and laugh about anything.

She continues to hear us all the time and she knows she is surrounded by our love. Her grip is still strong and she loves to squeeze our fingers.

I will never forget this last week and all the times I have held her in my arms in the big chair. I will hold her all day in my lap and tonight and tomorrow and Sunday if I can.

She is having trouble holding down fluids and she is weakening but she continues her miraculous fight. I never thought she would be with us this far so we will hold on to her and treasure everything we can.

Her skin is so soft, her hands and grip so strong, her smile so faint at times but she still looks at you with her tired big blue eyes and knows we are there. Michael is such a good big brother and holds her hand and kisses her all the time. Her sits with her and talks to her and he is becoming such a fine young man. I know this will be hard on him but we will always remember the young strong healthy Kelly and that will keep us all going.

May Kelly sleep peacefully today and rest comfortably. We will hold her in my arms again tonight and enjoy and treasure every minute we have left with her. I have asked her about the Angels and she sees them. They are waiting for her spirit, but our Kelly is not ready yet to leave us and she is going to hold on as along as she can. She needs to have her hands held more, get kissed more and be squeezed more, and she will tonight!

It was so hard to tell her that is is OK to go to the Light but once I did, I felt better. Kelly will be at a much better place and in no pain and she will be waiting for me to join her one day. We have talked about it and I told her to wait for me and she nodded.

Let's get through another day and into this evening and I will love her and squeeze her for everyone tonite. Kelly, I love you so much and you are the best daddy's little girl in the world!

Love Steve

Thursday, March 8, 2007 4:08 PM CST

I got home from work early and had Kelly on my lap for three hours. She is resting and very comfortable in my lap. Like my little baby from a long time ago.

Someone mentioned to enjoy every minute I can now because these will be the momemts I will treasure and never forget! They were right!

I talk and talk to her, who knows about what but I think it makes sense. Inside, Kelly is probably saying "Dad, enough already, shut up for a while, give me some peace", but she is going to keep hearing from me again and again and again! I can talk with the best of them too!

The Hospice nurses must think I am a little nuts and they just roll their eyes from story to story!! Sometimes Kellyhas some trouble breathing. Her blood pressure is normal now but our tough, brave, courageous, wonderful, precious little Angel keeps on fighting!

There is no quit or complainig in this girl! She is so strong! I made her tough when I used to wrestle and run with her and her strength is carrying her on now!

She is still with us and she is not leaving us yet! Too many more stories to hear from her crazy dad and she will get some more in her right now! We will try to get through tonite and tomorrow morning and I will have her in my lap again in the early afternoon tomorrow.

Last Friday I honestly did not think she would be here, then Saturday was bad, then Sunday was bad, but here we are and it is Thursday night! She loves us too much and there are to many things to talk to her about still.

The upcoming days ahead are going to be difficult but with our friends and their support, we will all get through and we will celebrate Kelly going to a greater place, where she will be her old self again, in no pain, running around, playing piano for everyone again and scoring moore goals on the soccer fields!

She has told me not to worry, she will be OK, and I know she will send me signs of her presence in the future. She wil be with all of us forever, and never be forgotten!

Thank all of you for followig Kelly's journey and being there for us. It has been a long journey for our family. May Kelly sleep well tonight and rest again in my arms soon.

Love Steve

Thursday, March 8, 2007 7:48 AM CST

Kelly slept throught ther night peacefully again and is continuing to sleep for long periods of time. She does wake a few times each day, at various hours and then we get her to nod to us and acknowledge that we are near her.

We talk to her all the time and she does hear us! She is not in any pain, she is getting small amounts of water but can not hold down any foods. She is still fighting and she keeps going!

She is a very strong girl and she is obviously not ready to leave us yet! When she is ready and God is ready for her, then that time will come but not yet!!!!!

I put her on my lap and let her sit on me for hours and just hold her and talk to her! There is nothing better to do now than be with her and try to make her smile!

Hospice will continue to assist us in watching over her and they have been wonderful! Let's get through another morning, get home and put her on my lap this afternoon and evening and then watch her sleep peacefully again.

She is a fighter and she is not going anywhere soon, I hope! Our Angel on earth still has more people to hear from and talk with! She truly is an amazing girl with quite the spirit and strength to keep going.

Thank you all for your prayers and notes and this girl is still fighting for all of us and holding on! She is amazing!

One very tough daddy's girl! I love her so much!


Steve

Wednesday, March 7, 2007 7:46 AM CST

Kelly made it though the night and she keeps going for all of us! I was able to put her on my lap last night for three hours and hold her and talk to her and then we fell asleep together. The nurses say she looks happy and is comfortable in my lap and I will be holding our angel again today and tonite! She opens her eyes at times and hears everything that we say. We ask her about the Angels and she nods back that she is going to be OK and that we do not have to worry about her!

Now Kelly's way of responding is squeezing our hand, and occassionally nodding her head. I just talk to her again and again about everything! She is probably sick of the same stories but she is going to hear them again and again today !

She is so strong, courageous, loved, beautiful, tough, special, gorgeous, kind, sweet, sincere, a friend to many, a sister to Michael, a daughter to Lynne and I and an inspiration to so many people around the world!

We will make more lifetime memories today and will cherish every touch, feel, smell of her body, kiss, and squeeze of her fingers and hands as long as possible!

She truly is amazing and so strong! Such a fighter! She still has a few things to teach us while she is here with us and we will love her as much as we can today and tonite. She still has that Kelly smile, ever so faint now!

The Hospice nurses are with us all the time and are so wonderful and they see how strong Kelly is ! They love her and are taking good care of her for us. Let's get through this morning, this afternoon, this evening, and have her sleep in my arms again and then we will do it tomorrow !

Thank you all for continuing to keep pulling for Kelly, she is such a special young girl and we love her so much. The time we are spending with her will be with us forever. Just to touch her and hold her again today means everything to us.

She is not in any pain and she is resting comfortably with us, she is an amazing young lady and such a special daddy's little girl. Kelly, you are our hero and we will be together forever! I know you will always be near us and we will hear songs and see things that will always remind me of you forever!

Thank you all for your love and support and may we get through another day together!

Love,
Steve and Lynne

Tuesday, March 6, 2007 3:41 PM CST

Kelly is resting peacefully, she has had a struggle today with her breathing. Please pray that we can enjoy the afternoon and evening together.

Last night I had her sit in my lap for a few hours and I got to hold my baby and whisper things to her. I am going to place her in my lap now and just hold her for as long as I can! She is unresponsive and holding on.

Hospice is much more available now and giving us guidance. Kelly is a strong girl but her body is shutting down. Her color has improved today, and she seems to be responding !! It is a big difference since yesterday !!!

Please pray for this littel Angel, she soon will be in a better place, able to run again, play the piano, smile and laugh!

Thank you all so much for your love and support for Kelly and our family. It has been a long difficult fight. She is still fighting and her spirit is with us now. I am squeezing her fingers to get some response.

Kelly, I miss you so much already and please send me signs that you are with us forever! I love you so much!

Thank you all!

Dad and Mom

Monday, March 5, 2007 4:19 AM CST

Kelly and had a good peaceful night last night. It is so good to hold her tiny fingers and just feel her smooth skin! She still has a strong grip and she squeezes your hand back when she is awake.

She is resting more now and slowing down, part of the process, as all of the nurses has explained. But she can still hear us and we talk to her constantly! She is probably sick of hearing us say we love her a thousand times a day but she is going to keep hearing it! She has no choice on that now!

I talk about soccer, our UNC trip, her schooling, her friends, her family, past family trips, anything to let her hear us talk!

We watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy every night! I ask her if she knows the answers and she smiles at times. She still has that beautiful Kelly smile!

When I came back from work Friday afternoon, I honestly thought we were going to lose her that night. Then Saturday morning, then that afternoon and evening. Then Sunday she looks bad but responds to us! I have cried so much, then I realize I can't cry anymore because you are so mad and fed up with it, then you hold her and cry again. Then you feel OK!

It is the worst emotional roller coaster ride for us to be on and I know it will get worse soon! We called everyone in our families, and they all got to hear her faint voice one more time. Many people got to hear her whisper I love you over the phone this weekend.

Today, after she wakes, who knows if and when that will be, I hope to hear her say a few more words again. We will continue to do our best to make sure she is comfortable and at peace.

Hospice is here much more often to monitor and help us out, which is really nice. It is good to walk away for a few minutes and it recharges us to again sit with Kelly for another long period.

The nurses say the final process is a very slow process as the body finally beagins to shut down. They believe that process has begun and it may take a few days, or hours, who knows now! But she is so strong, they say and such a fighter, she will not ever give up until she is finally ready! So we will wait and pray and talk and hold her and kiss her and love her and cherish every minute we have left with her!

Thank you all for your kind words through this process. I never ever thought this would happen to us and it is so unfair but we will continue to live and Kelly will always, always be with us every minute of the rest of our lives. I never knew a parent could love a child so much and a daddy's little girl is so special! To be near her this past weekend and make her comfortable was good for both all of us!

We will take one day at a time and enjoy the last moments we have together. Hug your children today for Kelly and send them off with a big kiss, you never know how it hurts to ever have to lose one of them. Make it a great day with some of you friends or workers and enjoy the time together.

Thank you all for continuing to pray that Kelly will be at peace and in no pain as she begins her final journey to a much beter place and she will be welcomed by the angels. And when it is my turn to see her again, I will be the happiest person in the world to go on to my final resting place so I can love her and hold her and kiss her again.

Thank you all for everything and may today be a better day for our Kelly girl!

Love Steve

The oxygen machine does help her breathe easier but after a while Kelly asks for it to be unhooked because it is uncomfortable. What Kelly wants, Kelly gets!!!!

Sunday, March 4, 2007 8:48 AM CST

Kelly had a good night of sleep and we moved her to the couch to watch television and be with us in the family room. Hospice is here more often to help us amd make sure Kelly is comfortable.

The oxygen machine is helping with her breathing. She is resting now with us and in a few hours we wil wake her and see how she feels.

We had some great visits Friday and Saturday with some special friends and it was good to see and hear from everyone.

The UNC National Champion Woman's soccer team will receive their NCAA chaampionship rings in Chapel Hill this afternoon and Kelly will be recognized with her teammates. There was no way she was going to miss that celebration. We have kept in touch with the team and they are going to continue to play and pull for Kelly this year. They are an amazing group of girls!

I have spoken to Kelly many times about what is happening and she again tells me not to worry! She is quite the fighter and a very strong girl.

Hospice says she can be in this state of sleep for a day, three days, a week, who really knows! So we are going to talk to her and be with her, kiss her, hold her, talk to her and enjoy her every minute we can.

Please continue to pray that Kelly will be pain free and she will be able to rest comfortably with us for as long as her body can hold on for. She is strong and she is not giving up!

Thank you for everything !

Love,
Steve and Lynne

Saturday, March 3, 2007 9:05 AM CST

Kelly had a bad day yesterday but we are resting together now. I have my arms wrapped around her and she know she is so loved by many people. We are listening to country music and talking in whispers! She tells mom and dad she loves us and we tell her we love her back! I have had many talks about the Angels waiting for her and she has seen them already. I have told her she will be in a better place and she knows it now too!

She knows she is my Angel on earth now and she told me not to worry, she will be OK, and I told her I will be OK too.

Not really, but I have to. My head hurts so much from crying and holding her. I have cried my eyes out again. Kelly cannot hold any fluids down now and her breathing is more difficult.

She is so strong and she keeps hanging on for all of us. But I have spoken to her and told her it is OK to sleep, When you see the light and the Angels are calling you, you can go.

She is the most beautiful little girl and it is so hard on me to see her like this. Please pray that she continues to rest peacefully and that we can get through today.

Thank you all for keeping Kelly in your thoughts and prayers. She is my Angel and my Baby, forever! I love her so much.

Thursday, March 1, 2007 5:34 PM CST

We went to the clinic yesterday for Kelly's weekly check up and her blood counts remain high because we have stopped her chemo therapy medicines. We discussed with her doctors and nurses that we do not have to go see them anymore. It was a very sad afternoon for all of her caregivers who have taken such good care of Kelly for these past few years. The hugs and kisses from all of the staff meant a lot to us as Kelly has received the best medical care. I know it was sad for everyone involved who has grown so close to her. Kelly will always be with everyone of the nurses who have cared for her. They have become such good friends and we love all of you. Thank you so much for the care you have given our precious angel!

Kelly is having a harder time breathing today and we hooked her up to the oxygen tank for the first time. We are trying to do everything we can to make her as comfortable as possible now.

As I have said before, the words to explain how I feel are coming harder and harder to me. Kelly is not in any pain but she is struggling right now. We are going to talk to her closely tonight and tell her it is OK to sleep and rest. She really is holding on for us and we need to tell her it is all right to go when she is ready, when she sees the light!

These words are so hard to get out and I have not had the strength or courage to tell her, but the time is coming soon, tonight, when we will talk to her and let her know we love her so much and she will be with us forever. She knows it too!

It is so hard and such a roller coaster ride when you think she will not wake up, then she bounces back, then she goes into a deep unresponsive sleep, then she smiles and pulls your fingers. I dont know what to say!

I will hold her hand tonight and talk to her when she is resting. There are going to be some very difficult times ahead. Please pray that we will have the strength to get through them. And please continue to pray for this courageous and strong your girl. She is resting comfortably with us. She is truly an inspiration to everyone she meets, what a fighter and how strong!

Hospice is on call if we need them for anything. We have chosen to have Kelly with us at home and stay here, at her house, in her bed and in her room, where she is most comfortable.

It is so unfair, so not right, so frustrating and so wrong to see your loving beautiful little girl in this condition, but we love her and will hold her as much as we can now. Why our Kelly???? It is so unfortunate and so not right! I am so sad! So hurt, so mad, but I will go on, I have to, Kelly would want me to, somehow!

I don't know what else to say but thank you all for your prayers, notes, words of encouragement and upcoming support that will be needed for everyone.

Kelly, you know you are so loved and such a special girl to us and we love you so much, I will be with you and you will be with me, together, forever! You will always be on my lap and with me wherever I am ! You truly are the best daddy's little girl in the world and I am so proud of it!

Thank you all of everything you have done for us and for our Kelly. She still has that precious Kelly smile ! It will be with me for eternity! Good night!

Kelly's Dad

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 5:10 AM CST

Kelly, our loved little angel made it through another weekend! This one was a little slower and more of a struggle but with our prayers and hope being answered, we were able to spend more precious time with our girl!

Friday evening Kelly stayed up till midnight, we watched television, I got to sit next to her, hold her fingers and hands, watch Smallville episodes, talk to her, touch her, kiss her, look at her and just hold her! There is not too many other important things to do when you get home other than love our Kelly girl!

Kelly slept later each day and is slowing down, just like the doctors warned us. Her speech is becoming a little more difficult and her arms are weakening but she is hanging on for all of us! She has a slight cough and it is still hard for her to swallow any food.

There is no quit in this girl though and she is quite the fighter! As I have said before, she is so strong, and so loved by her family and so many friends and she is not ever going to give up! She is such a wonderful person, such a beautiful person inside, if you could sit next to her, get close to her, and just look into her eyes and hold her fingers, she is just so beautiful and gorgeous, more beautiful than ever, you would see what I mean!!

When I pull my fingers away, she continues to reach for them with her strong grip. She loves having us near her as we comfort her and she is at peace when we are so close to her. You should see her smile when we hold her hands and bring up old funny stories! She has that beautiful Kelly smile still!

Monday was a difficult day for Kelly as she did not get out of bed at all, not until I came home late and then we got her up ! Driving home, if you could only feel how we do at times, scared, very scared! Is this the last time I will see her, is she going to get up, is she going to be there for us again? The raw emotions that we as parents, having a child like Kelly, and going through this every single day is so draining and what roller coaster ride!

Last night cried in the car on the way home and I am truly getting scared of the situation. But I know we must go through this and we will have the strength to get through the upcoming difficult times, it will be there!

Last night we stayed up until midnight, talking to our girl! Looking at her, you realize how much you can love a child! A parent's love for their children is everlasting and you want no harm to ever come to them.

But a father's love for a daddy's little girl, your little baby daughter, is so special. I love Kelly so much and this kills a part of me inside to watch our little angel become sick and slowly have her life and spirit drained away, right in front of us, and there is nothing else you can do for her but continue to give her your love, every single minute we have left with her!

It is so exhausting but we will do the best we can for Kelly and with the support of so many of you, we will continue to be strong for her and Michael, even though it is so hard on all of us!

Thank you for continuing to pray and pull for Kelly, this fighter! We are all so proud of her and love her so much! She is truly an inspiration to so many people, each and every day! We will take one day at a time and get through another 24 hours together.

Love to you all and thank you all for just being there for us!!

Steve , Lynne and Michael

Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:28 AM CST

Sometimes, believe it or not, I am at a loss of words. We went to the clinic yesterday and Kelly looked good and felt good. Her counts are holding due to the fact that we stopped all of the chemotherapy and there is no need at this time for another blood transfusion.

We decided not to continue anymore chemotherapy treatments because it would not accomplish anything at this time. Kelly is very strong and an amazing girl but to give her more medicines now, would not do anything beneficial to her.

So we, as parents of our most beautiful wonderful daughter, our family and friends, will all wait and pray for a miracle to keep Kelly going every day,every week, every month, for as long as possible, living and sleeping pain free, and we will make sure Kelly is comfortable, happy , and loved as she can be!

Kelly is sleeping later every day which allows her to stay up late in the evening. We are able to visit with her nightly, watch television and family videos and just spend more quality time with her every evening!

I hug her and hold her hands and fingers for hours, get as close to her as possible and tell her I love her a million times a day. Touching her, looking at her, kissing her head, holding her fingers, looking into her weary tires eyes, just being near her is the best thing we can do, for her and for us right now.

There is no better feeling than to listen to her ask me to hug her and kiss her! These are moments I will treasure forever as I hold her hands and fingers and just sit with her, on my knees, next to her in her chair for hours!

We like to take strolls in the neighborhood, count the yellow ribbons on the mailboxes that are there for Kelly, and spend every minute we can with her.

Laying in bed next to her, holding her hands and fingers, knowing what is happening, I have run out of words to describe how a parent feels, knowing we have a limited amount of time left with our Kelly.

The doctor's and we as parents, know we have done everything we could have. We could have spent more money for treatments and tried this or that, but what Kelly has is such a rare type of cancer, very aggressive and resistant, that there is absolutely nothing else that would have cured her that we could have tried.

We must continue working, living every day, and making sure Michael is fine, and he is such a good young man now. We are so proud of him! But every day we have Kelly now is a miracle and a special day! We have come to enjoy every single minute we can with her. We get to spend another glorious day holding my daughters fingers and touching our Kelly.

Thank you all so much for continuing to pray for Kelly. Your prayers and notes keep us going and it helps to know there are so many wonderful people pulling and praying for this little girl. The friendships and memories we have made through this journal will be with us forever!

Kelly is such a beautiful person, loving, caring, sweet, funny, athletic, talented, witty, and it all is so unfair and not right to see your daughter go through this in front of your eyes and there is absolutley nothing we can do to stop it! You want to scream out at times because you are so angry ! God, it hurts so much to see your little girls life and strength slowly ripped away from you, right in front of your eyes, every day for these past three years, it just kills a part of you and breaks your heart! No one should ever have to go through this and feel the way we do watching your child battle this disease!

But, we will have Kelly with us every day, for the rest of our lives and not a minute will go by that Kelly will be with us all, smiling and laughing, enjoying her after life and running around the soccer fields all day!

She is truly a fighter and will not ever give up! We should all have her strength and love of life that she shows the world every day. She is such a special girl. What a daughter we have and will have forever and we are so proud of her and love her so much!

We will enjoy the time spent with Kelly this weekend and hold her as much as we can. Kelly, we love you so, so much and you will be with your mother, father, brother and friends, together, forever!

Love,
The Muldoon Family

Monday, February 19, 2007 6:26 AM CST

Our little precious Angel made it through another weekend!
And with flying colors!

Kelly had another difficult day Friday where she was unresponsive and very tired, but she rebounded like the champion she is later that evening! We got her out of bed and stayed up until midnight just watching television and sitting in her chair. I held her hand and played with her fingers and she loves having her big teddy bear (Daddy) near her to protect her.

She is definitley sleeping longer each day and resting more! Saturday afternoon we were able to drive her to see some more friends too! I sat in the back seat with her, holding her and touching her and just being near her, while Lynnedrove us around town. We listen to country music and just talk to her and get to see some friends every weekend. We love our drive time together and so many people are touched when they get to see her for awhile!Sunday we were able to get her out in the late afternoon to visit more friends, she looked good and had a good day again!

We are enjoying the visits to see people and making memories with her! As long as we can talk to her, hold her, kiss her, touch her, love her and have her with us, all is well!

I want to thank our neighbors for getting together recently to pray for Kelly and give us their support. Every house has a yellow ribbon on the mailbox in the neighborhood and it is refreshing to see as you drive in to know everyone is praying and pulling for Kelly! There are so many friends who have done so many things for us that enable us to spend more time with Kelly and it is so kind of all of you! Thank you for everything so many people do all the time! It is so greatly appreciated!

Kelly is not in much pain now and she feels good once we get her out of bed after her long naps. We really don't flip her at night as she sleeps so soundly! I miss getting up all night long to flip her in the air now! She is truly amazing as she never complains and she is feeling better. She is just a joy to be around and look at, laugh with, hold and be with all the time!

The bad days will continue in the future, though, our doctors tell us, and they will become more frequent but as of now, we know she still has the strength to recover and bounce back. The best thing we do is sit with her, hold her, talk to her and make her smile! She has that beautiful Kelly smile still!

She is very tired but she keeps going and there is no quit in our girl! Buddy is always near her and loves to give her wet and sloppy kisses and protect her! After he is done chewing all the clothes on the ground!

Michael is a great big brother and a huge help around the house and he loves his little sister! He is growing up way to fast and really becoming a fine young man! This must be hard for him to but and he has handled everything so well!

Thank you all for continuing to pray for more miracles for Kelly! Her being with us today is one we never thought would happen! Hopefully there are many more to come for her recovery. She truly is an amazing young girl and we love her so much. I never knew how good her skin feels to touch and how soft she is!

I look forward to having her squeeze my fingers tonight and laugh with her again! Kelly, you will be with us and so many people, together, forever! We love you so much and you are the most beautiful little girl in the world to me and your mother! Rest today and be ready again tonight when I squeeze you again!

Love to you all!

Thursday, February 15, 2007 6:42 PM CST

Our little Angel keeps going and going and going!!

She really really is amazing!! And I mean amazing! Kelly has rebounded from a very bad day and now she is feeling better and looking better!! The doctor's at the clinic were amazed at her resolve and her ability to keep on going!

She is a very very strong girl and she is not ever going to give up ! That's for sure ! What an angel! Never complains and just wakes up every day and rolls along!

Now I am even more amazed at her strength and will to keep on going! Maybe the prayers and notes and love she receives daily from so many people are keeping her going!

There may be some more bad days in the future, but now I know she has the ability and strength to bounce back and recover and enjoy the next day!

It truly is a very emotional roller coaster ride that we are all on and it is very frustrating!! But let us enjoy every single day and every moment we have with her while we can.

The simplest pleasures of holding her hand, rubbing her arm, kissing her head, making her smile are the most precious moments now. We tell her we love her all day and she gives us that beautiful smile right back!

She is a National Champion soccer player at North Carolina, her local soccer team won the area championships and Buddy's cousin, an English Springer Spaniel won best dog at the AKC Kennel club this week! She is truly a champion in our eyes for the way she has battled this disease and will not ever stop fighting! What a girl! We should all be as strong in our lives as she is right now! The girl is on a roll and she has too many other things to accomplish before she is gone from us.

We will enjoy her this weekend, take a drive again to see some of her friends and spend every minute we can with her, loving her and laughing with her. Thank all of you so much for continuing to keep this little, special, wonderful, beautiful, loved, sweet, caring, sincere, little, girl in your thoughts and prayers.

Tonight is a good night because Kelly is not in any pain and enjoying herself! Let's keep it going for as long as we can and get through another weekend! Miracles are out there and Kelly is a living and loving one!! Kelly, we love you so much and we will be together, forever!!!!!!

Thank you all so much!

Love,
The Muldoon's

Tuesday, February 13, 2007 5:27 PM CST

Kelly had a difficult day and is resting and in a very deep sleep. She had a fever and a cough and is fighting to hold any fluids or food down right now. Her breathing is becoming more of a struggle and her arms have weakened recently.

You can see in her eyes and voice that she is very weak. She looks back at us but it is too much for her to talk right now! We are going to let her rest and try to recover for tomorrow. We may take her in for her weekly doctor's visit or we may let her rest at home. Today was teh first day she never got out of bed at all.

I don't know what else to say but, Dear Lord, if possible, please continue to keep this precious angel with us for as long as possible! May we all say a little prayer that she is not in any pain and let her rest in peace to regain some strength.

We will lay with her all night and hold her hands and tell her we love her time after time after time. I know she can hear me and I will hold her little fingers all night long and talk to her tonight.

Kelly knows she is loved and she will live with us and be with us and many other people forever in the future. Please pray tonight that Kelly continues to rest peacefully and comfortably.

Kelly, we love you so much and we will be together, forever. You are a brave little angel and a very loved daddy's little girl.

You are the most beautiful little girl in this world and I am the luckiest father to have you as my daughter! I love you so much!

Dad, Mom, Michael and Buddy

Sunday, February 11, 2007 8:54 AM CST

Kelly's inspiration and courage continues as her soccer team, The Crisper's, won the area championships in her honor yesterday! The girls all wore wristbands and played in honor of Kelly and won for her! Her soccer championships continue to mount as the team came together for her and were not going to be denied the victory!

We were able to bring Kelly to the field before the games and Kelly got to see all of her teammates! The team was not going to be stopped as we had Kelly on our side all year! It was a wonderful way to end the season winning the championships for her! They played for her and were inspired by Kelly's love and courage all year!

Kelly's doctor's appointment went well last week also. Everyone was amazed at how good Kelly looked and how strong she continues to be. She is amazing!

There is no quit in this girl and she continues to live everyday to the fullest! We have many people stop by and we are taking her out for another drive this afternoon to visit more friends!

She keeps smiling and her positive attitude keeps us going every day! She is very comfortable and it is good to have her resting at home. Buddy, her furry, chewing, crazy, lovable best friend never leaves her side and is a bigger lap dog than Kelly originally wanted. Buddy sleeps by her feet all night and is never far from her!

Kelly is still fighting and holding on, her cough continues, but her strength, her breathing and her heart are still strong! Her strong will to live keeps all of us going every day! Her arm strength has weakened slightly but she keeps fighting and she will never give up!

She is a very strong, courageous young girl who is going to keep going as long as she possibly can! Kelly is truly an inspiration to many people. She continues to smile and hold my hand and loves being around us all the time. Looking at her, smiling with her, holding her hand, looking inot her eyes, making her smile, touching her andloving her makes us all feel better each day!

Since stopping the chemo Kelly is feeling better and is not as tired or as run down as before. We are going to love her and spend as much time with her as we possibly can. Every minute and every squeeze is so precious right now!

Kelly, we love you so much and I am so proud of the way you continue your battle. You are truly an amazing girl and a tower of strength. You are a wonderful teammate to two championship soccer teams now and many more in the future!

We will be together, forever!


Mom, Dad, Michael, and Buddy

Wednesday, February 7, 2007 8:27 PM CST

Kelly has her weekly doctor's visit scheduled Thursday afternoon! With the same ones who did not think she would be with us today! Boy, does she keep proving everyone wrong! She is a strong Irish girl and quite the fighter! There is no quit in this little girl!

Lynne's mother recently left after a long visit. She was a huge help to all of us. Kelly really loved having Grandma visit, as well as Michael.

If you would have seen her Friday afternoon, you too would not have thought this girl was to be with us at this time either! But our angel amongst us continues her brave fight and she keeps going. Thank God she is still with us now!

I can honestly tell you that her arm strength is weakening as I pick her up. I can feel that she just does not have the strong grip she has had in the past.

Kelly still has a slight cough but her fever is gone and her pain is under control. We need her to get rid of the cough before her lungs are minimized. She is not complaining about any pain in her back or her legs, which is good news and we have not given her any pain medication for awhile now!

The chemo medicines have been put on hold, so Kelly's appetite and sense of humor is coming back. She feels better now that the drugs have stopped coming into her body every day! We are going to let her enjoy her time with us as comfortably as possible.

She deserves to feel good about her self now and it is a joy to laugh and talk with her every day. She loves to squeeze my fingers when I hold her hands. When I move them away, she immediately reaches out for them.

There is a Pediatric Cancer Foundation fundraiser in the morning and Kelly played the piano last year for the large crowd. I mentioned the meeting to her and she said she wanted to go again! But it is to early in the morning and there is no way she can be up by that time. But she said she wanted to go again and see her friends who have been with us the past few years supporting her ! Believe me, she will be there with all of us with her spirit!

Her positive attitude and smile is still with her even as she struggles every day. She played the piano again for a few minutes tonight and her fingers could barely push down the keys! The music still sounded so good (to us) as she played again!

There is so much more to say but I am exhausted, angry, frustrated, yet I am so happy that I am getting more time to enjoy the time I have left with my little girl. Every minute and every touch I have left is so special and I will treasure forever.

I look into her tired eyes and tell her we will be together, forever, and she smiles back at me ! I will never forget those words and her precious smile!

The soccer team Kelly used to play for, The Crispers, is in the local championships this weekend and the girls are playing for her too, just like the UNC girls did a few weeks ago. I love all the girls on her team and they are all like daughters to me. I will continue to coach them and live Kelly's life through them in the future. Kelly will always be with us on the soccer fields in Tampa and with her teammates in Chapel Hill!!

Running again without any pain and smiling all the time! That is how I will remember my beautiful, precious, wonderful, little girl! Kelly, I love you so much and you will never ever be away from my heart every day!

Thank you all for continuing to pray for this little angel, she is truly a treasure living her dream and she is not ready to leave us yet. She has to many more people to talk to, touch and love!

Thank you all for your love and support!
Kelly, as I have said many times before, I consider myself to be the luckiest father in the world to have been able to spend all these years with you. You are the most beautiful child and we will always be together, forever!

Steve, Lynne, Michael, Kelly and Buddy!

Monday, February 5, 2007 5:40 PM CST

Kelly made it through another weekend! And it was not easy!

Her blood counts were very low Friday but she was able to receive the blood transfusion. Honestly, Kelly had a difficult day Friday and her doctor's told us to be prepared for the worst over the weekend. It was a very scary time for all of us! To be in the exam room and to see your precious little daughter having a terrible time talking and communicating with nothing but her eyes was so hard. Holding her hand and talking to her got me through that horrible Friday afternoon with me wondering if I was going to have her with us the whole weekend!

But our prayers were answered and Kelly is not giving up. In fact, this tough fighter keeps going and going!! We were able to spend all weekend with her and we had another great afternoon and eveneing with her today!

Last night Kelly was awake till 9:00 and we had some special times holding each others hands watching television and laughing together.

Kelly is the strongest child I know and she amazes me every day! There is no quit in her and she continues her fight! Her pain is under control and she is sleeping deeper. I miss waking to flip her now and wish she would wake up more!!

This afternoon Kelly asked me to take her to the piano and she played for 10 minutes. If you could have seen the look in her eyes and the smile on her face as she was able to play some notes, her fingers touched the keys ever so gently.

We taped her playing and it will be with us forever! Every minute we get to spend with her are memories that we will forver treasure! Then lying in bed with her, looking at into her eyes and laughing about old times was beautiful!

We have been on this emotional roller coaster for so long. There is only one person who knows when it is time for Kelly to go, and until then we will love Kelly as much as we can and hold her hands all night long. To sit with her and whisper things to her and smile with her, laugh with her and just to touch her are the only things that matter now.

She truly is not ready to go yet, I know she has some more lessons to teach me and more people to touch and when the time comes, I know in my heart that we have done everything we possibly could have done for her. Kelly knows she is loved and that she will be forever with so many people. It is going to be so hard, that the worst is yet to come, and it will hurt so bad, but Kelly will not be suffering any longer and she will not be in any more pain. My heart will be crushed and broken but Kelly will never, ever be far away form me. As I say to her so many times a day, we will be together, forever!

Thank you all for keeping this beautiful young lady in your thoughts and prayers. She is truly the most beautiful, special, kind, caring, sincere and sweetest child and I am so glad I was able to spend so many years with her enjoying her love. I consider myself to be the luckiest father to have Kelly as my daughter!

May Kelly continue to be pain free and be able to enjoy her family and friends for a while longer.

Love, Steve

Friday, February 2, 2007 2:47 AM CST

We met with Kelly's doctors Wednesday afternoon and we have decided to take a break in the chemotherapy medicines for now. Her body just cannot handle everything and the medicines are wearing her down. We will monitor Kelly's progress and make sure she is as comfortable as possible. We may continue her chemo in the future or may not be able too!

Kelly may receive another blood transfusion Friday afternoon. Her blood counts are low only two weeks after her last transfusion so we must stop all the chemo because her body is having trouble reproducing her blood cells and fighting her infection.

The transfusion will take 4-5 hours and it is not painful. Lynne's mother has been kind enough to visit for almost a week. She'll spend some time with Kelly at the clinc. Then we will watch some movies and read books all day and spend a wonderful afternoon together, having as much fun as you can hooked up to tubes in transfusion room! We will make the best of it and try to have as much fun as we can together today!

Kelly is still coughing a bit and her pain seems to be much better now. By stopping the chemotherapy, hopefully, her body can rebound and she can get stronger! Her arm strength is good and I make her use her arms as much as she can when I pick her up to flip her and carry her around.

The tumors have yet to overtake her heart and lungs and her breathing is very good now too. Her speech has slowed down slightly but her sense of humor is still there as we laugh as much as we can about anything ! Who knows how much longer we have with our beautiful daughter!

She truly is an amazing and a very, very, strong young girl. Her Hospice nurse and her doctors are amazed at her strength and resolve to keep going! Her will to keep fighting and living keeps her and us going every day! I was telling Kelly last night that she keeps me going and I keep her going and she laughed and smiled !

As Robin told me recently, make as many memories together as you can, each and every day!! And I am trying! Every moment I spend with her, I hold her hand and bring up old stories of her and Michael and the family. We are watching old family movies when we can and we are spending every minute together awake as we can with her. I was alot skinnier and younger looking back in the old days, she says! This gray hair stuff came from maturing, ever so slightly, at least that's what I tell her!

Recently, Kelly has been staying up longer each day and it is great to come home to talk and laugh until 9:00 with her in the evening! Holding her hand in bed and whispering things to her are moments I will treasure forever! Mom and Dad kiss her big beautiful body all the time!

This weekend we are going to relax and have some friends over. The blood transfusion should give her some more energy like it did a few weeks ago and we are going to make the most of the time we have left with her this weekend!

Kelly, we love you so much and you are the bravest, most courageous and beautiful person I have ever met and you will live forever with so many people. You truly make me a better person and I will keep your spirit alive with me forever and ever. You never have complained and you are an amazing and special daddy's little girl! How I miss you running down that soccer from the past! I hope I can have your love of life and your positive attitude forever!

I love you so much and look forward to spending the weekend with you! You truly are my hero and a wonderful and special fighter! There is no quit in you and I will make sure there is not ever any quit in me, mom, or Michael either!

Thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers. The prayers are working as we have Kelly still with us and it is February already!

May you all have a wonderful and pain free weekend spent with your family and friends and we will take each day we have with Kelly and enjoy her love as much as we possibly can. Kelly, I love you so much and we will get through his together!

Steve, Lynne, Michael, Kelly and Buddy!

Wednesday, January 31, 2007 7:35 AM CST

We have an appointment with her doctor's this afternoon and we will check on her blood counts and discuss the options we have to continue Kelly's treatments!

She has a small cough and we need her to beat it soon so it does not progress into something worse. Her fever currently gone !!!

Kelly keeps going and going and it is amazing to see how she keeps fighting. She is the bravest person I have ever known and she never complains about what she is going through. I know she will never give up fighting and she knows she is going to fully recover one day, either here with us, or in better place!

We have spent hours and hours just talking and laughing and we constantly tell her she will get better and she keeps feeding off our love and support.

I tell her I need her on the soccer field next year and that she is already accepted in into 8th grade! She tied for the highest score in her class on the placement test in October and we are all so proud of her !!!

We have been watching old videos every chance we get and Kelly loves to hear herself play the piano on the movies.
She was a great musician and I am so glad I taped her playing and goofing around for all these years.

We hug and kiss and hold her hand as much as we can and Kelly knows she is loved by us and so many other people. She is the nicest, sweetest and most beautiful little girl and she will forever be with us in our hearts and memories.

Thank you all so much for continuing to pray for her recovery. Let's get through another day and into this weekend so we can just love her as much as we can.

Her speech is slowing down but she still has the strength in her arms to pull herself up when we carry and lift her. The new protocol has slowed the rapid decline but we all wonder how much longer she has until the tumors take over her other vital organs.

Until then, as Robin said, make memories together every minute you can and enjoy every day spent with her as possible. Kelly's soccer teammates, The Crispers, are all wearing wristbands " 4 Kelly " as we march into the region playoffs and championships. Maybe she can inspire these girls to win like she did the UNC girls!

May we have many more pain free days together to just love and kiss her and hold her hands!

Love,
Steve, Lynne, and Michael

Sunday, January 28, 2007 6:41 PM CST

We made it through another weekend and thankfully our little angel just keeps going and going and going!

Saturday afternoon, Kelly had two friends from school come over and spend all day laughng and visitng with her and it was a blast. We got some old family videos out and watched them together! Many comments were made on the skinny black haired father in the movies!! Who was that guy!! The kids loved watching the videos together and Kelly laughed at the site of her self a long time ago!

Later that afternoon, Stacy, who plays soccer for University of Florida stopped by for a visit and told Kelly that all the Gator girls are pulling for her to get better too!!! It was good to see her again!

Today we were able to drive around and visit some more friends while Kelly was wide awake!! It was good to get her out and visit with some special friends!

We were able to enjoy the quality time with Kelly this weekend and our little fighter never complained one bit all weekend! She is slowing down as expected but her strong desire to keep fighting is pushing all through this battle every day! Her arms are still strong and her breathing is fine now. She is still fighting a slight fever and has a little cough but she is still with us!!

Now if we can get through another week and into February, we will enjoy every minute with her while we can! We have made some memories this weekend together and the time we are spending together is priceless! We take one day at a time and love her and hold her as much as possible!

Her Hospice nurses will be by in a few days to monitor her vital signs and her weekly blood count is scheduled for Wednesday! We are very happy that we are getting to spend every day possible with her as she continues her struggle. Please continue to keep Kelly in your thoughts and prayers and hopefully we can continue to hug her and hold her for many more days!

Love to you all!

Steve, Lynne , and Michael

Sunday, January 28, 2007 6:41 PM CST

We made it through another weekend and our little angel/timex watch just keeps going and going and going!

Saturday afternoon, Kelly had two friends from school come over and spend all day laughng and visitng with her and it was a blast. We got some old family videos out and watched them together! Many comments were made on the skinny black haired father in the movies!! Who was that guy!! The kids loved watching the videos together and Kelly laughed at the site of her self a long time ago!

Later that afternoon, Stacy, who plays soccer for University of Florida stopped by for a visit and told Kelly that all the Gator girls are pulling for her to get better too!!! It was good to see her again!

Today we were able to drive around and visit some more friends while Kelly was wide awake!! It was good to get her out of the house and visit with some special friends!

We were able to enjoy the quality time with Kelly this weekend and our little fighter never complained one bit all weekend! She is slowing down as expected but her strong desire to keep fighting is pushing all through this battle every day! Her arms are still strong and her breathing is fine now. She is still fighting a slight fever and has a little cough but she is still with us!!

Now if we can get through another week and into February, we will enjoy every minute with her while we can! We have made some memories this weekend together and the time we are spending together is priceless! We take one day at a time and love her and hold her as much as possible!

Her Hospice nurses will be by in a few days to monitor her vital signs and her weekly blood count is scheduled for Wednesday! We are very happy that we are getting to spend every day possible with her as she continues her struggle. Please continue to keep Kelly in your thoughts and prayers and hopefully we can continue to hug her and hold her for many more days!

Love to you all!

Steve, Lynne , and Michael

Sunday, January 28, 2007 6:41 PM CST

We made it through another weekend and our little angel/timex watch just keeps going and going and going!

Saturday afternoon, Kelly had two friends from school come over and spend all day laughng and visitng with her and it was a blast. We got some old family videos out and watched them together! Many comments were made on the skinny black haired father in the movies!! Who was that guy!! The kids loved watching the videos together and Kelly laughed at the site of her self a long time ago!

Later that afternoon, Stacy, who plays soccer for University of Florida stopped by for a visit and told Kelly that all the Gator girls are pulling for her to get better too!!! It was good to see her again!

Today we were able to drive around and visit some more friends while Kelly was wide awake!! It was good to get her out of the house and visit with some special friends!

We were able to enjoy the quality time with Kelly this weekend and our little fighter never complained one bit all weekend! She is slowing down as expected but her strong desire to keep fighting is pushing all through this battle every day! Her arms are still strong and her breathing is fine now. She is still fighting a slight fever and has a little cough but she is still with us!!

Now if we can get through another week and into February, we will enjoy every minute with her while we can! We have made some memories this weekend together and the time we are spending together is priceless! We take one day at a time and love her and hold her as much as possible!

Her Hospice nurses will be by in a few days to monitor her vital signs and her weekly blood count is scheduled for Wednesday! We are very happy that we are getting to spend every day possible with her as she continues her struggle. Please continue to keep Kelly in your thoughts and prayers and hopefully we can continue to hug her and hold her for many more days!

Love to you all!

Steve, Lynne , and Michael

Thursday, January 25, 2007 6:37 PM CST

She's Back!!!!

Kelly rebounded from yesterday's low point and scaring us to having a great day and being in a wonderful and happy mood all day ! Now I am hoping I get to flip her tonight as many times as she wants! I may wake her up just to move her around all night long! And Aunt Barbie, I will be careful this time when she is in the air!

The emotional roller coaster cotinues for everybody! After not knowing what would happen today and having a bad feeling for the near future, Kelly keeps on fighting and we had a great evening together.

Now we will see what happens tomorrow! We have her weekly visit set for Friday afternoon and we will discuss further options for her treatments.

Either way, this tough, beautiful and funny girl keeps on going and going. I am praying and hoping for another few days like today and we will happy to spend some quality time with her while she is awake!

Thank you for continuing to pray for this little girl. Today's prayers were answered and we look forward to an enjoyable weekend !!!

Love,
Steve and Lynne

Thursday, January 25, 2007 5:25 AM CST

Kelly had a tough day yesterday! She went to sleep early and was very unresponsive. How I wish she would have asked me to flip her last night! But no, nothing was said and she did not move much at all.

Hopefully, Kelly will wake in a few hours and be a little more coherent and be able to acknowledge us. Hopefully!

She did not look good with her eyes and we are hoping she has a better day when she awakes from her deep sleep.

A least, when she is sleeping, she is not in much pain and maybe she is dreaming of pleasant memories !

Our Hospice nurse stopped by last night and said her vital signs continue to be strong!! She still is fighting and will not give up! She is a true champion and very strong!

Thank you all for your continued prayers for this little wonderful angel amongst us.

Love

Dad, Mom, and Michael

Monday, January 22, 2007 3:21 PM CST

We made it through another weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kelly's blood transfusion went well Friday and she seemed to have some more energy over the weekend. We were able to enjoy her and watch some Smallville episodes together. I tell Kelly I looked like the teenage Superman when I was younger but she still does not believe me!! They did not make gray hair back then!

We drove around town this weekend listening to country music and visited some special friends. Jena and her mom from school were able to help us out for a few hours Sunday afternoon and it was wonderful to have them over and spend time with Kelly!

Kelly is sleeping alot and her pain is not as severe now. She is one tough little girl and a very courageous person. She has been through more that any of us at such a young age should have to handle and she keeps fighting everyday.

We are going to continue her treatments as long as she can handle them and there are no adverse side effects! So far, Kelly is not complaining about her medicines so we will continue her protocol for a while longer.

We truly take one day at a time and enjoy her as much as we can. The spreading of the tumor in her brain has been slowed by this new protocol but it is only time until the tumors takes over the breathing and heart beat.

There are so many of you who continue to pray for Kelly every day and we could not have gotten this far without your support. Hospice and her nurses check on her regularly at our house and we will keep her home and not go to the hospital, if possible.

Please continue to pray for this wonderful, special and beautiful young girl. The days and nights will be long and painful but Kelly will never leave us and she will be with us all forever. We have shared so many priceless moments these past twelve years and Kelly knows she is loved by her family and so many friends and we will forever keep her in our hearts.

Thank you all for your notes and words of encouragement. I know we are not being punished and this is just something that happened, but you do wonder why Kelly and us! But we will all know the reason one day. I know we did the best we could and we exhausted all avenues of care for Kelly. We will carry on Kelly's spirit every day and she will never be forgotten!

Kelly, you are one special and loved little girl and we love you so much! I can't wait to see you again tonight when I get home! You can ask to be flipped if you want to and I will not drop you again!! She did not fall too far, just kidding!!

Thank God for the carpeting and a hard head inherited from her father!

Love Dad, Mom, and Michael

Friday, January 19, 2007 5:39 PM CST

Kelly's blood transfusion went well today. Lynne sat with her first and then I stayed by her side and took her home. She was awake the whole time and holding my hand. It was time well spent with her and she needs and wants one of us to be near her all the time. the transfusion should make her feel better soon.

Her doctor's are supportive that we are continuing her treatments and she is not in as much pain as in the past.

This rare tumor that started in her spinal cord has spread and it will slowly take over her brain stem. I know that and there is nothing else we can do at this time except love her and hold her and spend evey minute we can with her.

There does come a time when you wonder how much longer can this girl keep going, but we want her to be with us as long as she is not in unbearable pain. She is resting more and her breathing and heart are not giving her problems. Her will to continue this fight and her will to live keep this tough girl going every day!

The spreading tumors in her brain and spine, in time though, will finally take over the part of the brain that controls her breathing and heart and there now is a greater risk of seizures due to the increasing pressure on her brain.

I honestly know what will happen but only God knows when so we are going to give her all our love for as long as possible.

No parent is taught how to handle the struggle that Kelly is going through and I would not wish this upon anyone. It is not fair and it is very hard to see your child slowly succumb to this ravishing disease in front of your eyes daily.

As I have said before, why Kelly, why not me, what has she done or what have we as parents done to deserve this punishment. Only time will tell.

We will enjoy the weekend with her and hug her as much as we can. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. She is resting comnfortably and I know she will have good weekend. I can't wait to hug her again and tell her I love her !


Steve, Lynne, Michael, and Kelly

Thursday, January 18, 2007 5:34 AM CST

Kelly beat her cold and no longer has her fever or runny nose! Some good news finally!

But due to her low blood counts yesterday from her weekly doctor's visit, Kelly will need another blood transfusion tomorrow.

This is a 4 hour treatment that will make Kelly feel better. The procedure is done at the outpatient clinic and will be done Friday afternoon. The chemo medicines she takes lowers her blood count level and the transfusion is necessary.

Kelly is sleeping better and is not in as much pain. I have not had to flip her as much and I am more careful to catch her now!! She is slowly losing the feeling in her arms as the tumor continues to spread throughout her spinal cord though.

Mom manages her pain medications and she is resting comfortably at home now. Her heart is still very strong and this tough little girl continues her battle.

Her strength and her will to fight this disease keeps her going and going. You never once hear Kelly complain! She is quite the trooper and a wonderful little girl!

We will relax this weekend and continue to enjoy every minute with her.

I have learned to enjoy the time with her and make every day a great one. She is a joy to be around and just to talk and whisper things is wonderul.

Seize the day and make it a good one! I will, and I look forward to coming home tonite to give Kelly a big hug, kiss and squeeze, if she is still awake!

Thank you for helping us get through this challenging time! I would not want anyone to have to go through what we have had to endure the past 3 years! Why, we wonder, and why our Kelly, but one day we will all find out!

Steve , Lynne, Michael and Kelly

Monday, January 15, 2007 7:26 AM CST

Kelly won't ever quit! This strong, brave little girl just keeps fighting and fighting, going and going and going!

We made it through the weekend and were able to spend some quality time with her.

Kelly is weakening but her strong will and strong heart are not going to stop fighting!

Kelly's fever is finally gone !!! We are praying she continues to bounce back from her cold! No problem for our Kelly !!! When Lynne called her "toughie", I know where that came from.

We took her out to see her very special friend Dana yesterday, and Kelly perked right up. Getting her to sleep is another challenge, though!

I broke a new record in flipping Kelly yesterday. And no, Aunt Barbie, she does not do any somersaults when I toss her and I have not dropped her on the ground lately! Luckily she landed on the carpet!

I am sure she is uncomfortable and it is hard for her to sleep but we lay with her, hold her hand and whisper things back and forth and try to make her as comfortable as possible.

Kelly likes someone, even Michael, her big brother, to just be with her as she tries to go to sleep.

We are going to enjoy every minute with her and do whatever she wants. We will flip her all night long if I have to!

Pastor Richard from our church came out yesterday to visit and pray with Kelly and it was good for her to see him at this time. She is a wonderful litle girl who is continuing her battle, and, as I have said before, there is no quit in our daughter !

Thank you all for continuing to keep Kelly and Michael in your thoughts and prayers. Michael is growing up (6' 2", last time I looked) and becoming a fine young man. We are very proud of the way he has handled this too.

Michael helps out all the time and he sees his little sister struggle and I am a sure it hurts him inside.

We have our weekly visit with her doctor on Wednesday.

Thank you all for your love and support, and just being there for us if needed.

Steve, Lynne, Michael and Kelly

Friday, January 12, 2007 1:57 AM CST

Our litttle angel keeps going and going and going!

Kelly's visit with her doctor went well Wednesday. We were told to make sure Kelly gets plenty of rest and continue with her protocol. Her new medicines have stopped the rapid regression in her condition and she is resting comfortably now.

Her cold is getting worse and we need her to ovecome her cough and runny nose. Her lungs were fine and we know her heart and her will to keep going are very strong. Little kids are resilient and she is a very, very strong young lady!

Last night though was the first night she whispered to me that she was scared that she would never run or walk again. I told her I am scared too but we are here for you and we will overcome this together! You wonder what else this little girl is really scared about and wondering about also!

I told her we have to continue with her protocol but you could tell she was worried that the medicines are not working and she knows what could happen to her! I told her that God is with us and we need to keep praying for her strength to return.

She is still battling her fever and we are doing everything we can to keep that under control too. Her doctor's explained as the tumor continues to spread and move up her spinal cord, her condition will worsen and she will continue to loose strength in her upper body! This rare tumor is aggressive and continues to spread.

She continues to fight like the champion we all know she is. Her breathing from the cold is worrying us too as it is getting harder for her to breathe when she sleeps.

We are going to enjoy her this weekend and continue to make he as comfortable as possible. Buddy stays by her side and continues to chew up a storm in the house. Socks and towels disappear every day ! I thought Michael was throwing things away but I found the real culprit, and he is too cute to punish so we give him treats and he wags his tail and we love that crazy dog even more!

Thank you all for continuing to pray for Kelly. She is an amazing and very strong little girl who is battling every day right now. Her will to live and her love of life continue to keep her going.

Kelly, we love you so much and you know your family will be there for you forever and ever and we will beat this together! You are such a wonderful little girl and we love you so much and admire you courage and strength as you battle every day.

Thank you all again for your love and support for Kelly and our family through this challenging time.

Steve, Lynne and Michael

Monday, January 8, 2007 10:18 AM CST

Good Morning!!

We made it through Sunday and every day is so special that Kelly is still with us!

Kelly had a great weekend and is a joy to be around every minute possible. We took Kelly to see some friends yesterday and she enjoyed the time spent outside the house.

We were able to go for a long walk in the neighborhood and Buddy was with Kelly every step of the way. Kelly loves her dog so much and Buddy loves to give Kelly wet and sloppy kisses. Kelly says it is not a real kiss if its not wet and sloppy and Buddy is a good kisser, licker, and chewer!

Kelly is sleeping quite a bit and has not asked for pain medicine lately. We are trying to make her as comfortable as possible and enjoy every minute possible we can with her. She was singing in the car yesterday and still enjoys listening to her music when she can.

I do have to say it is very hard and saddening to keep going but we all must. It will be hard for everyone but with the love and support from all of our friends and family we will never forget what Kelly has brought into our lives.

Thank you all for your love and support and we will call upon you in the future for help too. We could not have gotten this far without the phone calls, the notes and cards ,the meals, and just having so many people available to talk with through this struggle.

Kelly is such an amazing, wonderful, sweet, sicere, caring little girl and we love her so much. You wonder why her, why not me! Why not someone else! But we all will find out that answer one day. As I have said before, I would trade places in a second if I could !

Kelly, we love you so much and miss you! Please know that Mom, Dad, and your big brother Michael will be with you forever and ever and we will get through this together.

You are such a beautiful person and so many people have been touched by the courage and strength that you have shown all of us.

Your will to keep fighting, your determination and strength in your body are admired by so many people. You know we will all be together one day again and I can't wait to wrestle with you and hold you in my arms. You are one brave, strong, courageous wonderful daddy's little girl!

We love you!

Mom, Dad, Michael and Buddy!!!!!

Thursday, January 4, 2007 7:56 PM CST

Kelly is resting comfortably now after receiving her medicines yesterday at the clinic.

She still has a low-grade fever that we wish would disappear !!! Her breathing is a little labored right now and she is fighting to stay with us. She is a very tough and courageous young girl.

The nurse says Kelly is very strong and has a fighting spirit in her. Her will to continue is keeping her going right now. She is a determined fighter and athlete and she is not giving up !! But how much more can this little girl take!

She is sleeping more each day and her fever is making her very tired. We are going to spend as much time with her as we can this weekend and love her every second.

Please continue to pray that she does not suffer much longer and her pain and discomfort goes away.

Thank you all for the love and support that you have given our family. We could not have gotten this far without you. And we know you will be there for us in the uncertain future.

Kelly is such a wonderful, caring, sweet, humble, intelligent and special little girl who is loved by so many people. We love her so much and this hurts Lynne and me to see her like this. I know we all must go on, but there will always be an empty spot in our hearts for our Kelly.

Please continue to pray that Kelly will not suffer much longer. I know she will be with all of us forever! This weekend will be very special to be with her while she is awake and just hang hold her!

To just sit next to her and talk to her and hold her hand is so special right now. She reaches for my hand and we just squeeze each others!

We love Kelly so much and would trade places with her in a second if we could! We are so proud of her! Please know Kelly, that we will be with you forever and we will be together always!

Remember, you are daddy's little girl forever and ever and we will get through this together !

Kelly, there are so many special moments I have enjoyed lately with you and I will make sure your fighting spirit and strong will to live stay with us all forever, too!

Your love for life will never be forgotten by the people whose lives you have touched through this journey!

Love,

Dad, Mom, Michael and Buddy!
We love you so much!

Tuesday, January 2, 2007 7:17 PM CST

Happy New Year!!

Kelly has another scheduled protocol tomorrow if her blood counts remain at a certain level for her to receive her new medicines.

She has been feeling very tired lately and has vomited many times in the past few days. She has not been able too hold many fluids or solid food down and we are worried that she could get dehydrated.

Somehow, on New Years Eve at 11:45, Kelly woke from her rest and said she wanted to watch the ball drop on TV with us. Mom, Dad, Michael and Buddy all got into bed with her and counted down the time and got to watch the ball drop with Kelly. It was beautiful to be there with her for the countdown and a very memorable time for us all. Only God knows how she awoke from her deep sleep in time to be with us at 12:00!
We are hoping she can regain her strength soon and feel better fast!

Kelly visited with many friends over her holiday break and it was good for her to see everyone. There are a few hours every day when she is wide awake and this is when we schedule her visits. Kelly does tire easily and she is sleeping and resting more each day.

Her body isn't as strong as it used to be. She has felt very ill with this current fever, but we are making sure she is as comfortable as possible.

Last night a neighbor of ours, Chad Dalton who plays on the mens soccer team at North Carolina stopped by to visit with Kelly and dropped off a signed UNC soccer ball, just for her!

We discussed this past seasons wonderful journey with the UNC girls soccer team and he knew many of the players who are on Kelly's team now with her! It was good to see her smile again for a few minutes!

Wednesday will be a big day to see if we can get her feeling better. She has been fighting this fever for a few weeks and we are battling to keep it under control.

I am very glad that many of you got to see Kelly recently and were able to spend some quality time with her. Time is all we have now and to spend as much with her when she is awake is all we can hope for.

Thank you all for continuing to keep Kelly in your thoughts and prayers. She is resting again and we will let you know what her doctors recommend tomorrow.

Love,

Steve, Lynne, Michael and Kelly

Friday, December 29, 2006 6:14 PM CST

Kelly keeps on going and going and going!! We made it through Christmas and now we have to get through New Year's Eve this weekend and hope for a miraculous 2007!

Kelly is resting alot and she is an amazing young lady! She usually wakes up around noon and we put her to sleep 4-6 hours after that.

She is a very tough girl also! Very courageous, brave and proud and truly a girl with a spirit that just will not quit! She is a fighter!

We are going to relax this weekend and spend as much time with her when she is awake as possible. Just to sit with her and hold her hand is the best thing we can do. We enjoy every minute with her that we have. I just like to whisper things to her and talk about her future recovery and all about school, and her soccer friends. The time spent talking to her is priceless and I will never get it back!

I am also very proud of Kelly's brother Michael, who has been through an awful lot watching his best friend and little sister fight this terrible disease. He is always there for Kelly and helps out all the time. No brother or youngster should have to see his sister suffer like this and have her torn slowly from him but he is handling this like a very good strong man.

This has been a very devastating event for our family and it truly is very difficult to keep going every day but we have no other choice!

We love Kelly so much and it hurts us to see her in some of her trying times but we get through those moments and enjoy her when she is feeling well.

Thank all of you for continuing to keep Kelly in your thoughts and prayers. May the New Year bring a miracle cure to her soon!

Love Steve, Lynne, Michael and Kelly

Monday, December 25, 2006 2:29 PM CST

Merry Christmas to everyone today!!!

We attended Christmas Mass last night and Kelly enjoyed the holiday service. Kelly got to visit with many people at our church who have been praying and pulling for her and it was good for them to see how Kelly is fighting! She awoke this morning in a good mood. Of course, IT WAS CHRISTMAS !!!!

We opened presents and Kelly stayed very awake for a few hours. She is resting comfortably now. She will hopefully get up in a while or we may just let her sleep for the evening. Just laying next to her, holding her hand and talking to her is the best thing I can do and the most enjoyable part of my day! I will never be able to replace any of these moments just talking to her and it is very special for me to just be near her!

The best present we could have received this year is to have Kelly happy and with us today and that was delivered.

Mass this morning was very meaningful as I remembered all the good times my family spent together over Christmas break. Church was a very big part of it and singing Christmas carols brings back many happy times spent with my parents and brothers and sisters growing up.

We don't know what the future will hold for Kelly but we will enjoy her as much as possible this short work week and make sure she can see as many friends as possible. Just having her with us now during this long battle is the best present we will ever have!

We hope you all have a very nice day and enjoy it with your loved ones. Merry Christmas!

Love,
Steve and Lynne

Saturday, December 23, 2006 5:03 AM CST

Kelly's blood transfusion went well Wednesday afternoon. She is currently fighting a small fever and we are hoping she will overcome it soon!

I know it is supposed to be a happy joyful Holiday Christmas season but it's difficult to say everything is normal. We look at our beautiful young daughter and our doctor's tell us that they have no idea what may happen to our Kelly! We do go day by day with her and try to enjoy every minute! Believe me, it is very frustrating for us there is so much unknown. Meanwhile we are doing our best to continue our normal day to day lifestyle this Holiday season!

We are going to go to Mass on Christmas Eve and hopefully Kelly will stay awake long enough to see "Santa" again this year. We drove around last night to look at Christmas lights. When Kelly got tired, we cuddled up in the car with pillows and blankets as Kelly slept all the way home !!!

I want to thank all of you for keeping Kelly in your thoughts and prayers. There are so may special wonderful people who have gone out of their way to make this girl's life so special as she continues her struggle.

Presently Lynne's mother is visiting for the holidays. She is such a huge help for us, and Michael and Kelly adore her !

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas with your friends and familes and enjoy your children this weekend.

These past 2 1/2 years have been challenging, but Kelly is one tough little girl. She has always been a fighter !!!

Thank you all again for continuing to pray for Kelly and keeping her with you this weekend.

Love and prayers,
Steve and Lynne

Monday, December 18, 2006 4:42 PM CST

Kelly's visit to the clinic went well today. We were there for 3 1/2 hours this afternoon and she was able to receive her new chemotherapy protocol which has been making Kelly feel a little better lately. She got a very special visit from Dana, a close friend of hers and it really cheered her up. You should have seen her smile and laugh in her chair!

Wednesday, Kelly will need a blood transfusion which will take all afternoon. Her blood counts were low today so her doctors decided this was necesary. It should not be painful but will take 4 hours for Kelly to sit there and receive the transfusion.

The doctors said she should feel stronger and better for the Holiday weekend coming up after she receives the new blood.

Kelly was able to go to her soccer team's lunch Saturday afternoon and visit with her teammates! We had a great time seeing all her girls and it was good for the players to see how well Kelly is feeling now. The Crisper's, Kelly's team are undefeated and want her to return to the field as soon as she can!

Sunday we were able to drive around town and visit some friends. It was a special day as we were able to watch a condensed version of the highlights from the UNC National Championship weekend when Kelly was featured on ESPN. The Confer's, who are an amazing family and who we could not do all of this without their help, love, and support, were able to condense Kelly's highlights on a CD and it is a wonderful documentary on what Kelly meant to her UNC teammates and the highlights of their championship weekend. Truly a special weekend that will live with everyone involved with that trip forever!

We talk about that trip constantly and many of the UNC players have continued to keep in touch with Kelly. Coach Anson said to her when we were leaving, "Kelly, we want you back here next year for a good luck charm for this team again!", and we will be there, if possible for their first game next season! The UNC soccer program and family that we are so fortunate to be a part of now are the most wonderful group of people and Kelly will be a Tar Heel and a teammate of those girls forever!

While we were laying in bed Saturday, just resting together, I asked Kelly what she was thinking about as she was looking right at me with her big beautiful eyes, and she said, "The future, high school, college and playing soccer with my friends again!" It was beautiful to hear her speak those words and I will never forget them. I told her it will be alot of hard work to get your strength back but she said she wants to do it!!

She is always looking forward and never complains about the pain and discomfort she is in! I keep telling her she will get better one day and this is all a tough battle we are facing together! One day soon it will all be over and she will be back in school with her friends again and running around outside!

We are going to go to Christmas Mass with Kelly and it should be a memorable visit for her and everyone else at church. We are also looking forward to our usual holiday traditions that we do each year. Please continue to keep this little girl in your thoughts and prayers this weekend. I have asked Kelly many times what she wants for Christmas, and she says nothing, daddy!

The best present she can receive is quality time to spend with her family and friends and not to be in as much pain as she has been in. Presents are not important, but getting Kelly through this Holiday season in good spirits will be the best Christmas present possible.

Thank you all for continuing to keep Kelly with you. She is a very special, wonderful, caring and loved little girl.

I am the proud father of Kelly, a National Championship Tar Heel soccer player forever! And a blessed child that WE LOVE SO MUCH !!

Love to all of you this holiday season,
Steve, Lynne, Michael, and Kelly

Saturday, December 16, 2006 6:07 AM CST

Coming home early Friday afternoon was a blessing ! Lynne and I got to take Kelly for a long walk in the neighborhood and we enjoyed the time spent with her.

It was a better day for her and we got to watch '"Buddy", Kelly's favorite crazy, excitable, loving, hyper, energetic, did I say crazy and hyper, English Springer Spaniel run around the neighborhood. Who said there is a leash law in Florida! Buddy loves Kelly and Michael and he will not let you sit by yourself too long!

Kelly had a better day Friday and we enjoy every minute we can with her. We really do take one day at a time. After our walk, we laid around and just hung out, laughed and talked for a while before Kelly fell asleep. It was time well spent just loving her!

Today, Kelly is going to her soccer teams Christmas lunch and will get to see all of her teammates again! We are looking forward to the afternoon! And maybe we'll drive around to look at some Florida Christmas lights.

The Crisper's team is undefeated and no one has scored on our team yet. The girls all play for and are inspired by Kelly like the UNC girls were this season too. She is a good luck charm to the UNC team and to her team, The Crispers also!

Kelly has another chemo protocol scheduled for Monday afternoon and will receive her new drug if her blood counts remain high enough! Lynne, Michael and I all try to make sure Kelly is as comfortable as possible.

Kelly is awake for six hours a day and rests alot. Her body is fighting the disease and the medicines do make her drowsy ! But she never complains and this little girl just keeps going every day! Her attitude and spirits are remarkable.

When you are having a bad day and are tired, think of her and push yourself harder. You know Kelly would if she was physically able! Do not take anything for granted, that's for sure! We love her so much and we are excited to enjoy the Holiday season with her!

Thank all of you so much for continuing to pray for Kelly. She is one remarkable, special, loving, beautiful little girl and she continues to fight this battle every day! Your notes of encouragement help us get through this constant daily struggle!

We are so proud of her and we love Kelly so much! Have a Blessed and healthy weekend!

Love,
Steve, Lynne, Michael and Carolina Kelly!!!

Thursday, December 14, 2006 7:49 PM CST

Kelly had a tough day today. She did not talk as well as she has been lately. She is sleeping more this week and only waking from 11 - 5 or so.

This week I was gone a lot and I missed seeing her ! When I come home she is pretty much asleep and there is not much I can do with her. Tomorrow I will try to come home early and this weekend just spend as much time with her as possible.

Saturday afternoon we are having a Christmas party with the soccer team at our favorite restaurant, "Crispers " after their morning game. It will be good for Kelly to see all of her old soccer teammates again.

Then we will rest and take it easy with her. Shopping and Christmas really don't mean as much this year. Be thankful that you have your health !!

Thank all of you for your love and support through his time. It means alot to hear the kind words for our family.

We are taking one day at a time and you learn to spend as much quality time with her while she is awake. Even when Kelly is sleeping, it is good to just look at her resting peacefully.

Boy, is this a different time than two weeks ago!! I am so glad that all four of us were able to make the trip to North Carolina. Witnessing the soccer championships in person is a memory that we will never be able to replace! It was truly the best trip we ever took and Kelly enjoyed it!

Have a great weekend and we will enjoy our beautiful princess Kelly as much as we can!

Love,
Steve and Lynne

Monday, December 11, 2006 5:23 PM CST

This weekend was nothing like last weekend, that's for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, so we had to get back to reality, no private plane rides, no national television appearances, no sideline cheers for Kelly! So we took it easy and rested in Tampa!!

Kelly's blood counts were still high this week when she visited the doctor for her weekly appointment. Her new chemotherapy has helped Kelly be more alert since starting it a few weeks ago!

She will continue to receive these medicines and hopefully continue her recovery. Kelly went to school last Friday afternoon and got to visit with some of her classmates and first grade buddies. Saturday Kelly got to take her team picture with her soccer team, the famous "Crispers", the team that I coach and one day Kelly can play for again! And did she ever look stunning!

Thank you all for the notes and cards that continue to arrive daily in support of Kelly. This Christmas season, we are thankful and we will continue to pray that she will continue to recover and be able to enjoy the holidays!

She is a beautiful, special, loving, wonderful girl that is facing a very tough battle, but she continues to get up every day and never complains about the pain and discomfort she is in. We love her so much and pray that she will be able to enjoy the Christmas season with us.

Thank you all for everything you do, there are not enough words to say to everyone who has been there for us.

Love Always,

Steve, Lynne, Michael, and Kelly
The national champion soccer player and good luck charm for the UNC Tar Heels!

Sunday, December 3, 2006 7:24 PM CST

We won! We won! We won! We won!

UNC defeated Notre Dame in the Woman's Soccer National Championships today and Kelly was there, in the locker room, on the sidelines and on the field for the celebration!

What a weekend! Talk about a magical trip for everyone involved! Kelly, you are one good luck charm and quite the inspiration to some world class athletes and soccer players from North Carolina! And some very classy young ladies!!!

Saturday, we met with the players at our hotel and the girls invited Kelly to watch their victory from Friday night with them! Kelly was right in the middle of the viewing party and was hanging you with her new teammates.

We were able to talk with many players and their parents all day and they stated Kelly was a big part of their teams success this year! These girls played their hearts out for Kelly all year and the national championships came down to today's game, #1 vs #2!

Michael and I had breakfast with the team this morning and the girls said they were ready for todays game and that they had Kelly on their side to push them through the challenging times, their secret weapon!

We were able to go to the pregame meeting and watch the players prepare for the battle. The girls loved having Kelly in their locker room again and they were fired up to play!

Right before game time, Kelly was able to meet Pat Summit, the famous woman's basketball coach from Tennessee! She was very sweet to Kelly and said there is no way these girls are going to lose with Kelly on their side.

We went to our reserved spot behind the bench, got our good luck pinky tape and wrist band on, and then another surprise visitor stopped by to chat with Kelly! Mia Hamm, the former world class UNC star player dropped by to visit with Kelly for 10 minutes and Kelly enjoyed their private talk. They were talking all about her soccer career and her favorite position when she played! You should have seen the smile on Kelly's face right then.

The team came over before kick off, shook her hand, cheered "Kelly", and stormed the field with Kelly inspiring them.

UNC scored first and dominated play.

At halftime we went over to the locker room and gave high fives to the UNC team as they walked off the field! Every single player and coach stopped by as they wanted more of Kelly's good luck and karma to continue in the second half.

Right away in the first 2 minutes UNC scored again to go up 2-0! They came out on fire!

Kelly's momentum and good vibes continued throughout the game and UNC won 2-1!! After the final seconds ticked off and the game ended, Kelly was escorted onto the field to partake in the celebration!

Kelly was right in the middle of the team as they took pictures and included Kelly, right in the middle of the photo! She was loving every minute of it. A special player and friend who has supported and played hard for Kelly all year gave Kelly her own NCAA national championship award!

The players swarmed around Kelly and mobbed her. They all said they were so thankful that Kelly was able to show up for the weekend and they all mentioned how proud they were to know this little girl. Kelly was their inspirational leader and they played and dedicated their season to her. We took some great pictures of Kelly and Michael with their teammates and with the national championship trophy!

UNC won 26 games in a row after meeting Kelly and never quit pushing themselves every day in practice and in every game, just as Kelly would have when she was playing!

We flew home on a private jet earlier this evening and Kelly was smiling and holding my hand the whole flight back. What a smile! We ran into some players parents in the airport and they were so happy to have the chance to meet Kelly and thank her for inspiring the girls this season!

You could not have scripted a better storybook ending for the UNC girls season this past weekend!! The coaches, staff, players and fans treated Kelly like the VIP she truly is! We were able to fly up and see her teammates complete their historic season in her honor and win the title for her!

Kelly had the most wonderful weekend! There are so many people to thank for treating this wonderful little girl so royally these past few days. It was very challenging and frustrating at times, but worth every minute to see Kelly enjoy herself so much and to be treated so good by so many people! Lynne and I could not have done it without Michael's help! He is quite the young man and a wonderful big brother to Kelly!

Kelly was mentioned numerous times on the national television broadcast on how she inspired the UNC girls this past season. Hopefully, someone viewing the game will also be inspired and maybe they will be able to face their tough challenge every day like Kelly does. This little girl never complains and keeps going every day. She is a fighter and a very humble, loving, caring girl that just had the dream weekend during a very tough time of her young life.

I want to thank the players and all the other people again who helped make this weekend possible. Our family will never forget the smiles, the friendships, and memories that were made these past few days.

Kelly is a Tar Heel forever and this seasons UNC soccer team and family will always remember this for what she was able to bring to the team.

Kelly has another scheduled protocol tomorrow, if her blood counts remain high. The new drug she recently started seems to be relieving her symptoms. She will be in the clinic tomorrow to receive her chemotherapy and we will relive this weekend forever!!

Thank all of you and thank God that Kelly was able to remain strong enough to get through this weekend! It was something that will never be forgotten!

Love,
Steve and Lynne, now Tar Heel parents!

Saturday, December 2, 2006 5:33 AM CST

What a day! What a day! What a day!

Kelly had the most wonderful perfect day and you should have seen her smile all afternoon!!!!!

The Tar Heels won yesterday with Kelly on their bench and in their locker room and have advanced to the National Championships Sunday afternoon!

We flew up Friday morning on a private jet and got to the field in time for the pregame meeting. Just as Coach Anson was telling the girls to fight for Kelly and how this little girl is pulling for them, we walked into the locker room!! You should have seen the tears flowing from the team as they gave Kelly a standing ovation and hugged her again!! We told the team how fortunate we are to be part of such a wonderful soccer family and thanked all of them for supporting and loving Kelly the way they have. Kelly was smiling and was so proud to be with her friends again! Kelly walked in wearing her own UNC jersey , #7A, and boy did she look good!

After the pregame meeting, Robin Confer, who, with her wonderful parents initially got us in touch with the UNC program and whose #7 is retired at the UNC program escorted us to a reserved area by the UNC bench.
-
Just as we sat down, the rain stopped, the clouds disappeared, the wind stopped blowing and the sun came out. The weather was perfect!

You should have seen the players come over and shake her hand, hug her, and tell her how proud they are to know her and play for Kelly and how they are so glad that she was able to make the game and be there for the girls!

Before the game, after the players were introduced, the team came over, shook her hand, and cheered "Kelly", and then stormed the field.

The game was on national television, on ESPN2, and Kelly was pictured on the screen and continuously mentioned during the game by the announcers on how the UNC girls are inspired by this young girl, their # 1 fan!

At halftime Kelly was in the perfect spot to give the players and coaches high fives as they went into the locker room! I don't know what Coach Anson said during his half time speech, but you should have seen how fired up the players were right after halftime when they came out of the locker room! The UNC girls dominated the second half and did not quit, just like Kelly. They were relentless!

They took over the play and defeated UCLA 2-0 and are playing Notre Dame in the National Championships Sunday at 12:30. This game will also be on ESPN2 on national television and Kelly will be featured again as the girl who UNC has dedicated their season to and who they are playing for.

Then late last night we found out the team is staying at our hotel and we are going to have a late lunch and visit with some of the players! We're going to let Kelly sleep as long as she wants to and then meet the team again! You should see how nice these players are and how they love Kelly! They are such wonderful people and have truly been touched by what Kelly is going through!

You should have seen how many parents and people came over to Kelly and thanked her for being here for the girls before the game even started! I knew it was going to be a special day when I opened the car door in the parking lot and when I mentioned Kelly, the first lady I saw knew about her, one of the parents of the players on the UNC team and how thankful she was for Kelly to be there!

It was the most wonderful, unbelievable day you could have imagined and Kelly was on top of the world! There is one more game left to play tomorrow and Kelly will be back supporting her team and pulling for them to win!

There are so many people who helped make this trip possible and you made this little girl so happy and made her feel so extra special. You should have seen her smile and stay up longer than usual because she was having such a great day. She pushed herself like she hasn't in months and it was a day that she or our family will never forget.

If you get the chance, watch for Kelly on national television Sunday afternoon cheering on her teammates and she will be wearing her UNC jersey, #7A so proudly again. Thank all of you for continuing to pray for Kelly and thank God for letting Kelly be able to experience such a wonderful day.

She is fighting and there is no quit in this beautiful, wonderful, loving, special little girl. Let's all pull for the Tar Heels to win it for Kelly tomorrow.

Love Steve, Lynne, Michael and Kelly at the National Championships

Thursday, November 30, 2006 8:52 PM CST

Well, here it goes this weekend! We are flying up to North Carolina Friday morning and will arrive in time to go to the pre-game meeting with the UNC woman's soccer team as they prepare to win the National Championships this weekend!

We will watch as much of the game as possible, as long as Kelly can handle and then rest on Friday evening. Kelly has a spot reserved on their bench to cheer her team on to victory!

Saturday we will go to lunch with some players when Kelly awakes and then rest in the afternoon! There are many people who Kelly has inspired that would like to meet her and we are looking forward to a wonderful trip!

Please pray that this weekend works out for us as we embark on either the greatest weekend ever or a possible nightmare !

Kelly wakes for about 6 hours a day and she is feeling better now. We are hoping she can handle the travel and her being the VIP and guest of honor this weekend! We all must pull for UNC to win for Kelly.

The game Friday is on national television, on ESPN2 at 3:30 and if/when they win Friday, the championship game will be on Sunday at 12:30.

This is going to be a very taxing and difficult journey but we will have many people there to help us out if there are any problem!

Lynne and I thought about the possible problems that this trip could create, but decided to go and let Kelly enjoy the weekend. We are not going to miss this once in a lifetime trip !! The UNC girls have played their season in honor of Kelly and we had to be there with them. They have supported Kelly and been there for us so we had to show up for them!

Kelly is still fighting and her spirits remain high! When she feels good, she is quite the character! I hope this all works out and maybe you will get to see Kelly on the sidelines this weekend.

Thank you all for continuing to pray for Kelly. We love you all!!

Steve and Lynne! Go Tar Heels!!!!

Sunday, November 26, 2006 1:03 PM CST

Kelly, aka "Flipper" keeps on going! And now we are going to North Carolina Friday for the NCAA Woman's Soccer National Championships! Kelly's team, UNC upheld their part and won 3-2, coming back to defeat Texas A & M yesterday.

The girls were down early and late and fought their way back for Kelly! These amazing people have been playing there season for Kelly an she has inspired them all year long. Since meeting them a few months ago, they have not lost and are playing every game for her! She is a Tar Heel forever!

We are making plans to be on the sidelines this weekend. The semi-finals will be Friday at 3:30 and televised nationally on ESPN. Kelly, the UNC girls inspirational good luck charm will be in the locker room and on the sidelines cheering for the Tar Heels to win the national championships and Kelly will be in the middle of the celebration!

We had a good weekend with Kelly getting plenty of rest and relaxing. I hate to go back to work tomorrow but you have to pay the bills somehow!

There is no quit in this little girl and her spirits are high now, knowing she is going back to North Carolina again to see her teammates!

Thank you all for continuing to pray for Kelly. She truly is a very special girl who keeps on smiling and battling every day.

She is loved by many people and I am so proud of her! I guess you know by now that I love her so much! We will let you know more about our upcoming trip soon.

Love,
Steve and Lynne

Wednesday, November 22, 2006 4:55 PM CST

Kelly is feeling a little better this week and after the new protocol Monday, she looks and feels a little stronger than a few weeks ago. Even her doctor noticed she looked a little brighter and alert! Maybe those prayers and the new medicine are finally working!

I do know Kelly is a fighter and she is not giving in to anything. It is amazing that she has never once complained about her struggle. I keep telling her we have to get sicker before we can get stronger ! She is a very special little girl who has no quit in her!

We are going to rest this weekend and I will spend every moment by her side! Kelly wakes at noon, is alert for a while, then rests a little. We watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and then she goes to sleep.

Her and my new favorite words now are, "Daddy, flip me". I turn her about 20 times until she gets comfortable, and I love every time she calls for me. Her new nickname is "Flipper", like the dolphin! I even try to give her seafood for snacks but she throws them back at me!

You have to grasp for any humor you can, I guess, during this struggle.

If the UNC woman's soccer team wins this weekend, Kelly is invited to be on their bench for support and good luck next weekend for the National Championships. Believe me, we will get there somehow if she has the strength to fly! The girls on that team have treated her so well and are pushing themselves to win just like Kelly pushes herself through every day.

She truly is an amazing little girl who just keeps going. Her body is slowing down, which is natural when you are fighting a brain tumor like she is. We are seeing a slow progression in her slowdown but we are hoping the new medicines can reverse her symptoms.

We do not know how much longer we have with Kelly, so we enjoy every minute we can and spend every minute with when we can. God only knows, and with all the people praying for her, it will hopefully be quite some time for her to be with us. Her breathing has stabilized and her pain is manageable now with the proper doses of medicines.

We should all be very thankful for our health this Holiday weekend and enjoy every minute you can with your children and family. There is no way to explain the helplessness and frustration that parents go though watching their daughter fight this disease.

Why Kelly, you wonder, and why not me! I would trade places with her in a second! It is not fair but you must somehow deal with the struggle. It helps to have the many friends that Lynne and I have that we can count on to get you through these dark moments and difficult times!

Thank you all for continuing to pray for Kelly. Your notes and kind words help get us through every day. Our family has made many new friends forever through this battle!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and be thankful for what you have, it could all be a lot worse any day! Take every day and enjoy every minute you can with your healthy children, you never know when that can be taken from you!

Steve and Lynne

Sunday, November 19, 2006 7:48 AM CST

Kelly is feeling better and she keeps going and going! There is no quit in this little girl! She is one tough lady and she is a fighter!! You would all be proud of the way she battles every day ! I am very proud of the fight in her! No complaining from her any day!

Her pain level is lower these past few days and she is resting confortably! She sleeps until noon and we enjoy the 6-7 hours she is awake!

Her breathing has stabilized and she is actually feeling good right now. Every day we have with her we enjoy and spend as much quality time with her as possible!

We took her out yesterday for a walk and she went to visit some friends in the afternoon!

Her UNC girls soccer team won again yesterday and they are playing their season for Kelly! Hopefully, in 2 weeks we can fly up and be on their bench to watch them win the NCAA Championships for her! That would be cool!

We look forward to this upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday weekend where Lynne's mother will be visiting.

Thank you all for continuing to pray for Kelly, maybe all of these prayers are working and reducing her pain and letting her enjoy more time with us!

There are so many wonderful people out there pulling for her recovery and we love all of you for your support.

Kelly has another scheduled protocol chemotherapy with this new drug Monday, and we are hoping that this new medicine is making the difference in her condition! This drug has been used successfully in other types of cancer. So far she seems to be responding !!!

Lets keep our fingers crossed that it continues to work and help Kelly enjoy her time with us without any pain or discomfort!

Love,
Steve and Lynne

Friday, November 17, 2006 1:22 AM CST

Kelly is continuing her fight and there is no quit in this girl! We are very proud of the way Kelly continues to battle and we truly take one day at a time and enjoy every minute she is awake!

Kelly sleeps until noon and then we try to get her out of bed for a few hours. She tires out around 7 and we watch some television before she goes back to sleep.

I look foward to the weekends so I can spend all afternoon with her and keep her entertained while she is awake. Those times she is awake now are so precious and special!

We are planning on going to the Final Four Woman's soccer championships in North Carolina in two weeks, if Kelly is strong enough to travel.

We are pulling for UNC to make it to the finals and if Kelly can handle the trip, we want to go see her teammates play and win for Kelly. It would be a great trip for her to be on the UNC bench, if she can handle the travel.

Her current soccer team, the Crispers played and won 1-0 against an older, more experienced team last weekend while I was away! Her teammates played their hearts out and won for Kelly. Way to got Crispers! These girls are so good to me and for me and they never forget Kelly is with them at every game and practice. I enjoy coaching them and having the girls and parents support through his long journey has been wonderful!

Kelly is not in as much pain lately, maybe the new medicines and prayers from all over are helping! Keep it up!Let's hope this continues!

We are going to visit a few friends this weekend and enjoy Kelly as much as we can. You never know how much time we have left to enjoy every precious moment we can with her. Every waking minute possible I sit next to her, touch her, cuddle with her and love her while I can!

Kelly has mentioned it is a little more difficult to breathe at times, and we are watching this carefully. We are going to continue Monday with this new Avastin chemo drug, which seems to be helping lately. Every 2 weeks she receives this at the clinic and we have another appointment Monday afternoon. If her blood counts remain high enough, we can continue her new chemo therapy.

Thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers for this amazing little girl. She never complains about her situation and she is fighting a very tough battle right now. She is a very determined young lady who is not going to quit fighting !

I am very proud of her and love her so much. She has been fighting for over 2 years and we are not going to quit fighting now! When Kelly recovers, and when she can play soccer again, there will be no stopping this girl on the field. She wants so much to be able to run again without pain in her back and legs! I keep telling Kelly she will one day again!

Enjoy your weekend and every minute you can with your children and your own self because we are only here for a short time and you never know when anything can be taken away from us!

She truly is an angel amongst us on earth and you do wonder why this is happening to such a special young lady who has so much to offer to so many people.

But we will do what we can to make her as comfortable a possible while we can and love her every minute we have left with her! Thanks so much! There are so many wonderful people who are pulling and praying for Kelly and it makes you so happy to know there are so many good people out there with us!

Steve, Lynne Michael and Kelly

Monday, November 13, 2006 8:28 AM CST

Kelly had another great weekend again!!

I flew up and attended my mother's funeral and got to visit with my family. Mom would have been proud of the party we had Friday evening and into Saturday morning!!

We continued her party traditions and she was smiling down upon us! I have some loud aunts and uncles!! I am the quiet one! Can you imagine that!

We had some wonderful friends over yesterday to visit in the afternoon with Kelly and it was great to see her laugh, talk, and smile again with everyone!

She went to sleep immediately after her friends left and slept well! We are getting a good handle on her pain medications and making sure she is at ease when she is awake.

Kelly's two soccer teams, North Carolina and Florida both won their NCAA tournament games and are trying to get to the Final Four championships and have Kelly on their bench!
She is a good luck charm to both teams.

If Kelly is strong enough, Lynne and I will take her to North Carolina in a few weeks to cheer her team on from the bench.

Kelly received a few more signed soccer T-shirts and jerseys from her supporters throughout the country and her collection is growing. We are having all of the signed jerseys mounted and hung up in her room! (Or somewhere in our house )!!

We are running out of space but we will keep putting them up in her honor! Kelly is inspiring girls all over to fight on and never give up! She has touched many people with her amazing spitit and smile and it is good to hear from all of you on her web site. It keeps all of us going whe it is very difficult to keep moving on every day!

She truly is an amazing little girl and we love her so much! I am so proud to be her father and to have been able to love a girl like her for these past 12 years. I consider myself the luckiest dad in the world to have a daughter like Kelly!

We are meeting her doctors today to review her condition and make sure Kelly continues in her recovery. Thank you all for keeping this special, beautiful, lovely, sweet, caring, brilliant, loving, little girl in your thoughts and prayers.

I love her alot, you can probably tell!


Dad

Thursday, November 9, 2006 6:06 PM CST

Kelly has had a few good days lately, maybe the new drugs that we have started are helping a little, we hope! Now we look for any good moment and enjoy it while we can!

Tonight Kelly fell asleep at 4 due to her pain, which is what we do not want to happen. She is sleeping better and resting quite a bit. Those few hours when she is awake we treasure and try to spend every minute of quality time with her while we can!

On another note, Kelly's grandmother, my mother, passed away Sunday evening after a lengthy illness. Why now, you wonder after a few years battling? Does the Lord really act in wonderous ways?
Do we wonder why now mom is called to heaven? Is there a reason for her to be waiting ? I do not know why now, but there really is a God who looks out for his children. You do wonder why the Lord puts you through such challenging times but we will all be stronger for this, I hope!

I am flying home to Syracuse Friday morning and will return early Sunday morning. Lynne must stay behind to care for Kelly. Her mom is coming to visit. I miss Kelly so much already and I have not even left yet! I can't wait to get back and see her! Mom will have her 6 kids together again in her presence for her memorial!

We want to thank all of the special people who are praying that Kelly does not suffer anymore and her pain is gone soon. I know she is prayed for and I want to thank all of you for everything that you have done for Kelly.

There are so many of you who have supported us in the past and I know you will be there in the future. Your friendship and support helps us get through every day.

Our family will miss the Pediatric Cancer Fishing tournament this weekend but I know Kelly will be catching the biggest fish in her dreams tonite! We have enjoyed our time at the fishing tournament and the auction at Tropicana field but hopefully we will return next year! The people at PCF do a wonderful job raising money to hopefully find a cure for pediatric cancer and one day no child or family will have to go through what our family has had to!

Please continue to pray that Kelly does not suffer much longer and that she can get through this weekend without her daddy next to her!

We are having some special friends visit on Sunday to see Kelly. Hopefully, she will be awake to see them !!!

Thank you all for you love and support through this difficult period in our journey!

Steve and Lynne

Monday, November 6, 2006 6:56 PM CST

Kelly had a great weekend! We enjoy every minute of every day we can with her! She is still sleeping until noon, then has a strong 6-7 hours of activity time that allows us to talk and do things with her! She then rests her body as she needs all of her strength to battle this horrible disease!

Kelly is an honorary member of two highly ranked woman's soccer teams in the country now, The University of North Carolina Tar Heels and The University of Florida Gators.

The Tar Heels were true to their word again and won the ACC championships Sunday for Kelly this past weekend by defeating the dreaded stinky FSU team in sudden death! Way to go Tar Heels! The girls wore Kelly's name on their wrist bands, did not give up and willed themselves to victory for Kelly. After the game the team gathered and screamed "Kelly" together as they are pulling for Kelly to return to the locker room for more good luck vibes!

UNC has not lost a game since we visited them a few months ago. The girls and coaches on that team are the classiest group of people you could ever meet. They have adopted Kelly as one of their own and are playing every game for Kelly and supporting her in her fight !

UNC is the #1 ranked team in the country and are pulling for Kelly to beat the odds and join them on their bench for the National Championships in December!! We are fighting together and God willing, we will get there to pull for her teammates.

Her other team, the Gators were upset in the SEC championships but our neighbor from Tampa, Stacy Bishop,who visited with Kelly last week scored 4 goals over the weekend for Kelly and played her heart out! Both teams are pulling for Kelly and have been so supportive in her battle!

Aunt Barbie left today after a wonderul long weekend spent visitiung wiht Kelly and Kelly had so much fun laughing and sleeping next to her! She smiled, laughed,joked and talked and learned a new way to laugh!! Ask cousin Katie! When she smiles it is so beautiful to see!

Friday evening Kelly was the honored guest at a huge, local football game and her initials were worn on the teams helmets! The players at Tampa Catholic dedicated that game and their remaining games in the season to Kelly in honor of her courageous spirit! Kelly received a signed game ball from the players! We truly appreciate ALL of our wonderful neighbors who are always there for Kelly and made that one of the most meaningful days of her life.

We are doing everything we can to make Kelly confortable and happy while we can. She is having trouble with her vision, her speech, eating and swallowing, and is still in alot of pain at times. The tumors are continuing to cause problems for her but she never complains.

We are very concerned at this time as we truly take one day at a time and enjoy her as much as we can. It is very difficult for everyone involved to see Kelly suffer. We do not know how much longer we will have with her.

Thank all of you who continue to pray for Kelly and keep her in your thoughts and prayers. We could not do this without the help of special friends who continue to call, make meals and visit with Kelly and help Lynne and I out with everything. Thank all of you so much!

Steve and Lynne

Thursday Morning 3:21 PM CST

As I drove over the Sunshine Sky Way Bridge yesterday afternoon, I realized a few things inside myself. I realized I have done everything possible I could to make Kelly as comfortable, special, and loved as possible and Kelly knows that, too.

Kelly wants us to continue to live a full life for her and I will do everything in the future to make sure her spirit is everywhere I go. I have been holding her hand and just watching her sleep for an hour and she looks so beautiful resting.

Kelly is so much a part of me and it hurts me so much as a father to see her suffer like this, but I know in my heart and soul, she knows mom and dad have done all the right things for her.

Kelly is complaining of more pain these last several days. When she is resting she is not in pain and her body is fighting to regain her strength.

I truly feel at ease within myself. I will hurt forever and the pain will never go away but I realized yesterday I have done everything for Kelly that I possible can and now the rest in in God's hand. She is an angel on earth and if God needs her to be with HIM soon, then I realize HE has a greater plan for her.

We want her to regain her strength, her vision, her ability to read and walk again soon and not to hurt all over any more!

We meet with her doctor's Monday and we may continue this new drug to see if it can work the miracle that we need to give Kelly more strength to lead to her recovery. At some point though, Lynne and I may have to stop doing things to her and do other things for her.

Miracles do and can happen and Kelly deserves a break and a chance to continue to inspire more people every day.

We are doing our best as a family to make sure she is as comfortable as possible. There are times when she is awake she is her old funny self! Last night she had some friends visit and she was smiling and remembering some old soccer stories. She was her old sharp self giving daddy a hard time and smiling and laughing again!

Michael, Kelly's 14 year old brother has been such a positive force and a good big brother to Kelly. I am so proud of the way he is growing up and turning into a young man. He must hurt inside also and we love him so much too!This is alot for a boy to have to see and live through, too.

There are many times now when Kelly is very confused and not her self which we attribute to the growing tumors and medicines and these are very difficult to deal with. It is very stressful for her and us to make sure we can understand what she is saying to make her feel better.

Honestly, we do not know how much longer she can continue like this. It hurts so much to see her in pain. It is so hard for a mother and father to see daddy's little girl suffer like she is but Kelly is contnuing to fight and hold on now for us.

Any time I have I hold her hand and whisper things to her. She can still hear and she does acknowledge me with a smile or a groan and even tells me to shut up !! That is hard to do!

It is fun just to talk to her and laugh about old times with her and I know she hears me in her sleep!

Kelly was presented with a 4 foot teddy bear at the Pelican Rugby tournament when we visited many old friends Saturday! She saw some people we have known for years! She touched many lives that afternoon as she managed to smile and enjoy herself. My Pelican Rugby teammates have been so supportive and it is one great family to be a part of.

Once a Pelican, always a Pelican, and I consider it an honor to be a part of such a classy bunch of guys! The whole rugby community has been there for us and will be there for us in the future when we need them for support.

All you Old Boy Rugby Pelican players though sure look a lot grayer and heavier than I do right now!!

When sleeping,I have noticed her breathing is becoming a little more difficult, she is wheezing more, and she does not move around as much. She sleeps with a smile and when she is resting she is not in pain and she lays there very peacefully.

We are having Lynne's sister Aunt Cher and my sister Aunt Barb visit this weekend to help out for a few days. Other Hospice volunteers and some of our wonderful neighbors have been able to stop by and visit with Kelly recently also.

Kelly remained on the "High Honors" achievement list at her school again this quarter. It has always been the norm for Kelly to ace all subjects. Her strongest is math, where we were told Kelly has been doing 12th grade level !! She received straight A's again this quarter at her school. We are so proud of her !!!

There are so many people who have been there for us and we appreciate all the love and support you all have given to our family as we have battled with Kelly.

No little girl, parent, or family should have to see a child go through what Kelly has these past two years.

We take one day at a time, and we enjoy all the quality time possible with her right now. It is very frustrating and difficult to deal with but with everybody's help we are doing the best we can to make sure Kelly gets all the love and kisses she can right now!

Our neighbor,who coaches football at Tampa Catholic High School, stopped by and mentioned that this weeks game is dedicated to Kelly in honor of her battle! Her initials will be on their helmets and we are going to try to attend the game and sit in the VIP section. She will feel so special and it is quite an honor for Kelly!

Please keep our beautiful daughter Kelly in your prayers.


Steve and Lynne

Thursday, October 26, 2006 8:31 PM CDT

Kelly is continuing to fight through this phase of her recovery. The recent hospital stay of one day went well but the medicines and the tumors are taking a toll on Kelly right now.

We are all trying to be positive and hope a large miracle can start soon to speed up her recovery. Kelly still has a lot of pain in her back and legs.
Her vision is fading and headaches have returned. Kelly uses a wheelchair to get around because the growing tumors are putting pressure on the nerves in her spinal cord and she can not use her legs right now.

We just want Kelly not to have to suffer much longer and somehow stop the constant pain she is in.

Lynne takes care of Kelly during the day and then it is my turn to give her a break. Believe me, you need it after a while!!

Kelly has had a lot of visitors lately that love her very much. We appreciate the time they are taking out of their life to make an effort to see her. It really puts a smile on her face to see the people she cares about.

It is very frustrating, challenging and difficult for everyone, but imagine the difficulties Kelly is having so we carry on every day and we do not complain at all.

We truly are enjoying every minute we can and love her as much as possible. The doctors are trying to minimize her pain with her medicines now.

Please pray extra hard this weekend for Kelly and to make her pain disappear. She pushes on every day and we are there for her every minute.

Our family is going to a large rugby tournament this weekend where Kelly is the tournament star and we are looking forward to seeing our many good friends who love and support our family and Kelly!

May a small miracle start soon to help Kelly through this weekend with out much pain in her body!! Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for Kelly at this time.

Kelly is a very special young lady who is continuing to fight every day and her attitude is very positive. Our family is in a very difficult period now and we will do everything we can this weekend to enjoy every minute with her.

Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement,love and support! It does help!

Steve and Lynne

Wednesday, October 25, 2006 7:16 PM CDT

Kelly keeps fighting and going every day, this lady is not going to stop, that is for sure.

Kelly and dad stayed over together at All Childrens Hospital last night after Kelly received a new drug, Avastin. It was the first time this drug has been given to Kelly and the doctors wanted to make sure there were no bad side effects.

Kelly and I heard alot of beeps and noises from the hospital machines all night long but we got through our little one night vacation stay in the hospital.

Kelly is handling the pain in her back and legs with increased amounts of pain medicine and she is feeling good today. Never does she ever complain!! We should all be so brave adn courageous adn learn from this beautiful girl!

We take one day at a time and spend every waking minute with her enjoying her as much as possible.

Her new chemotherapy seems to be working and we will monitor how she feels all weekend long.

Kelly sleeps alot but we are getting her out to see as many friends as we can. Thank all of you for continuing to pray for this specail girl.

She truly is a fighter and we continue to battle this situation and are doing everythig we can to get her health back. We love spending every minute we can with her just laughing and enjoying her.

We are looking forward to a weekend together and getting plenty of rest.

Please continue to pray for the miracle that is needed for Kelly at this time. She deserves a break or two right now and we hope we are on the right path.

Love, Mom, Dad, Michael and Kelly

Sunday, October 22, 2006 7:29 AM CDT

We had a great weekend resting and hanging out with Kelly. Friday night she went to her school party and had dinner with some of her friends.

Saturday we had a few people drop by to spend some precious time visting with her. She loved seeing all of her old soccer teammates and parents.

Some very special friends dropped off an official UNC soccer team jersey with a retired number on it made specifically for Kelly. Her new UNC number is 7A, a retired number but brought out for her!! What a lucky little girl!

If UNC gets to the Final four soccer championships in early December, Kelly will be able to sit on the sidelines and cheer for her teammates!! UNC has not lost a game since we visited them a while back and if Kelly can make the trip, I will get her there!

The UNC woman's soccer team has dedicated their season to Kelly and are pushing themselves hard every day in practice for her. Kelly is proud to be associated with such classy people and have them as teammates forever.

Maybe UNC and the Gators can play for the National Championship and Kelly can get to see all of her friends on both teams!

Last night we went to a good friends birthday party and Kelly got to see some of her old classmates. She was in a great mood the whole evening! So many wonderful people made her feel so welcome and loved.

Today we are going to have some friends and teachers from her school over to visit with Kelly. We are keeping her busy and it is good for her to see as many people as possible when she is feeling up to it.

Kelly sleeps and rests alot still, but when we get her up, her spirits are fine. She has alot of pain in her legs and back but we are managing the medicines as best as we can. She truly is and angel on earth!!

Her vision is failing now but we are praying the new chemotherapy medicines
start to work soon and eliminate her pain and help to restore her sight.

We have her first soccer game next Saturday and we are looking forward to getting Kelly on the sidelines with her friends for the first Crisper's game.

Then next Saturday afternoon Kelly is the honorary captain of my Pelican Rugby team at a huge tournament. We are looking forward to getting her out on the fields to see more good friends who have known her and loved her for years.

Thank you all for your love and support again through this difficult time. It is very frustrating and challenging for the whole family but we will do everything we can to make Kelly as comfortable as we can. She loves to hear from all of her supporters and the notes on Kelly's web site get all of us through this every day.

Kelly is a fighter and we truly take one day at a time and enjoy every minute we can with her. We will never give up!

Her attitiude is positive and we are always looking toward the future. Thank all of you so much for your support and words of encouragement.

Just a few minutes ago she turned to me and said, dad, thanks for today, it was a special day because I got to see alot of friends and spend all day with you.

I am smiling now and will treasure our little conversation for the rest of my life. Time spent with Kelly is so special and precious now and I will never forget our little talk. I can sleep in peace with myself for what I have done for this little girl and to know what a great day it was for everyone who got to spend time with her. We all made it a very special day to a very special girl.

All of you have a wonderful day tomorrow, and God Bless you and Kelly.

Good night!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006 7:20 PM CDT

Kelly has been sleeping alot lately, due to the medicines and her body is fighting the tumors in her spine and brain.

She has lost the use of her legs due to the growing tumors that are constantly putting pressure on her nerves in her legs and back. Her legs and back are in pain and we are trying to use the proper doses of medicines to eliminate the pain but not keep her too drowsy during the day.

Her eye sight is failing now due to the pressure on the brain and it is very tough for her to see now. She still beat me at Boggle again today though, very easily too I might add!

We are trying everything we can to make sure she enjoys her days and weekends. It has been very hard and difficult on everybody involved.

Michael, her big brother has been very supportive of Kelly and is helping us out as much as he can. The number of letters and supportive notes of encouragement from around the world pick up her spirits every day and she enjoys hearing from all of her friends pulling for her.

Kelly's grandmother came to visit last week, and this weekend her aunt will be visiting. She is looking forward to that. Pease continue to pray for Kelly and hopefully the new chemo therapy medicines can begin to eliminate the tumors soon. We are enjoying every minute we can with Kelly and we take one day at a time with her.

She has many people praying for her now and we truly appreciate everybody pulling for her recovery. Thank you all for keeping this wonderful girl in your thoughts and prayers. No child should have to be put through the pain and suffering that this child has gone through these past few years. You wonder why but we will all find out that answer one day.

Thank you all for all of your support, it truly means so much and helps us get through every day.

Saturday, October 14, 2006 10:22 PM CDT

Kelly is feeling good right now, still sleeping alot and resting quite a bit. The number of medicines she is taking really tires her out.

We have had a wonderful week. The family reunion was quite a success!! It exhausted her with all the fun and noisy cousins around the house. We had a blast seeing her family and just hanging out with everyone for her reunion.

Kelly went to the mall last night and got to visit with some of her best friends from her school. I took her around the block a few times outside today and we got some fresh air. We spent all day together just hanging out in the hot tub and relaxing at home.

Sunday Kelly is going to have some other friends over to play games and visit too.

We are enjoying every minute we can with her and trying to make sure her pain is in control. She has lost the feelings in her legs and lower back from the pressure of the tumor in her spinal cord. Her new chemo therapy is supposed to make the tumors shrink in size and we are hoping it starts working soon.

I rub her back and massage her to make her feel better. She especially loves the hot tub!!!

There are so many good people who have helped pick up her spirits every day and thank you all for your kind words and notes on Kelly's web site. Kelly is truly a very sweet, wonderful little girl who is fighting a very tough battle. Never once does she complain and yet, she continues to smile and go on every day.

We truly are taking one day at a time.

No child should ever have to go through what this wonderful girl has experienced these past two years. It has been very difficult and frustrating for everyone involved. Thank you all for your words of encouragement.

I have told Kelly that if the UNC woman's soccer team makes it to the national championships in early December, we will be there to support her team. I can't wait to get her up there and visit with the soccer friends in North Carolina. Those girls have dedicated their season to Kelly and are going to do their part in getting to the finals. I promise, if Kelly has the strength, we will get there too and be in the locker room for you.

Kelly has new great friends on the Florida womans soccer team, the Georgia womans soccer team and now the Clemson womans rowing team!! Wouldn't it be great to see the Gators play the Tar Heels in the finals and Kelly be there to see all of her supporters pulling for her!

Kelly is proud and so am I to have so many athletes like her pushing themselves hard and not giving up with out pushing yourself to the max!! Kelly pushes on every day! She struggles with this disease every morning, day, and night and we are not going to give up! She would love to be able to run around the soccer fields again or row with all of her supporters who are behind her. She would be a proud strong member on any team !!!!

Thank all of you again for everything you have done for us. You are all so kind and caring and we appreciate it very much. I will make sure Kelly keeps going and never stops until we are cured and back on her athletic fields with her young teammates again!

Steve, Lynne, Michael and Kelly

Tuesday, October 10, 2006 3:46 PM CDT

Kelly had the most fun in weeks visting with all of her cousins this past weekend for the Kelly Muldoon family reunion. She got tired due to the medicines but she hung out with the family and still beat every body at Boggle!

We are continuing to monitor her blood and platelet counts throughout the new chemo therapy protocols. They are both very low due to the strong doses of chemo she is currently on. We go to the clinic a few times a week to make sure Kelly stays strong and does not have any bad reactions to the many drugs she is taking. We do not want any infections at this time!

Kelly is using a wheelchair to get around now because the tumor in her spinal cord continues to put pressure on her nerves. She can not feel or move her legs now but I keep telling her that the new stronger medicines will soon destroy the tumors and her legs will come back stronger than ever.

She has a lot of running and scoring goals on the soccer field to do when she returns!

We constantly are battling these tumors in her back and brain and we are taking one day at a time and fighting with all of her strength. It is very hard on everyone but we must and will do everything we can to get Kelly's strength back as soon as possible.

There are so many special people who keep us upbeat and who sign her web site. I know there are many who check in on her progress all the time. I do want you to know that the notes of encouragement keep us all going every day and your messages help us continue this fight for all of you too!

We can all learn a lesson from the struggles that this girl goes through every day. Never take one day for granted, live your life to the fullest, enjoy yourself and your friends because we are all only here for a little while.

Only God knows why Kelly is having to go through this struggle now. I am hoping and praying that these new medicines will work soon to relieve the pain she is constantly in.

Thank you all so much for the love and support for Kelly through this long journey. It all helps get us through every day with her. There are so many people praying for her and we truly appreciate it.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Wednesday, October 4, 2006 8:47 PM CDT

We met with Kelly's doctor's again today and we will go back Monday to review the effects of the tumors and her new chemo therapy protocol. We may change some of the medicines because Kelly is very tired and sleeps 13 hours every night.

Kelly is truly a fighter and her drive, attitude, and spirit are pushing us all through this together. She, nor we will ever give up fighting this disease! She has to get better to get back to the final four NCAA soccer championships for the UNC soccer team! They have not lost since Kelly visited them a few weeks ago! They are playing hard and pushing themselves to win for Kelly! We will get Kelly to North Carolina if they are in the finals and Kelly is their good luck charm now!!

Kelly will never stop fighting and she is still pushing herself to do her homework and be the best student she can be. Kelly would want all of us to push ourselves every day.

She is looking forward to the family reunion we are having in her honor this weekend. Family from around the country are flying in to see Kelly and have a long weekend party.

Kelly has recently lost all feeling in her legs and body but we are waiting for the new chemo to hopefully start working soon.

She is a very courageous young lady who has battled this disease for a few years. It is very difficult and frustrating for everyone involved now because Kelly cannot walk and is very uncomfortable.

We are trying to go to school in the afternoon to keep up with her homework and visit with her friends and teachers. Kelly is an angel in everyones eyes and we love her so much. It is very hard to see her in the discomfort and pain she is now in.

Please continue to pray for the miracle that is needed for this beautiful, wonderful little girl. We can get through this together. Your notes, prayers, and kind words are greatly appreciated and keep us going every day.

Mom and Dad

Saturday, September 30, 2006 11:03 AM CDT

Kelly has started her new protocol and it really does tire her out. She sleeps 13 hours a day. This is good news! The new medicines are supposed to make her tired while they do there magic and finally, and I mean finally get rid of these tumors that are bothering her back.

We all must all face challenges. This special girl gets up every day and never complains about the pain and struggles she endures continuously. If you are ever having a bad day, just think of how precious time is and how we should not waste any day we have together. You never know what can happen to your children, family, or good friends any day.

We are having a Muldoon family reunion in Tampa next week and Kelly is looking forward to seeing all of her extended family. Kelly, you may not get as much rest with all these crazy people visiting but we will have a good time visting with all of your cousins!!

Mom is doing a great job planning this event. She is supplying the house. We could not do it without her.

You have touched many people throughout the world with your positive and courageous attitude and wonderful smile as we have been facing this challenge. There are so many people who love you and are so proud of you the way you have handled yourself.

I love you so much and miss you! I love to just hold you when I am with you and look at you every time I possibly can.
We love you so much and we can and will get through this together!

Mom and Dad

Thursday, September 28, 2006 10:21 PM CDT

We started Kelly's new chemotherapy program a few days ago and it has made Kelly very tired. We add another medicine to the mix tomorrow and we wonder what the other side effects will be.

I took Kelly to her teams first soccer practice last night and she got to see all of her teammates. It was good for every one.

It is not fair at at all for what this little girl has had to go through these past two years. No child or family should be put through this. No father should ever have to see her little girl suffer like Kelly has and see her face this long battle.

It has been a very hard and draining experience for everyone. Sometimes I just want to scream!!!!!!!!!!

It is very difficult for everyone but we take one day at a time. Thank you all for continuing to pray for Kelly . It helps and it does make a difference.

Thank you for continiuing to keep up with Kelly's progress.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006 9:22 AM CDT

Kelly started her new chemo therapy program yesterday and slept 12 hours! She is going to need alot of rest through out these new medicines because of the side effects that can occur.

Kelly is fighting and her spirit and attitude are wonderful.
We keep going everyday! There are no other options, are there!!

The pain is still there in her back and legs and we are hoping that the new medicines will relieve that soon.

It is very difficult to see Kelly strugle with the pain but we are trying to make her as comfortable as we can.

You do wonder why Kelly and our family is being put through this challenge. It is very very stressful for everyone involved. But we do have a very strong support base of friends and family to lean on throughout these difficult times.

Thank you all for continuing to keep this beautifu young lady in your thoughts and prayers. She is one brave and courageous girl to handle all of this and continue to smile adn laugh every day.

We are having a family reunion in her honor next weekend and 25 Muldoon's will be visiting Tampa. I hope Kelly can put up with all of these crazty people coming to visit her!

Kelly, I love you so much and can't wait to see you every night and hold you as much as I can. You are the best daddy's little girl in the world and I love you so much.

Get better soon so we can see you on the soccer field again soon with all your teammates.

Love, Your Dad

Tuesday, September 19, 2006 6:09 PM CDT

Kelly will be returning Thursday evening from our visit to Duke Medical Center last week. Her new protocol will begin Friday morning in Tampa. The recent results showed the tumors to be growing and that is why Kelly is experiencing more pain in her back and legs. These new medicines should hopefully stop her pain soon.

We had a wonderful time relaxing in North Carolina and we enjoyed our time together for a few days before meeting the doctors Monday morning.

Friday was a very long day with the flight and the PET and MRI exams.

Saturday morning we visited the Duke University campus and Kelly loved the buildings. She still wants to go to Florida though! Once a Gator, always a Gator! Thank God!

We visited some old Tampa friends, the Hunter's, Saturday afternoon and Kelly got to see another soccer game. It was so nice to see some people from Tampa while we were so far away from home. It meant so much to us to see good friends who offered us some deserved support for Kelly.

Kelly's friend Rachel, who went to school with Kelly in Tampa, scored the only goal to win the game for Kelly! The girls on her team gave her a signed soccer ball and were very kind to come over and visit with us after the game!

Sunday was the big day! We went to see a huge collegiate soccer game, UNC against Florida! These are our two favorite teams but now Kelly is an honorary Tar Hell soccer team member so we were pulling for both teams! We wanted a tie so bad to make everybody happy!

We got to go inside the UNC locker room again before the game and we were there for the pregame meeting ! All the girls on the UNC team came over and visited with Kelly and made her feel so welcome. The coaches and players are first class people who went out of there way for this little girl! The UNC coaches are the nicest, kindest people and their players are all special girls who have treated her so well! We will never forget it!

UNC defeated UF in a great game, 1-0! At half time Kelly gave all the UNC players high fives as they came off the field. You should have seen the smile she had on her face as the girls all slapped her hand, priceless!! She is now 2-0 visting the UNC girls and they want her back to keep them going for more of their games.

Then the Gators girls team gave Kelly a signed soccer jersey and Kelly got to visit with some of the Gator players!! Wow, they were all so nice to her also! She is now and honorary Gator teammmate! We met the nicest girls on both teams and Kelly loved it! Both teams made this little girl feel so special and loved!

In two weeks we will try to go to another UF soccer game against Georgia and go to the locker room again! She knows the right people, that's for sure!

She is fighting daily a very tough battle but Kelly has never complained one day. Her back and legs still hurt because the growing tumor is putting pressure on her nerves which causes the pain in her legs and back. These new medicines will have some nasty side effects but they should start working to relieve the pain soon.

I miss her so much already and can not wait to pick her up at the airport and hug her again Thursday evening. She is one courageous, tough , beautiful and wonderful young lady who contniues to fight every day!

Thank you all for keeping Kelly in your thoughts and prayers and the notes you send to her keep us all going every day. They really do help!

Kelly, I am so proud of you and love you so much! It hurts me so bad that you have to suffer this pain every day , and if I could trade places with you, I would right now. You are the most precious little girl, and I am so happy to have you as my daughter. I love every minute I get to spend with you and you know I love you so so so much.

I can't wait to hold you in my arms again!


Your Daddy!

Saturday, September 16, 2006 8:31 AM CDT

We made it up to Duke Medical Center yesterday after flying direct from Tampa. Kelly had a PET exam yesterday afternoon, and no Aunt Barbie, Buddy was not the one tested!!Kelly does miss her beautiful dog though!!

The PET exam went well and then Kelly had a 2 hour MRI late last night until 10:00. The doctors will review and match the scan results and discuss them with us Monday morning.

The pain from the growing tumor on her spinal cord makes sleep very hard to come by now. We sleep with her and massage her back and legs when she needs them to be rubbed.

We are meeting Monday morning with the doctors and hopefully start her new chemo therapy protocol. It is a very new protocol that is in a phase 2 level of testing., Kelly will be one of 20 from around the country that will be tested and then with her positive results, the new protocol can be sent to other children around the world.

Kelly is truly an angel living amongst us and she has never ever complained about these difficult times. She is having alot of pain right now and we are hoping the pain will be reduced or eliminated if this new protocol can work. It may take a few cycles of this protocol to begin to work though.

We are going to do all we can up here to get Kelly back home and not in any more pain. Her spirits are very high and she is truly a remarkable, courageous, beautiful young lady that should not have to got through all this.

But Kelly told me this morning she feels good about this and said we are going to beat this together!

We have a fun weekend planned in North Carolina and I will let you know how her soccer game goes Sunday. We are looking forward to spending some quality time together the next few days.

It is very hard for everyone but we keep going and with the love and support from our friends and family, we will get Kelly back home and back to school next week.

Please continue to pray for this special young lady.

Love, Steve and Lynne

Thursday, September 14, 2006 3:36 PM CDT

We are off to Duke Medical Center Friday morning and we are going to make the best of it! We will have time this weekend to tour the Duke and UNC campus and enjoy the cooler weather.

Sunday afternoon we will get to see North Carolina women's soccer team play Florida and Kelly will get to see her new teammates again on the sidelines.

Monday, if Kelly's counts remain high, our newest lab rat will start the new protocol. It is once a week, every day for 2 hours. We get to return to Tampa next Friday evening.

I will fly up this weekend,then fly back Monday evening. Mommy will stay the week with Kelly and then I fly up and back next Friday and we get to get Kelly back in our home to relax and enjoy her.

Kelly's pain has increased and she is having some more problems but hopefully this new experimental protocol can eliminate and stop the spreading.

Kelly is one courageous, brave, beautiful young girl and I am so proud of the way she has handled this adversity. I do not know if I could have done what she has these past two years. As a father, you never want to see your children suffer, but we have done everything we could have, up to this point.

We are hoping for a big miracle. Please contninue to keep Kelly in your thoughts and prayers this weekend. When we return we will update you on her visit.


Love Daddy Lab Rat!

Sunday, September 10, 2006 7:54 AM CDT

We met with Kelly's doctor's Friday morning and they gave us the OK to go to Duke for the new protocol of chemo therapy. We will be leaving for Duke Medical Center next Friday for some more tests.

Kelly has an MRI and a PET exam scheduled Friday afternoon. Then we have the weekend off to relax in North Carolina.

We will be going to watch a few soccer games at Duke and catch some North Carolina soccer team practices. Kelly is an honorable Tar Heel soccer team player now. We will be watching her new team mates play the Gators next Sunday afternoon.

I will be pulling for Carolina from now on!!

Kelly is experiencing more pain in her legs and back but this new chemotherapy treatment has had some success in its early clinical testing!!

We are hoping that our Kelly, the new lab rat, will be the new model of success with these new medicines!! I hope Kelly does not start eating too much cheese now and start to grow whiskers!! Buddy may start chasing her around the house when we get back!!

Thank you all for keeping Kelly in your thoughts and prayers. We will keep going and we look forward to getting her back on the soccer field soon!

We need these new medicines to work real fast and eliminate her pain!! Lets' hope Kelly can handle the new intense medicines without the harsh side effects that are commom.

Wednesday, September 6, 2006 5:27 AM CDT

We finally heard from Duke Medical Clinic and we are going to return next weekend for some comprehensive exams and tests and then hopefully start the new daily chemotherapy protocol. We are planning on flying up to Duke next Thursday or Friday morning. Kelly has an MRI and PET exam scheduled and if her counts and strength are good enough for her new protocol, she will start on Monday the 18th.

The new protocol is one hour a day, administered at the Duke clinic, not in Tampa. Then Kelly will get monitored locally and return to Duke every four weeks for increased dosages of chemotherapy.

This new experimental type of medicine is in a phase two clinical research study and has shown some success on reducing the size of Kelly's type of tumor in some patients.

The doctor's will determine how much medicine Kelly can handle and how strong her new doses will be. Mom and Kelly will stay the week in Duke and then we will fly back together after the weekly doses are given. I am going to work on my frequent flier miles !

It looks like we will be seeing more of the North Carolina soccer girls play and Kelly will get to go to more games and practices with her new friends! We are looking forward to that! This time we are going to get Kelly on the practice field and back into the locker room with her new Carolina teammates.

The Duke Clinic has tutoring programs set up for visiting children and Kelly will keep up with her studies while in North Carolina.

Kelly played piano at church this past Sunday and it was beautiful. The people at our church, Lake Magdelene United Methodist, have been very supportive and Kelly nailed her two songs. She received a wonderful ovation!

Kelly is feeling alot of pain daily in her back and legs as this stupid tumor is growing again on her spinal cord. As it grows it puts more pressure on her nerves and this causes alot of pain throughout her body. It is difficult to walk and sleep. We are hoping that the new medicines can work fast and eliminate her pain soon.

Please continue to keep Kelly in your thoughts and prayers as she battles on. It is not fair for anybody to have to suffer for God knows why, but we are doing all we can to make her feel better. We are going to go to Duke and hope this new protocol works to eliminate the pain she is in.

Love Steve and Lynne

Wednesday, August 30, 2006 7:31 PM CDT

We met with the doctors's at Duke Medical Center yesterday and we are going to hopefully start some new protocols of chemotherapy soon. There is one new experimental study that has worked in stopping the spreading and controlling the growth of Kelly's rare tumor in other patients and we are praying that it starts working for Kelly immediately.

Kelly may have to go back to Duke for 5 days every month and have the new chemotherapy at their clinic. It is such a new protocol that has been developed with The National Cancer Institute and Duke and only a few clinics are able to administer the new medicines.

We are going to become Duke and Carolina fans real soon and look forward to our time spent in the Mountains.

Kelly was also the guest at a North Carolina women's soocer pregame meeting and game last night and you should have seen her watching game film with the girls and coaches in the locker room!
Robin Confer, who played at UNC a few years ago got Kelly a very special tour of the women's soccer facility and got Kelly to meet the coaching staff, players and tour of the locker room. That was the highlight of the trip!

It was totally awesome!! as Kelly explained to me!!!!!!!!

We are fighting a very difficult battle but Kelly keeps on going every day. She is a very determined young lady.

We want to eliminate the headaches and pain in her back and legs soon and we are hoping that this new protocol of medicines works!

Thank all of you for continuing to pray for this sweet girl. We need that new miracle to come through real soon!

We all keep going every day and you must keep a very positive attitute through all of this! It does matter!

Thank you all for keeping Kelly in your thoughts and prayers! It really helps!

Love, Steve and Lynne

Monday, August 28, 2006 4:54 AM CDT

Good Morning!

We leave today to go to Duke University Medical Center and meet with some consulting physicians all day tomorrow and m Wednesday. They are going to review all of Kelly's recent MRI scans and give us a new chemo therapy protocol to get rid of these tumor once and for all!

Kelly had a soccer and send off party yesterday at some good friends and she had a blast seeing so many people. She swam for hours and felt good all day.

Her back and legs are starting to hurt again at times and that is why we are going to go see some other specialists. We need a new protocol that will eliminate the pain now.

Thank you all for contniuing to pray for Kelly. She has been through so much these past two years and it is not fair for any child to have to deal with what she has had to.

She is one tough lady but there has to be an end to all of this soon, we hope! We will let you know how the trip goes when we return!

Thursday, August 24, 2006 7:28 AM CDT

We met with the doctor's to review Kelly's recent MRI exams and we decided to go to to Duke University Medical Center next week.

We are going to meet with some other specialists to see if they can come up with a new protocol to once and for all eliminate the tumors in her spine and brain. I can tell you this, her brain now is as sharp as ever and she continually beats me in every word and board game we play!

You do wonder why Kelly has to go through this challenging period and God only knows. One day I am going to ask the Lord myself why he choose us to handle such a situation.

Kelly continues to have such a positive and wonderful attitude and is doing great in school. She loves to play her new grand piano. I want to thank all of you again who participated in her Golf tournament a few months ago. Remember how happy she was at the auction and at the course and what a special day it was for everyone!!

Kelly is looking forward to our trip to North Carolina next week and I will let you know what the new protocol is and when we can start it. Thank you all for contniuing to pray for this special, beautiful, wonderful little girl.

Love Steve

Sunday, August 20, 2006 8:14 PM CDT

Kelly will be having her next MRI Tuesday morning in Tampa. We are scheduling an office visit to Duke University Medical Center next week to review a for a new protocol of chemotherapy. The films will be reviewed and a new chemotherapy protocol will be started as soon as possible. We should get the new MRI results in a few days and then on to North Carolina!

Kelly, I promise you, will go to college at the University of Florida to study medicine in the future, if I have anything to say about it, but we will get an early jump on her visiting colleges next week.

The consulting doctors at Duke University Medical Center are going to examine Kelly personally and review everything and then we go onto her next round of medicines.

Her doctors in Tampa suggested to go to Duke Medical Center and we will follow their recommendation.

Her new medicine protocol will hopefully eliminate the tumors and get her back on the athletic fields with her teammates soon. Her doctors have stated that what she has is very rare and the tumors are not cooperating as much as we want them to, so on we go to our next challenge!

Kelly is doing great in school and has requested more work to go ahead and her teachers are going to let her go on her own schedule. Believe me, this little girl can handle anything!!

Thank you all for keeping in touch with Kelly's progress. Please continue to pray for continued succes for Kelly!

Love Daddy

Wednesday, August 16, 2006 4:43 PM CDT

The ride continues!!!!!!

We met with the doctor's today. Kelly is going to have another MRI next week to make sure she still has a brain !! Just kidding Kelly!! Hers works better than mine!

Her doctor's want to see if the small spots have increased, decreased or spread. We are then going to go to the specialists at Duke University so they can examine Kelly and recommend our next step. We are hoping the new chemo therapy protocol will once and for all stop the cancerous cells from continuing to grow.


All week you wonder what the doctors may say and it does drive you crazy inside. Now we wait again!! We are going to try more chemo therapy before any surgery is suggested.

We now will continue to pray and hope that the new medicines will work better that her last mix. You keep going and never give up or give in!

Attitiude is everything ansd Kelly has the positive attitude to beat all of this. We will keep you informed of the next MRI results and see what options we have .

Please continue to pray for this wonderful little girl and we are going to rid these bad things out of her body soon!!!!

Love Daddy

Saturday, August 12, 2006 2:43 PM CDT

Kelly is feeling good still and she keeps going! School starts Monday and Kelly is looking forward to seeing all of her old friends again. Remember, she's going to be treasurer of her school this year!

We registered her to play soccer for her old team and she is looking forward to the practices and games with her old teammates.

She has been off her chemo treatments for 3 weeks and is feeling very good now. The Sloan group of doctor's have not decided what new path to follow and we have not heard from the Duke University set of physicians yet, hopefully by this Wednesday! Then we will continue the new path to get rid of these bad cells once and for all!!

Attitude is everything in dealing with this situation and Kelly is doing fine. She has such a positive attitude, it keeps all of us going and we will all get through this one day. Her big brother Michael has been such a positive force of strength for her and he relly helps us. Last week, when Michael visited Busch Gardens, a big bird pooped right on his shoulder! Kelly loved it!

We honestly do not know what will happen in the future so we enjoy every day we can with her. Something bad can happen to anyone of us so seize the time you have everyday and enjoy life. You truly do not know what can happen tomorrow to any of us. Feel lucky to have your health and take every advantage to spend quality time with the ones you love and cherish.

Thank you all for contniuing to pray for Kelly. If you know her, you see how strong she is and how good she looks. For those who have not had the opportunity to meet her, she loves to hear from eveyone on her web site and these notes of encouragement get all of us though this journey.

When we meet this week we will let you know the options for futher treatment. Hug your children tonight and enjoy every day you can with them, nothing is guaranteed and we do not know how long we will be around your family. God Bless !

Love Steve

Sunday, August 6, 2006 6:16 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Kelly registered to play on her old soccer team this fall and is looking forward to seeing all of her old teammates on the field again. We will see how much she can play but she will be our inspirational leader all season .

Kelly starts school next Monday and is looking forward to it! She is loooking forward to seeing all of her old friends and start her work.

We meet with her doctors this week to start her new chemo therapy program. The doctors are working on a new aggressive protocol to make sure these bad cells and tumors are once and forever gone from her precious little body!

We went to the American Idol concert tonite and Kelly had a fantastic time. She got to go with a good friend adn we saw all of her favorite performers on stage.

To see her smile, clap and dance to the music was very special. Michael and Kelly both enjoyed the evening.

Thank you all for keeping Kelly in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to fight this battle. She is one tough lady and has gone through so much these past two years.

She continues to smile everyday and we take one day at a time and enjoy her as much as we can! She truly is a very special young lady who just keeps going!


Love Steve

Monday, July 31, 2006 6:33 PM CDT

Hello everyone!

We just got back from Syracuse, NY where lots of my family lives. I got to see a lot of my cousins and uncles and aunts, and especially my grandma.

When we were up in Syracuse, we drove down to Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania and went to the park and the chocolate factory. I didn't have any chocolate, though. Chocolate isn't one of my favorite foods. (I know- you must think I'm weird!)

Our flight from the NY airport- JFK- was horrible! We were the 40th plane in line to fly! We were 3 hours late. After that, guess what happened? We lost my luggage and my wheelchair. Some flight attendent told us they accidentally packed it up and it's now at Salt Lake City, Utah. I got home at 12:00 AM! I usually go to bed at 9 because I need a lot of sleep. I was exhausted when we got home.


Today I hung around my house watching TV. Earlier we went to the kennel and got Buddy. They washed him so he smelled really nice. That only lasted for a second, though. He jumped right into the pool when he got home.

Well, goodnight everyone, and have a great day.

Love,

Kelly Muldoon

Hey everybody!

Wednesday I had one of my chemos. My blood counts were very high, so they allowed me to get the med. I was feeling nauseous for a few days after that, but now I'm fine.

Sometime in February, there will be a golf tournament to raise money at a golf course "Cheval". That money is going to my family, because some people wanted me to have something special during this hard time. It took a while to decide, but I finally decided. I want to get a baby grand piano!!

Anyway, my mom is out Christmas shopping and my brother's watching TV. Buddy is probably chewing something- a sock, underwear, shirt, pillow, sheet, or anything else he can get his mouth on.

You can see my piano recital if you go to www.video.google.com and type in Kelly Muldoon.

Thank you everybody! Love, Kelly and family.

Sunday, December 18, 2005 11:41 AM CST

Kelly Keeps Plugging Along!!

We made it through more chemo treatments last Wedenesday and Kelly went to school Thursday and Friday for her Christmas Party!

She wanted to make it Friday and she did. This young lady is a fighter andd she is a tough girl! Now that, she gets from her daddy!

Her piano skills and brains, I am still wondering! I must have been asleep in those school classes when I was younger!!

To those who have seen her, Kelly really does look the best she has in months. She is a little thinner from all the medicines she has to take and her appetite is not all the way back yet, but we keep trying to make her eat and drink as much as possible to keep her strength up.

Wednesday she has more chemo and Thursday morning she has her MRI scheduled. We all are praying and hoping for good results.

We are going to wait until after the holidays to meet with our doctors to discuss her options.

Please keep Kelly in your thoughts and prayers over Christmas break. She realy is a talented, loving and special young girl who has been through an awful lot these past 18 months.

When you are exposed to other kids that are going through what Kelly is going through, you realize that your family and your health are the most important things in life.

We are very thankful and overwhelmed by the support we have recieved for Kelly also. Many people have helped in countless ways and I love you all for what you do for Kelly.

I love her so much and want this all to be over soon but we will handle everything that comes her way and do what we can to get her health back.

Wednesday, December 14, 2005 4:05 PM CST

Kelly had another tough round of chemo therapy this afternoon and I wish I could take her place. It is not a pleasant thing to go through as a child or as a parent!

Hopefully she can go to school for her last few days and see her friends before Christmas Vacation!

Her next MRI is December 22nd and should take a few hours for her detailed exam. We are going to wait until January for her results and we will go from there!

This little girl is one tough young lady to go through this process but she keeps going and going! It is not fair for any child to have to suffer and feel so lousy at times and miss the fun that other kids are having, but you deal with it, I guess.

At Mass this Christmas season please continue to pray for great results on her upcoming tests! No child should have to put up with what Kelly is handling daily.

Tuesday, December 6, 2005 7:12 PM CST

Hey everyone! It's Kelly!



I had a piano recital Sunday. I played Concierto in C- 17 pages long! (if you don't count the repeat signs). I was feeling good enough to go and I did great.

If you would like to view the video clip of the recital, go to the following website.
www.video.google.com and type in Kelly Muldoon


Last night there was a big storm. I was supposed to get an MRI later today, but the storm knocked out the power in the Tampa Clinic MRI room.



I'm going to get chemo in a couple hours. It's called Irinotecan. I'm glad I actually have stuff to do during those long hours. I read and watch movies and draw. Last time I drew a really good picture of Buddy.



My teacher, Mrs. Caldwell, says we are not allowed to use the words "good", and "bad". We should use more sophisticated words like wonderful. My other teacher, Ms. Richardson, she gave me some extra math that is harder than what we're learning.

I played piano for my class on Monday. I played a couple of Christmas songs. Everybody liked them.

I'm doing ok, and I hope I feel great after chemotherapy today!!!!!!!!

Love, Kelly

Sunday, December 4, 2005 5:30 PM CST

She's Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!

The roller coaster ride continues!! After resting for a few days after last weeks heavy chemo treatment we had a wonderfull weekend!!

Kelly went to school Friday afternoon for a few hours and her friends picked her spirits up!! Then we put some Christmas lights up Friday night on the tree and Kelly was in a better mood!!

Saturday her soccer team had a game and team pictures and a birthday party later that evening kept her busy and her spirits high!

Sunday Kelly played her Concierto in C duet at her piano recital, 17 pages, and stuck the performance!! Just amazing wiht what she has bee through!

She had fun playing in her 13th recital, seeing her friends and she played just wonderful!!

I guess if we all had medicine dripped into our system for 5 hours lilke she had Tuesday afternoon you would feel bad for a few days too!! But the little girl is a fighter and just keeps going and going!!

It is so much better to have her talking up a storm, fighting with her brother, and getting punched again! You miss the simple things in life when they are gone!!

This week Kelly has her MRI Tuesday, then more chemo after the MRI and then we meet the doctor's Wednesday to review the results.

If you have a few days of good vibes and good thoughts in your area, throw some Kelly's way and maybe, just maybe we are onto a full recovery!!

That is what we need and are hoping and praying for! It is nice to have her back and feeling well after a rough week!

Our love to everyone!

Thursday, December 1, 2005 7:46 PM CST

The medicine is winning this time! Booooooo !!

Kelly has missed the past few days of school because of the way the long treatments Tueday have made her feel.

Hopefully we can at least go to school tomorrow and see some of her friends and get back to normal for a few days. The medicine/chemo took 5 hours to drip slowly into her port and our little angel is having a tough time now!

Kelly's MRI is scheduled for Tuesday and then more chemo after the tests. We should know what our next, if any steps there are next week.

You can't wait around and wonder but soon we will know if this aggressive new protocal has worked. Kelly needs some good news!

It it very frustrating to see her feel this way and it is not fair for a child to suffer and feel as bad as she does. This medicine makes her feel lousy and I miss how good it has been for a while.

Hopefully Kelly can make her piano recital Sunday if she is physically up to it. I want her to play so well but we will have to wait a few days.


Love Steve

Tuesday, November 29, 2005 7:21 PM CST

Another Good Week So Far!!!

Kelly had her long 5 hour chemo treatment this afternoon instead of last week. Kelly's blood counts were low last week and the doctor's did not want to risk any complications so things were delayed until today.

She was a trooper today as she sat for a along time having the two medicines dripped into her port. But as usual Kelly kept in good spirits all afternoon and we got through it together.

I relieved mom for and hour and we hung out in the clinic!
Kelly felt a little queezy this afternoon and we will see how she feels for the rest of the week.

This Sunday Kelly has her piano recital and she is scheduled to play her 20 page Concierto in C duet with her piano instructor. She is quite the talented piano player and her love of music has helpd in this long battle. She does not like it when I try to sing along to her music! She thinks Buddy has a better voice than I do!

Last Sunday evening Kelly was a guest to an NHL hockey game from Brad Richards! We got to go watch a game in his private suite. He scored a goal and the Lightning won! Kelly got tired so we could not meet him but we will try to talk with hinm in the futurte. He donates alot of his time to kids with cancer and the kids love him.

We have her next MRI scheduled for December 6th and then her next treatment after the exam. We are hopefully getting to the end of the cheom treatments and we will soon find out what our next steps are.

We hopefully will get great news for Christmas! That would be quite the present!

Thank you all for keeping Kelly in your thoughts and prayers. She looks great right now and is really an amazing young girl!

Love Steve

Sunday, November 20, 2005 11:36 AM CST

Another Great Week!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kelly went to school this week every day and is feeling great right now! The little girl is truly a fighter and a special young lady! Every day is a struggle and a challenge but this little girl never complains and is one of a kind!!

This is the best she has felt in a year and she just keeps going! I am very proud of her in the way she keeps smiling, working hard at school and is pushing herself with the Physical Therapist to get her strength back!!

Thursday at dinner, when you all sit down for dinner with your family, please include this young girl in your prayers and let the Lord continue her recovery!!

I know all of the prayers and love that Kelly has been receiving from her many friends is working!!God has special plans for this little Angel.

Kelly has her possible last long chemo therapy treatment Wednesday morning. She wil go to the clinic and have the medicine dripped into her IV for 5 hours. This is the treatment that makes her feel the worst and next weekend we will let her sleep and relax to get the poison out of her system in time for school.

Grandma and Aunt Nene are going to visit for Thanksgiving and the spend some special time wiht Kelly while she recovers from this long treatment.

I truly believe that Kelly is going to be that Miracle Child and she will beat this long battle. She has many people praying for her and helping us along this journey adn I know these prayers will be answered!!

To those of you who have not seen her lately, she looks the best she has in a very long time. Her weight and color are both coming back. She is back to punching me every time she gets the chance and is hopping on one leg now!! We take little steps of progress very seriously here!!

Enjoy your special Thanksgiving weekend and thank you all for keeping this little girl in your thoughts and prayers!

Love Steve

Monday, November 14, 2005 10:35 AM CST

Kelly caught the BIG ONE!

This past Friday at the Pediatric Cancer Foundation Kids fishing derby, Kelly came through likE a champion angler and caught the biggest spade fish!

She battled it and the rod sank in the water but with the help of her professional guide she reeled it in in front of the crowd.

The kid is a natural! Uncle Herm would have been proud!

Kelly had a wonderful afternoon fishing and the Fundraiser was a tremendous success. The Pediatric Cancer Foundation had a weekend fshing tournament sponsored by Chuck Lamar and had 50 of the best fishing guides from around the state donate their time and help raise money for wonderful cause.

These guides are wonderul to talk wiTH and love spending their time to help these kids! The celebrities and guides go out of their way for the children and are wonderful people!!

I even got to fish Saturday all day and caught more Bud fish than the real fish! Then Sunday the two guys who I was with won their flights!

I must have scared away the fish Saturday! I did not know you had to be quiet on the water!

Kelly is going to school and feeling quite well still. We are getting lots of sleep and drinking plenty of fluids and she is not in any real pain at all.

Every day she puts her leg brace and back on and goes to schoool with a smile. She is quite the fighter.

Her next MRI is scheduled December 6th and until then Kelly continues with her chemotherapy treatments. She is doing quite well right now and we are very excited for her.

She will be the star of next years banquet!!

Thank you all for keeping in touch with this wonderful little girl.

Love Steve

Monday, November 7, 2005 7:02 PM CST

The good days keep coming!!

Kelly is feeling better now and is in great spirits! Her soccer team won again and Kelly got to go to her game and see all of her old teammates! Maybe next year we can get her back onto the field and see her running all around again! I am hoping!

Her last protocol is almost over. Kelly is off of the heavy doses of chemo for 2 weeks and is going to school daily. She loves going to see her friends and teachers and is always caught up with her school work.

This past weekend Kelly even got her daddy to put some of the Hair for Men anti graying matter onto his head!! The gray is still there but not as bad!! I like the look.

This little girl is very persistent and I could not get out of it any longer!! At least I still have some hair to dye!

This Friday Kelly is going to the Chuck Lamar All Star Fishing tournament and is going to fish with some professional guides. We are going to the big fundraiser Friday evening and are looking forward to meeting all the people who volunteer for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and help raise money to fight this disease!

There help is going to find a cure for Kelly soon!!

We are enjoying our time together and it is wonderful to see Kelly not be in any pain or discomfort right now. Maybe the radiation andchemo have worked to eliminate totally the bad cells!!

That is what we are praying for! Another MRI will be performed in a few weeks and then we can see where we have to go or what we have to do! Let's hope nothing else!!

Thank you all again for following Kelly's progress and keeping this wonderful little girl in your thoughts and prayers.

Everyday is astruggle and a battle. She puts her braces on evey morning and hurts daily but never complains.

We have so many friends who are praying for her recovery and thank you all for your help.

Let's keep our fingers crossed and enjoy every day that we can with her.

Love Steve

Wednesday, November 2, 2005 5:03 PM CST

Hi again!

Kelly had a wonderful Halloween! She dressed up like a doctor!! Imagine that!! If I can ever figure how to get these new pictures on the web site you will love them! If Aunt Barbie was here she would do it for me!

We went to Williamsburg, Virginia last weekend and had a wonderful time together. Michael got a cold and spread the germs to everyone now so we are all sick.

This is the first cold Kelly has had while on chemo and we are getting her plenty of rest and fluids to get her better! The weather was great in Virginia, a little cool for us Florida people!! Kelly loved Busch Gardens and went on some rides also.

She did not like the sight seeing at the Old town the next day! It was very windy and chilly and we were not prepared as we should have been.

Kelly did get straight A's on her recent report card, and First Honors at her school. We are very proud of her grades adn work. Her lowest grade was a 95!

She loves to read and takes her schol work very serious! Just like Daddy did in school!!!!!

Her recent blood counts were very good and now we are off medicines for three weeks to give her body time to rest. She gets very tired at times from the medicines!! I guess we all would too.

The braces continue to work well and the pain in her legs and back, and the seizures are all gone now. We are trying to wean her off some of her medicines if possible.

The next MRI will be in a few weeks and that shoud answer all the questions and let us know what we have to do!

Next week Kelly is going to the Chuck Lamar All Star fishing tournament which benefits the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and is looking forward to catching some fish!

These people are wonderful and do many things to raise money to stop this disease!

I hope I don't catch any body when I throw the line in! Uncle Herm would make sure I do not gaffe any fish! I don't want to hurt the littlefishies!! Maybe Daddy will just watch the guides help the kids! We don't want to fall off the dock in front of everyone!!

Thank you all for keeping Kelly in your thoughts. Her life is a struggle now but in time, the pain and discomfort will hopefully disappear. She is an amazing young lady who keeps going and never comnplains about her situation.

I do not know if I could do what she does every day and keeps smiling along. Keep her in your prayers this week!!!

Love, Steve

Tuesday, October 25, 2005 8:39 AM CDT

Good morning!! Let's keep Kelly going!

Kelly is back at school again!!! She has been feeling quite well lately and made four out of five days last week! She also got straight A's on all of her classes!

She takes after her daddy!!!!That's my little girl!

Grandma from Ft. Myers escaped the hurricane this past weekend and had a wonderful visit with us recently! Buddy, Kelly's hyper, excitable, crazy 40 pound puppy sort of drove Grandma and her old slow moving Schnauser crazy! After all, Buddy is still a puppy! He does like to run, jump, bite, bark, you know, all those wild puppy things!!!

He may flunk puppy training school like his Aunt Barbie's dog did!! He only ate a few of her things!! Just like Daddy!!

He really loved eating Barbie's computer key, shoes and Uncle Jimmy's visor and glove!! He has a good appetite and very sharp teeth!!

Kelly had a low white blood count last week and did not start her new chemo cycle but tomorrow we are going to begin her last round!!

Kelly's pain in her legs and back are gone and we are hoping and praying that the combination of radiation and this aggressive chemo has destroyed all of the cancerous tissue cells!

We will have another MRI in 6 weeks so until then we are loving every minute together we have!!

A very good friend of ours who we have met through this journey, Robin Confer, just completed a marathon in California that raised money for cancer awareness and she ran in Kelly's honor.

Robin and her family have been very supportive this past year. Robin coaches the girls soccer program at the University of Georgia now and we are sort of honorary Bulldog fans!! Just don't tell any of my Gator friends.

When Kelly recovers fully she will get some personal soccer lessons from some of Robin's girls!! Mabe next year I can run the marathon with her!! Just kidding!!

Thank all of you for keeping Kelly in your thoughts and prayers evey day. She truly is a trooper and continues to keep her smile and sense of humor through out this battle.

She truly has touched many lives this past year and will continue as she fully recovers. Every day is a struggle and a challenge for her but she never complains and she keeps fighting every day. I am very very proud of my little girl and love her more every day!!

The things she has to do daily to live a normal life make all the little things that we complain about so trivial. Please continue to pray for Kelly and know that she is doing great right now and continues to face this challenge every day, like her hero, Lance Armstong did.

If you have the means and the opportunity to contribute to his cancer research foundation or any other research fund, please help and we can maybe find a cure to this horrible disease one day and not have to see any other children suffer. God Bless!

Love,

Steve

Thank

Monday, October 17, 2005 7:45 AM CDT

Let's try for three this week!!

Kelly is feeling very good lately and is back at school again. She has had two greeat weeks and is not having any pain in her legs, back, no headaches, and the seizures have stopped. we are slowly trying to wean her off some medicines also.

That is very good news!!!! So you know what we do, we take one day at a time and love her and support her and be there for her every day possible!!!

Kelly starts her next round of chemo medicines this Wednesday and she may not feel too good Thursday! But she keeps battling through the bad days and keeps going!! She has a big dance she wants to go to on Friday night at school adn I know she will get there.

Her next MRI is in 6 weeks and that will tell us what our next steps or ortions are.

The protocol we are following was designed by Duke University Center for Brain Tumors and it has worked in the past on other patients.

Kelly's tumor is rare for a child but it can be eliminated by following this new protocol.
It seems to be working now so lets keep praying and see what happens.

We are riding bikes, stretching her legs and going to therapy to try to get her strength back. It seems to help and the new braces she wears daily are helping her walk better.

It has been a very long year but I truly believe her recovery is imminent!! She is handling everything thrown at her so well.

You do wonder why but lets all keep praying for her complete recovery!!

Love Steve

Monday, October 10, 2005 6:34 PM CDT

Let's go for two!!!!

Two good weeks in a row that is!!! Kelly is on a good streak right now and back to school for 7 days in a row! Her Aunt Barbie visted from Philadelphia this past weekend and kept her busy!!

The only bad part of this weekend was watching Barbie's beloved Eagles get ripped apart and destroyed and crushed and dismantled...you get the point! It was good to see I thought! Barbie, you can come back anytime!!

Now if Jimmy can only do as much around the house this weekend when he visits, maybe he can come back too. As long as he can putt in the golf tournament this weekend though,that is all that really matters!!

Kelly is doing very well still and her health has taken a great turn for the better! No pain in her legs or her back and no more headaches. We are praying that the next MRI shows everything is gone !! That is in another few months!!

We still need to rest some still but that helps to keep Kelly fresh. Her positive attitude and spirit keep me going and I keep her going!!

We are enjoying the time together and her good health every day! I have learned to take one day at a time and enjoy every day you can!

It is great to have the support of so many people and it realy helps when you are having a down moment. I know I can call many people to talk to and it makes a difference to have so many friends when you need them.

Let's keep this good run going with Kelly. We are off all of the chemo medicine for another week and then it starts for another four weeks. It seems the two days after receiving the medicine Kelly does not feel great but you can understand why.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and please continue to keep this young girl with you.

Love, Steve

Tuesday, October 4, 2005 7:21 PM CDT

Hey everybody!!

We have had a wonderful week with Kelly! She is off treatment for a few weeks and is really felling quite well! Very happy and not having any pain in her legs or back!
Let's keep it going!! The headaches and seizures are all gone and she is off the steroids also!!

We are slowly weaning her off some more medicines as soon as we can. Her counts were good this week and she is back in school!! The new braces are working well for her and she is walking and feeling so much better now!!

It is amazing how this young fighter seems to be handling all of this! Kelly is doing great in school and is all caught up with her work. Today she excelled in a math quiz against the 7th graders! They want her on their team next week but Kelly's 6th grade classmates won't let her join them!! Her teachers are wonderful and the support system at her school is just awesome!!

We had some of her friends over this weekend and really enjoyed her time in the pool, the hot tub and on the boat with them. Her friends are very supportive of her and make a difference every day at school!!

To see how happy, healthy and vibrant this girl is amazes all her friends. She has had a very tough year but we don't stop and we won't let her stop!!!!

Being positive and keep going gets us through every day!!
When kelly is happy our world seems so much better!!

We bought a 2 seater tandem bike recently and ride every day in the neighborhood. Kelly can't see around my butt in the back seat, but, she loves to ride now and is getting her strength back in her legs! We laugh all arond the neighborhood and have not fallen yet!

Kelly wants me to try the Just for Men hair dye this weekend and I may have to for her. If Kelly wants it, by Gosh, she will get it!! The gray may soon be gone!!

Life is very good right now and lets pray and hope it continues! Kelly's Aunt Barbie is coming this weekend to visit and she is looking forward to spending quality time with her!!

My family, friends, FOA people, her chemo angels and all of you have been so supportive throughout this past year, and belive me, it really helps!

We take one day at a time and love Kelly every day and make every moment special, and I am doing just that!! Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and I truly believe that Kelly is a miracle chld and is going to be back to her old self soon. We will look back at this year and say what a roller coaster ride it all was!!

Have a great day and keep up the thoughts and prayers for this little amazing girl.

Love Steve Muldoon

Monday, September 26, 2005 6:10 PM CDT

Hey everyone! Yesterday morning I came home from the hospital, after a one-night stay to receive fluids. I was definitely dehydrated, I could tell. I felt absolutely horrible! My face was pale, my lips dry, and my tongue was white. Those were all side-effects of dehydration.
And, with all of that, I was throwing up! When we got to the hospital Saturday morning, I had the feeling to vomit, but nothing was in me!
A couple days before the hospital, I received my back brace and ankle brace. My back is a little uncomfortable, but my ankle brace is soooo wonderful!!!! I can walk so much better, so I don't stay behind my class at school.

We also got an electric fence in the backyard. Now he can't run into the water and get eaten by an alligator. It was sooooo hilarious! This afternoon, Michael was taking the electric collar off of Buddy, so Buddy ran through the fence without getting shocked. Michael forgot HE was holding the collar, so HE got shocked!!!
I'm feeling a lot better because of that last hospital stay, and I hope I feel like this for a long time!

Love, Kelly

Sunday, September 25, 2005 11:55 AM CDT

Boy is it good to be home! That was a quick one night stay for fluids last night! In Saturday afternoon and out Sunday morning.

These latest chemo medicines are very strong and make Kelly feel weak and dehydrated. Kelly was very weak for a few days and the doctors said to bring her in for some fluids.

I slept, or tried to sleep in the chair with Kelly and they releaseed her this morning.

I watched the Gator football game yesterday afternoon, sober, in the hospital , with Kelly, and it did not seem right!! I think I scared Kelly a few times when I yelled at the television. But I do remember most of the game too!!!

The new leg brace and back brace seem to be working and lets see what happens this week.

The roller coaster ride continues! It is good to be home though and on to our next challenge!!


Lets see how the treatment affects her this week! I can't wait!



Love Steve

Saturday, September 24, 2005 2:02 PM CDT

Saturday afternoon!!

back in the hospital!! Booooooooo

Maybe just for tonight or tomorrow. The treatment Kelly received Wednesday afternoon really knocked her down this time. It is an aggressive large dose that is really giving Kelly a difficult time.

She was very dehydrated and we took her in this morning to get her more fluids in her body. Not a great way to spend your weekend!

Hopefully we can go home and get more rest soon. Please keep up your prayers that this stuff works soon.

Love Steve

Saturday, September 17, 2005 9:46 AM CDT

Good morning everyone!!

We have had a wonderful week with Kelly !! When my little angel is feeling better, it makes life so much more enjoyable.

Kelly got fitted for a back brace and a foot brace yesterday. She will begin to wear the braces soon to strengthen her back and legs.

The good news is the headaches are gone, the seizures are gone and we are weaning her off more of the pain medicines and steroids!! The urinary problems seem to working out better also.

We went to a good friend of mine, Dr. Barsa yesterday, for another medical opinion and he was amazed at Kelly's attitude and health!!

He examined her and he was very encouraged with Kelly's progress and recovery! He stated that Kelly is a very special and wonderful girl! But I knew that already! He was very impressed on how she is handling all of this!!

He said to continue the positive outlook that we have and a miracle seems to be working!!

I was very happy and I am very proud that Kelly has such a positive outlook and approach as we go through this challenge.

Her school work is all caught up and her teachers said she is doing wonderful in class.

She has so many special girls at her school and such wonderful teachers that love her and look after her. Most Holy Redeemer has been a blessing for Kelly and our family these past two years and her support we receive daily is so over whelming.

We are going to start soccer soon and Kelly may not be able to play for a while but her team is looking forward to having her around and watching at practices and games.

Next year she will be out there running around again with her friends and scoring goals!!

I again want to thank everyone who continues to pray for Kelly and keep us in your thoughts and prayers. The support Kelly has received fromm her Chemo Angels, the FOA special people, and her new and old friends has been amazing.

It picks me up and keeps me going to know that there are so many people out there who want to help any way they can.

My little girl even brought me a beer for my birthday last week as a surprise! She gave me some hair coloring that she wants me to use! I don't know about that yet! The gray look is sort of in! At least I have some hair, unlike Uncle Bill! Sorry Bill, I had to get that one in there!!

We will continue to be positive in our attitude and outlook and we will get through this soon! I know Kelly is to special to be held back for to long!! Again, thank you all for the little things that mean so much to me every day!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Love Steve

Sunday, September 11, 2005 4:03 PM CDT

Good afternoon everybody.

I'm feeling just a little better than I was on Tuesday. I started 2 new chemos called (my dad spelled them wrong) BCNU and Irinotecan. They are the evil medicines that haunted my body this past week.

Tomorrow I am having surgery at 10:30 AM. I really want to have this because I am having my feeding tube switched out with a "Mickey Button". That's what they call a smaller tube, that doesn't stick out at all, and Buddy can't pull out.

Since I didn't go to school all week, I had TONS of make-up homework. I finished it all yesterday and today, though. Buddy is now allowed to sleep with me. But today he wasn't feeling like himself. He threw up on the carpet in the family room. You know what? Our whole house is tile, and he just HAD to poop on the only carpet in the house!!! I mean, of course he could have pooped on Michael's bed.

I have missed more than half the school year- already! Almost every single day I have a doctor appointment. My mom picks me up early from school those days. When the intercom comes on in our room, and we hear Mrs. Seal's voice, I just know what we're going to hear next. Please send Kelly Muldoon to the office for pick-up. Thank you.

In a couple weeks, I am going to get a back brace. It will stand me up staight, instead of slouching. Also, I am getting an ankle and foot brace for my left foot. It doesn't work as a normal foot should, because the doctor says when they cut through my nerves, they might have damaged my foot nerves. Anyway, I do excercises every day now with my dad, and he really hurts me! He pushes my leg back farther than I think a leg is supposed to go!

Thank you everybody for your thoughts and prayers. See ya!

Kelly Muldoon

Tuesday, September 6, 2005 6:28 PM CDT

Hey there!!

Today Kelly made it through her 4 hour round of chemo therapy and it went good. She is feeling OK right now and not to queezy!! The doctors could have admitted her to the hospital but she handled it well and is home resting.

If she feels good she can go to school and see her friends tomorrow but we will wait to see how she is feeling.

Kelly will receive this new aggressive treatment every week for 4 weeks, rest one week and then start it again.

The 2 new drugs she is on are Iranitekan and CCNU. She received two doses today throug her port at the clinic. It takes a few hours for the medicines to slowly drip into her system. I visited with her adn we enjoyed teh afternoon being hooked up!!!!

Kelly's friend, Buddy, is keeping her going at home also. Our new puppy sleeps with her every night and watches over her! Buddy has been a blessing to the family and he truly loves Kelly.

She is a tough young lady with very very positive attitude!! We must keep it going and get her through this tough next protocol and then get her onto the soccer field with her team mates.

I am going to coach her girls team again and if Kelly can't play she will be with us at every game.

Thank all of you for continuing to keep this young girl in your daily thoughts and prayers. She is handling all of this better than I ever could!!!

I will let you know how she is feeling in a few days. Until then, you take every day, one day at a time, love her and spend every minute you can with her and enjoy life!!

Love Steve

Friday, September 2, 2005 9:45 PM CDT

Hey there everyone !!!!

Kelly had a wonderful week at school this week and went every day to class!! She missed a few afternoon sessions but is all caught up with her work. She loves going to school and seeing her friends and teachers. Her friends have been a blessing in helping Kelly every day!!

Kelly starts her next round of agressive chemo therapy next Tuesday. It will be every day for a few hours, sitting at the clinic and having a medicine dripped into her port slowly.

We may have to be admittted one day to All Childrens Hospital to see how this little trooper is handling the doses but maybe not!! Let's hope not!

I am sort of sick of the hospital food!! It has been great to be home and see Kelly recover and get her strength back and go to school again.

We had a long meeting this week with her oncologist and they said that a small spot still appears on the original spinal cord where it was discovered over a year ago. The good news is that nothing has spread anywhere else and that the little spot is contained to a small area.

Now we have to go through these next few months of chemo to kill and eliminate the remaining cells.

Kelly has a very rare type of tumor to be honest, and not many cases are there to compare results to. It is also a very aggressive type of tumor that has responded to treatment in the past so we are hoping and praying that this protocol does work on her!!

The next MRI will be in 3 months. For now we go through this aggressive protocol and try to eliminate these cells from her body.

It may be hard on her for these next few months but we all must remain positive and be strong, even though it is very, very difficult to keep going, but what other options do I have.

My little girl will battle this as long as possible and I will be by her side all the way!! We will take it easy and rest this weekend and enjoy her like the old days.

Thank you all for your love and support! It really really helps to get through this. I love spending every minute I can with her and just to see her smile and laugh makes me feel so good.

To those who know Kelly, her spirit is very strong and her smile always will cheer you up. She is an amazing young girl who will never give up this battle for her health.

I consider myself very fortunate to have her as my daughter and look so forward to the future with her. I love her so much!!

Love Steve

Monday, August 29, 2005 8:24 AM CDT

Well, we finally got the MRI results late last night and ...................................................................................................................
it was good news!!!!!!

You have to keep looking at the upside, right!!!!!

The original tumor is still there but it has not spread anywhere!! It seems to be stabilized in that one spot which is good.

The radiation and possibly the chemo have stopped the spreading and eliminated the sugar coating from the tumor on her brain also.

The doctors do want to see it reduced or eliminated soon, so do we! But the doctors said it could have been much worse news!!

The tumor has not spread in the spinal cord or onto the brain either which is good also! Now we stay the course and continue the chemo therapy protocal for a few more months!

The ventricles in the brain have been reduced also fron the shunt and Kelly is not having the seizures or the headaches anymore either!!

There are a few other side effects that we are working on but we must keep hoping that the medicine will continue to reduce the tumor in time.

There is a problem with her spinal cord strength due to the long use of the steroids but we are weaning Kelly off the steroids which should allow us to work on her back!

When she feels good it is a blessing to see her happy and funny again. When she feels queezy you want her to get better and enjoy her life again.

We are meeting this week to plot the course to continue her recovery. I truly enjoy every minute with her now that I can.

Maybe all of these prayers are working!!!!!! If so, please continue to keep Kelly in your thoughts and pray for her continued progress!!

She is truly is very courageous young lady that contnues to smile and press on daily. She goes to school when she can and continues to keep up with her school work. Her friends and teachers are very special to her!

It really was good news to hear that we are on the right track in reducing and eliminating these cells from her spinal cord.

The tumor is a rare and aggressice type of cancer that has responded to this type of chemo in other patients. Now we need it to work with Kelly and one day soon we will all look back and think about this long journey.

All of you have been so supportive of Kelly and to read the encouraging words makes us all feel better!! This is a very long emotional roller coaster ride for everyone and I would not want any one to go through this.

I do wonder whu Kelly and why us but we will find out one day!!

Thank you all for you love and kindness in helping Kelly get through this!!!!

Love Steve

Wednesday, August 24, 2005 8:32 PM CDT

Kelly is going to have the MRI Thursday afternoon. After waiting 3 hours the machine was malfunctioning Tuesday and her exan was rescheduled.

The tumor board meets Tuesday to review all pending cases so we will probably not get any results until next week. I don't know if I want to know them sooner or just wait.

Kelly had a great day at school and is busy catching up with her homework. She has some amazing friends and teachers and everyone at MHR is very supportive of her condition.

Kelly truly is a brave, strong courageous young lady who has many people pulling for a miracle to occur.

I will remain optomistic and positve and be there for her every day.

Thank you all for praying for good results. As I said before, she is in Gods hands now and we will be waiting for the results with you.

We love her so much and she just keeps keepin" on and taking every day as it comes. I love spending every minute I can with her and just enjoying her so much.

I am a lucky father to have such a wonderful daughter to love. She is a very special girl who is really being challenged at such a young age for who knows why!

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Pray that we all receive good news in the near future!

Love, Steve

Tuesday, August 23, 2005 7:57 AM CDT

Kelly is having an MRI this morning at 10:00. The doctor's moved the date up so we can see if there are any problems with her bladder or the brain.

The shunt has helped eliminate the headaches also. Kelly is a very strong young lady to go through all of this.
A little child should not have to be put through.

The MRI results will tell us everything in a few days and then we will know what we have to do. It is in God's hand now. Maybe the chemo and radiation have worked and maybe not but we will soon find out.

Please pray for good results and I will let everyone know what we are still facing soon.

We are scared and worried but I am also optomistic also.

Love Steve

Saturday, August 20, 2005 9:12 AM CDT

Good morning!!

Kelly made it to school 3 days this week and did fine with her new teachers!

She had a minor stumble but no stitches this time!!! Buddy has not tripped her in a few days either!! Though he still likes to bite all of us!

Who's idea was it for a puppy anyway!! Buddy truly has been a blessing for the whole family ans he really does love Kely and Michael !!

We are working on another UTI infection and that seems to be the minor problem for her slight fever!!

No other problems lately!!! That is good news!!The medicine has eliminated her fever and now she needs to get plenty of rest!

If we can get the UTI infection controlled, and with her headaches gone now, she can keep going to school and she is feeling better!!

No more seizures since last week either!The new seizure medicine seems to be workig well and mabe teh new shunt has eliminated teh pressure that caused those nasty seizures!!

I can tell you it is not fun to have your daughter go through that in your arms!!

I am stretching her legs and arms nightly and we are trying to get her legs strong again! If we can get her strength back and eliminate the pain from her pulled muscles from the seizures, I think we are on the right path!!

You gotta keep looking for the good news in all of this! I think it is there somewhere!

If I find it I will let you know!! I do keep looking for it!!

It is very draining as you all know but one day, she will hopefully be free from all this suffering and pain and back to herself!! I truly believe it!

Kelly is going to go to her piano lessons and start back with her music. She is a very talented musician and teh piano is a good distraction for all of us!

We are going to have few of her school mates over tomorrow and let her have some fun again on the boat and in the lake. I will make sure she does not drown!!!!!!!!!!

We all need to have some fun again together! I think I remember what fun is!!

Thanks for keeping Kelly in your prayers!! Send some more her way at mass this Sunday!!!!!!!!

It is great to have her home again!! To know Kelly is to love this little girl adn she really really ahs been through alopt this past year!

She is one tough beautiful girl and we love her so much! Her friends have been so supportive and caring for her and I love you all for it!! Thanks for keeping up wiht Kelly's recovery!!

Love Steve

Tuesday, August 16, 2005 6:25 PM CDT

Tuesday evening and no bad news today!

Last night Buddy accidentally tripped Kelly and I wound up taking Kelly to the doctor for 4 stitches on her right hand.

A nice little gash! What the heck, I just love going to all these exanms! We spent alot of time Monday at the clinis and the emergency room!! What a day!!

But Kelly's fever is gone now and she is hopefully going to try to go to school Wednesday for her first time!!

These past 2 days were not good for her to go so she rested at home. She is feeling much better. I am looking forward to walking her to class and seeing her teacher

Kelly's back is bothering her from the seizures, sore muscles, not the tumor which is good news. We must stretch and rub her back nightly to make her feel better. No more chemo for 3 weeks either.

Kelly is looking forward to seeing her friends tomorrow and we will see if she can go a whole day!! We have an MRI in 3 weeks that will examine her spinal cord and brain, it will tell us if any tumor is left and what we are up against in the near future.

Thank you all for praying for this young lady!! She has not ben very lucky these past few weeks so lets hope that changes soon.

Love Steve

Sunday, August 14, 2005 1:48 PM CDT

Kelly's point of view:

Hey everybody. I'm home from a really exhausting week. Last Friday, the seizure on my Children's Dream Fund Disney cruise started it all. Saturday I flew home with my mom. Tuesday we got good news from the surgeon that the tumor has been reduced in size from the radiation and the chemo.

Thursday I had a really bad day. 4 seizures and a trip to the emergency room was not what I wanted. Thursday night I was under observation in the ICU. I didn't sleep much at all.

Then, because I have been having so many headaches, the surgeon put the shunt in Friday.

Now, after another day in the hospital, I came home with my dad and it's great to see everyone again (especially Buddy).

Tomorrow my school starts and I am going to try to go.

Daddy's point of view:

What a week!! To see my little girl have her first seizure Friday was quite scary.

Then to leave Kelly an mom in the Bahamas and not knowing what the problem is!!!!!!!!!! You can imagine what I felt like last weekend.

Tuesday we received some good news about the slight reduction of the original tumor and in a few weeks another MRI wil tell us the exact size and postion of anything else
that remains in Kelly's spinal cord.

To see your daughter have more seizures Thursday morning in my arms was quite frustrating and scary. We finally had a shunt put in to her brain Friday afternoon, hopefully this will eliminate the headches that she has been having.

Through all of this I must be strong for the family and keep going! It is very very hard to see Kelly suffer and not be the girl she once was, but in time, she will return to her old self.

Now more heavier doses of chemo has started. We will try to get Kelly to school if she is up to it. She badly wants to see all of ther friends and be a part of class again.

We will see how she handles everything and if it is too much we will go part time again.

We drove home from the hospital laughing yesterday and saying that Kelly dodged another bulet and nothing is holding her back!! She really is one tough special courageous lady who had gone through alot this past year.

I just have to keep going and I will try to reaming strong for her! It is not easy but I must do it for her!!!!!!!!

Thank all of you for keeping Kelly in your thoughts and prayers! We are spending everyday together adn enjoying teh quality time we have together

Love, Steve

Thursday, August 11, 2005 7:59 PM CDT

Do you want theg good news or the bad news!!

What a day! Kelly and mom were on their way to a doctor's appointment this morning and stopped by my office at 8:00 this morning.

In a few minutes she had a seizure in my arms! We called 911immediately.

Kelly recovered and I drove her to All Children's Hospital to the emergency room. Upon our arrival, my angel had another seizure in the parking lot.

One hour later under observation and then 30 minutes later another seizure occurred.

Right now Kelly is resting comfrtably in ICU and under observation and tests are being administered for further pressure on her brain. Kelly remains upbeat and in a good mood for what she went through today.

Her physicians are trying to find out what is wrong and why her headaches and these seizures have occurred.

You will never know the feeling of seeing your daughter collapse in your arms and you seem so helpless and lost.

My mind wandered all day as why this is happening to her and our family. we were all very scared but after receiving some medicine to prevent any more seizures she seemed to be in better spirits.

We were not allowed to sleep in ICU and will return in the morning to the hospital. This will be the first night we ahve not slept wiht her in many months. The physicians are watching her closely and if the seizures are under control, she may come home Saturday to further recover at home.

This has been a very draining and hard day to watch your beatiful little girl go through these struggles in your arms.

All I can do is hold her and comfort her and try to get to the reason of why these tumors are happening.

I will try to continue to be strong and be her rock but it is very very hard at times. Please pray for her and hope she gets over these seizures soon.

The physicians said the original tumor has been reduced and the brain looks fine from her latest scans. The radaition seemed to work in reducing the size of the original tumor which is good news.

But now this happens. It sems it is one thig after another.Why!!!!!

This is another hurdle Kelly must overcome to get better. It is not fair for her to have to go through this and I do wonder why God has chosen her to go through this! I may one day know the answer but why my Kelly!!!

Please pray hard this weekend for my little girl and maybe this can all go away soon!

It was a horrible day and a very drainig and scary experience for all. Hug your children tonite and say a prayer that Kelly will recover from these seizures.

Love, Steve

Wednesday, August 10, 2005 8:29 PM CDT

The emotional roller coaster ride continues!!!!!!

Yesterday we received some good news from Kelly's favorite physician, Dr Carey, the Pediatric Neurosurgeon who performed the initial surgery on Kelly last July.

Dr.Carey reviewed the recent CT scans of Kelly's brain and said that there is no hydrocephalous to worry about. Further tests of Kelly's eyes proved that there is no abnormal level of pressure on her brain or eyes.

With Kelly's glasses she has 20/20 vision!!

We are still worried about the constant nagging headaches Kelly gets but we are working on the mix of medicine that may prevent them in the future.

Everythig is being ruled out and we are going to undergo some addditional tests soon to see if these headaches can be prevented.

Dr. Carey also said the tumor board met and the recent MRI scans of the brain showed no tumor at all. The brain and spinal cord are all normal!

Nothing has spread at all!! Now if we can jsut get rid of the little spot that is still on the spinal cord!!!!!!!

The radiation had a positive effect in reducing the size of the originlal tumor. Radiation continues to work for many weeks after the procedures are stopped

Radiation recently ended and we will have another MRI in a few weeks to indicate the exact size, if any, of the original tumor. Dr. Carey did state that the spot looks smaller but it is too early to tell what, if any tumor remains on Kelly's spinal cord..

Kelly started her next round of chemotherapy this week and we will continue this new protocal for a while. Duke Cancer Center is coordiating the protocal with our local physicians.

Kelly's tumnor is a very rare and highly active tumor and we must make sure the medicine works to kill off the remaing cancerous cells. This may take some more time but we are going to do it!!

Kelly is looking foward to starting school Monday and to see all of her friends and teachers from last year. She missed alot of classes last year and is eager to start school again!!!

Children's Dream Fund was nice to sponsor Kelly's Disney Cruise to the Bahamas last weekend but Kelly was not able to complete the trip. In Nassau, she was taken in an ambulance to the emergency room and flew home with Mom the next day. Daddy learned the hard way to keep her out of hot tubs!!! (Dumb move Daddy)!!!!!!!

It was very scary at first to see her react to teh heat and medicine but Kelly pulled through it like a true fighter!!

Her strength through this whole battle is truly helping her.

I wanted to thank everyone for keeping in touch with Kelly and keeping her in your thoughts and prayers. No child should have to go through what she has gone through this past year. I would gladly trade places wiht her in aminute if I could!!

But this is the hand we are dealt and we will accept the challenge.

Kelly's soccer team recently got together and Kelly will be part of the team again. The girls are all waiting for her to get back on the playing field one day this season!!

Thak you all for for praying for Kelly's recovery!!

Love, Steve Muldoon

Sunday, August 7, 2005 10:04 AM CDT

Good morning everyone. It's Sunday morning, and we are back in Tampa. We got on the ship on Thursday at one, and had a wonderful afternoon. Dinner was great and Michael and I explored the Disney Cruise Line Ship, The Wonder.

Unfortunately, I got sick Friday morning, and took an ambulance to the hospital at Nassau. I had to stay overnight with my mom. I didn't like the hospital or the nurses. It sure wasn't like an American hospital. My mom and I flew to Tampa Saturday afternoon when the doctors released me.

My dad and Michael continued on with the cruise without us, and returned Sunday morning happy. They said it wasn't the same without me and my mom.

Hopefully we might go on the cruise soon. Kelly

Tuesday, August 2, 2005 7:59 PM CDT

Hey there everybody! That was one of the shortest hospital stays I have ever had! Still, it's great to be home. And now, we're going on our cruise!!!!!! We leave Thursday in the afternoon on the Disney cruise to the Bahamas. I can't wait!!

Ms. Sandy from the Children's Dream Fund arranged the trip for us. She was so nice, and we're really looking forward to the trip. I'm going to check out the whole ship with Michael, and just explore everywhere.

When we came back from Syracuse a few days ago, I forgot to mention- Buddy is huge!! I missed him so much, and since we hadn't seen him for a week, it seems he grew sooo much! Now we have to put him back in the kennel again (Please forgive me Buddy).

I'll let everyone know how fun the cruise was when we return, and we're all looking so forward to getting away together. We'll take lots of pictures, and I'll post them on the site.

When we were leaving the hospital, the nurses told me that my good friend Jamie from Sarasota was coming back to the hospital for more surgery. Please make sure to pray for her recovery. I love her very much.

Bon Voyage! Love, the Muldoon family

Monday, August 1, 2005 8:23 PM CDT

Hey there!!!!!!!

Kelly finally let me update her journal for her! It has been quite some time since I have written to you.

We recently returned from our trip to Syracuse and we had
a wonderful time visiting our cousins. Kelly had a smile the whole time she was there and really had fun seeing all of our family. She held up well until we returned.

Unfortunately, Kelly had to be admitted to All Children's Hospital Saturday evening due to another urinary infection. We hope she can leave by Wednesday so we can go on our Disney Cruise to the Bahamas. Childrens Dream Fund was kind enough to help us go on a cruise and we are leaving this weekend, hopefully!!

She looks great now and is feeling better so the doctor's are trying to release her in time for our cruise!! The medicine can hopefully be given to her through her feeding tube which will allow us to go this weekend!!

The CT scans were fine and the pressure from the hydrocephalus has not increased so that is good news!!
Kelly has not had much pain in her legs lately either.

We must wait another 6 weeks for her next MRI of the spine and the brain for us to really see the actual size of the remaining tumor.

Kelly will start her next chemo protocol August 8th when we return from our cruise.

She is looking so forward to be able to go to school with all of her friends and hopefully she can handle the medicine and work load.

I have learned to take one day at a time and enjoy her as much as possible. I have become so close to her this past year, closer that I ever thought I could love anyone. She truly is a wonderful young girl with a positive outlook through this challenge.

We will keep going and all be there to support her through this. I can't wait to get her homeand sleep next to her again!!

Thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers, they mean so much to all of us and brighten our lives!!

Love, Steve

Saturday, July 23, 2005 9:11 AM CDT

Good morning everybody. Tomorrow we are leaving for Syracuse for vacation. I can't wait to see all of my cousins.

We got the results from the MRI finally, and the doctor said that we will start chemo in a couple of weeks. My body needs time to recooperate from the radiation that just ended. The original tumor is still there, but very small. It has not completely gone away yet. I will be on 3 chemo meds and they will all act together to eliminate the tumor that is still there.

I feel pretty good still, and sometimes I'm in pain, sometimes I'm not. I will be starting school soon, and I plan on not missing as much as last year. I can't wait to see all my friends and teachers again.

August 4 we go on the 4-day Disney cruise to the Bahamas, that Children's Dream Fund arranged for us. We met Sandy and she was so nice to explain everything to us about the cruise ship.

I will hopefully enjoy some cooler weather up north and I'll let you know how the vacation is when I get back. Keep pulling and praying for me and the tumor that's left will one day soon be gone.

Love, Kelly

Monday, July 18, 2005 6:39 PM CDT

Hey everybody! Today I went to physical therapy, and a urology appointment. At P.T. I stretched out my legs and back and I walked a long time on the treadmill. It kind of felt good, and bad at the same time.

At the urology appointment, the doctor just prescribed another medicine for me. Hopefully this will control my bladder problems that the original tumor is causing.

We're still awaiting the MRI results! Wednesday my whole family will talk with the doctors at clinic to discuss my upcoming protocol for chemo. I will let you all know what we all agree on.

We're going to Syracuse in upstate New York next week for a vacation. We are going to visit lots of cousins.

The week we get back, we go on my "Children's Dream Fund" Cruise to the Bahamas. I can't wait!

Once I get the results of the MRI, I'll let you know!

Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts. Love, Kelly

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 7:41 AM CDT

I cannot wait until tomorrow. I finally get my MRI done of my full spinal cord. Then it always takes them a while for them to get us the results, so next week I'll post them on the site.

For the MRI, I'm still getting sedated. It's just the easiest way, and I have been having more leg pain than usual this last week. At night I will wake up and feel sharp shocks from my nerves shooting down my legs. They only last for a few seconds though, thank the Lord.

My doctor said that because I have gained all of my weight back, we can start weening me off of the steroid Decadron. Steroids cause you to eat a lot, I guess because they might cause your stomach to expand or something. Anyway, I have been on it so long because I lost so much weight, it will take a month to finish weening me off!

We went to see the movie Herby: Fully Loaded the other day- it was so funny!!!! I loved it and Michael did too. My mom also did which is unusual because she never like kid movies.

I am just very excited about the MRI tomorrow- I'll post the results soon.

Love, Kelly

Friday, July 8, 2005 7:49 PM CDT

Hey everyone! I have wonderful news. I got the results back from my radiologist, and he says from the last brain MRI, it shows that I am clear with no tumor at all in my head!!!!!! The sugar coating has totally disappeared!

My radiation has ended and I will start chemo again in 3 more weeks, because I need to take a break from radiation the doctors say.

I have an MRI next week of my spinal cord Thursday, so we will see what the original tumor looks like, and we'll see if it shrank from the radiation also.

Today is also my one-year anniversary from when I had surgery! I feel really great and I'm biking 5 miles every day- my dad still can't keep up with me. Sunday I did 13 miles! I want to start running; maybe in the pool at first; and then I really want to be back to normal.

My whole family is so happy and proud- I have come so far from last year. The prayers and thoughts have really helped me. Now I can really start enjoying my summer and hang out with Buddy more, because we won't be in St. Petersburg for radiation all day.

I can't wait to see all my friends at school again, and make up for all the school I missed last year. It has been a long year since surgery for everyone, but I'm looking so forward to the future, and getting my health back to where it was before. I have so many things to be thankful for, and I feel just soooo wonderful.

Thank you all for keeping in touch and praying for me this past year. It was great news to get from the doctor. We're all soooooooooooo... happy. God bless!!!!! Love, Super-duper happy Kelly

Sunday, July 3, 2005 8:46 AM CDT

I couldn't have my MRI of my full spinal cord done the other day because we were kind of scheduled to be fitted in if there was any extra time, and the doctors were running kind of late. And anyway, the doctor said he wanted me to be sudated, just in case because it will take longed than he expected.

I just love the weekends-no radiation! No more hour long car rides every day.

Michael is sooooo lazy. My dad took us to the library, and Michael checked out a 46 page book. I checked out a couple yesterday and already finished 2 of them.

I can't wait until Monday. Our family is going to a July 4th party at my dad's golf course, where there is always a big celebration with food and contests and a big firework ceremony at the end. In the morning there is a dog parade, and dogs can win prizes like best kisser, cutest dog, and some other ones. We're bringing Buddy of course!

I hope you all have a great 4th of July. Love, Kelly

Friday, July 1, 2005 9:33 AM CDT

Hey everyone. Today I have an MRI of my full spinal cord and brain. It will take about an hour and a half, so my mom said if I choose I can be sudated. I might choose to do that because last time when I wasn't sudated, it hurt a little, and this will be twice as long as that (plus, it's really noisy).

Anyway, this morning my cousins left our house to go up to Syracuse, New York for a big Fourth of July family reunion. I wish we could have gone, but because of the chemo and radiation every day, we aren't able to make it.

I have been swimming in the lake every day, going to the bottom and searching for clams. There are a lot of clams around our dock.

Yesterday I noticed that my feeding tube felt pretty sore, so I lifted it up a bit like I do when I clean it to look at it, and I noticed there was a big, swollen pink bump there. A couple hours later I peeked at it again, and found it was oozing. I showed my mom and she called the GI doctor (my feeding tube doc). They want to see us later today. It might be infected, they say. NOOOOOOO!!!!

I have 7 more treatments of radiation, then I'm finally finished. My friend recently got a feeding tube put in, and she likes it. She wasn't eating well and losing weight, so she needs nutrition.

I'll update soon again and tell you all the MRI results from today. Thank you everyone for checking in on me and signing the guestbook.

God bless, Kelly Muldoon

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Tuesday, June 28, 2005 6:18 PM CDT

Hey everyone. There's not much to say today, just that I am kind of feeling nauseaus today, and my leg kind of hurts. I went on another bike ride and walked around the neighborhood, so my dad says that I might have pulled a muscle or something.

I went to physical therapy yesterday, and walked a long way on the treadmill. Kathleen my teacher was impressed.

Next week I start a new chemo drug call Irinoticen (not sure of spelling), and I stay on this same one called Temodar.

Next week I have another MRI of my full spine and brain. This time I will be prepared with my numbing cream all on my port, and I won't feel it!! I am not going to be sudated this time, as last time I was ok without it. I just really hate how noisy the machine is. The nurses tell me to close my eyes and fall asleep- yeah right!

It has been raining a lot down here in Florida lately. But out grass outside really does need some water. But now instead of me walking Buddy, I make Michael get wet. :)

Thank you everyone for checking in on me. God bless, Kelly

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Saturday, June 25, 2005 12:21 AM CDT

Hey everyone. I found out from one of my doctors that I will be having another week and a half of radiation on my upper spinal cord. Not my brain!! From the latest MRI, it showed that the hydrocephalos has increased the slightest bit, so I must be careful about my headaches. I really don't want a shunt!

I rode Michael's big bike today. It was huge! It was the first time in like... 6 months! I didn't even fall, though I was a little wobbly. I did a whole mile, and my leg still feels great. Tonight I'm going to play tennis in the street with my dad.



My back and legs don't hurt. Later I'm going for another mile with my father- and Buddy. My dad always runs real slow, so he always calls out, "STOP!"

Some friends are coming over tomorrow and we're gonna have a good time on the lake. My uncle and aunt and cousin are all coming from Montana next week. We can't wait to see them!

Love from the Muldoons, Kelly

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Thursday, June 23, 2005 11:04 AM CDT

Hello everyone. Tomorrow is my last day of radiation! Last time I had radiation done on me, I completed 6 full weeks. This time, I am only doing 3 weeks, fortunately.

Yesterday my radiologist, Dr. Cotman, wanted an MRI as soon as possible. They had an opening right then, so they called me in to have it done. The last few MRI's that I've had, they have had to put me under sudation, because my legs always pain me so bad to lay on a table. Yesterday they weren't ready with the medicine, and didn't have an anestesiologist there to monitor me. I wanted to try and prove I could do it anyway. I DID IT!

For the MRI, they had to give me contrast through my port. I didn't have my numbing cream on it, so it really hurt when they stuck me. Afterwards, when they took out the needle, they realized they forgot to flush the port with saline and hepron!!! They had to stick me AGAIN, and flush me. I was getting annoyed of all the sticks.

I have a friend named Jamie in the hospital, who had a G-tube (feeding tube) put in this morning. She wasn't that happy about it, but she had it done. She is on TPN through her port for nutrition, and if you are on that for a long time, you can get liver damage. Now she is on PediaSure through her tube, just like I was.

I hope you all have a great day. God bless, Kelly

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Sunday, June 19, 2005 7:31 PM CDT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! And, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!

Today I am turning 11 years old! I just opened up my presents, I got a towel for the pool and hot tub, and some drawing supplies, and a really cute shirt. My friends and neighbors also gave me some books and other things.

Thank you everyone who sent me birthday cards and packages in the mail! I always enjoy getting the mail every day and seeing what I have (Michael never has anything!!).

Last night for my birthday, we went to a Japenese steakhouse. They cooked all the food in front of us, and it was really enjoyable.

I feel great this weekend, and I am glad I have felt this great for so long! I got the electronic Boggle games in the mail, from a special FOA friend, Sara. Now I can play in the car, and whenever I want to.

I hope you enjoy the weekend and I can't wait to start racing Buddy down the street, and that won't be long!!

See you later!! God bless, Kelly Muldoon

There is a little boy I would like you all to pray for. His name is Jacob and also has a Caring Bridge page. He is having surgery and is going through a very difficult time. www.caringbridge.org/fl/jacob

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Friday, June 17, 2005 9:48 AM CDT

Hey everyone! This week I have been a little more nautious than the past weeks. The other night I woke up moaning because I had a cramp in my stomach.

My leg pain has been so good lately, we asked the doctor if I could remove one of my pain patches, and only used one. She said to go ahead and try, so the next time I change them- which is tonight- I am only going to put on one.

My Uncle Billy, Aunt Suzy, and cousin Jamie are all coming down to Florida in a couple of weeks. They all live up in Montana! We went to visit them one year which was really fun, because we went hiking up in the mountains and went rafting.

My birthday is on Sunday!!! It is also Father's Day. My family and my friend is going to a Japenese steak house. I have never been there before, and my mom says they cook the food right in front of you, there is lots of fire.

Last week I went into the clinic for physical therapy, and I walked on the treadmill for 20 minutes! My mom was really proud of me, and I was too.

Thank you everyone for checking in on me still!!

Kelly Muldoon

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Sunday, June 12, 2005 7:33 PM CDT

This week has been going pretty good. Most of my hair has fallen out, and my head is getting burnt from all the sun. I have to wear either a hat or bandana all the time now, or my parents get mad at me.

This morning I was in the hot tub, and Buddy's squeaky toy rolled in. He jumped in and splashed me, and I lifted him out. He shook all the water off himself, and he was just so cute!

I am halfway through radiation. The doctor added a couple more treatment areas to my head, so it takes a little longer every day to receive treatment.

Down here in Florida, it's been really hot, and raining a lot. There was a tornado a week ago, that landed 5 miles near our home. The tropical storm that is is the gulf, I don't think it's coming our way.

I don't have much else to say, just that I'm doing great, walking a lot better, especially taking Buddy on his walks, and I am eating good.

Thank you everyone for leaving notes and entries in the guestbook. I love to open it up and see what you all say!

God bless you, Kelly

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Thursday, June 9, 2005 7:36 AM CDT

Hey guys! It's Kelly again. This week is my 3rd week of radiation, soon I'll be doing my fourth. My hair has started thinning- a lot- from both the radiation and the chemotherapy.

Once I complete radiation, I will start another chemo drug called Irinotecan. I think that's how you spell it.

My eyesight has been getting very blurry lately, and my eyes are dry and scratchy. We mentioned these things to the doctor and she said that it is probably either the tumor or a side effect from the radiation.

The past few days I haven't been as hungry as I used to be. I haven't stopped my steroid which makes me very hungry, so I don't know what the difference is.

I hope you all have a good day!!

Love, Kelly and Steve Muldoon

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Thursday, June 2, 2005 8:49 AM CDT

Hey everyone! It's Kelly again. Yesterday my dad updated the site but I decided to change it a bit.

Yesterday was my last day of school. In mass, we all received awards. I received an award for straight A's all four quarters, The Christianity Award, and one for having lots of courage- the Silver Challice Award.

I had another CT scan Wednesday, and the doctor took a quick look at it. He said that I will not need a shunt! A shunt is a tube that connects from my brain to my stomach that drains my spinal fluid. I am still have headaches a lot, though, and the doctor said because the fluid is not draining, I am having lots of pressure up there.

I have stopped using my wheelchair! I can walk a lot better now, and I tried to run once. I lost my balance and fell over, though. I went swimming in the lake when my cousins came over, and it was really fun. My mom made me wear a life vest, though.

There is a word game that I am really good at. It is called Boggle. I have played my dad, mom, Michael, my friends, my relatives, and even my teacher! I beat them all! Also, my uncle is a lawyer, and I beat him too!

I am now 82 pounds, the same weight I used to be before I had surgery. That means that soon I may stop the nutrition at night and go just to water.

My dad's friends stopped by the other night, and they gave me the most wonderful present. I got a laptop!! I have been wanting one for ages, and my dad said that I don't even have to share it with Michael. I am so relieved.

Thank you everybody for keeping in touch with me and sending cards and prayers. I am really touched.

Have a great week! Love, Kelly

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Wednesday, June 1, 2005 7:52 PM CDT

Hey everybody!!

It has been a while since I have checked in!! We have been having a great time since Kelly was released from the hospital, almost four weeks ago!!!!!!!!!!!

And we do not want to go back any time soon!!!

We have been very busy enjoying the weekends together and relaxing! Kelly got straight A's on her final report card again and received first honors for the school year.

She received a special silver trophy for the most courageous and positive person in her class.

I am very proud of what Kelly has accomplished in school while undergoing the chemo and radiation the past several months. She has been a very special student to keep up with her work undergiong these treatments.

Her leg and back pain has diminished with the new pain patches and the new medicines she is on.

Kelly has been getting many headaches though, and we have had two CT scans of her brain recently. At lease they did see a brain in there!!! She has a condition, hydrocephalous, which is increased pressure of the brain.

Her doctorsa are concerned and we will be watching for any symptons that may affect her behavior

The doctor today though did say a Shunt was not necessary now. We will have another CT scan in three weeks to review her condition.

Kelly has gained weight and is now at the weight she was before surgery last July. She is not using the wheelchair anymore and is walking much better and for longer distances.

We are very happy to be at home enjoying the quality time in the hot tub and with her new puppy Buddy. Her puppy has been quite an addition to our family. He is slowly getting used to pooping outside but he is not quite there yet!! He likes leaving little presents for us around the house.

His needle sharp teeth have chewed up many things already but we do love him still!! I think!!! Was it my idea or Kelly's idea to get a puppy!!

Kelly is currently udergoing radiation of the brain every day and is taking her chemo medicine also.

After 6 more weeks of the radiation therapy we may go to Duke University Brain Cancer Center for another opinion. It all depends on the results of her next MRI in 6 weeks.

Please contiue to keep Kelly in your thoughts and prayers. We are having so much fun with her back in the house and she is feeling pretty good. I have to keep going for her and I will do everything possible to get her back on the soccer field as soon as possible.

She is a very specaial and courageous young lady and I am very proud and very fortunate to have her as my daughter. I treasure every minute spent with her and love just holding her hand as we walk togetherand laugh again.

Thank you all for contiuinig to check on Kelly's progress. It means alot to all of us to know so many people around the world care for her and are praying for her recovery.

Love, Steve

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Tuesday, May 24, 2005 2:57 PM CDT

Hey everyone! I'm sorry I haven't updated the page in many days, I have just been so busy.

Last week I started radiation, and it really hurts to lie on the table for those ten minutes. They are radiating my head and my entire spine. They have to put an uncomfortable mask on me so I won't move.

A woman called from the Children's Dream Fund. In August we are going on a Disney Cruise for my special wish. I really think that will be fun.

Next week my aunt, uncle, and cousins are all coming to town. My dad is really excited and I think we might be going to Adventure Island or on a raft ride somewhere in Ocala.

I have to go eat dinner now- I'm finally eating again on my own! Bye everyone.

Thank you so much for following my progress every day. I am always very happy when I check my guestbook. Thanks!

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Monday, May 23, 2005 4:58 AM CDT

Kelly has been home for a week now and we are having a great time together!! It sure beats the hospital room!

Last week we had some friends over to welcome her home and she had a great time.

Sunday we had some girls from school over for an early birthday party and Kelly loved swimming with them and sitting in the hot hub for hours. We are going to have a real birthday party in mid June for Kelly and she can have some more of her girl friends over and have fun with them too.

Kelly even jumped in the lake off the boat with the other girls and swam around with them. She started doing the doggie paddle back to the boat and Buddy barked to her! She loves her new puppy and Budddy keeps this house alive with his chewing and pooping activities!!

The pain in Kelly's legs, not Buddy's, is not as severe as it was a few weeks ago. Maybe the new chemo is working to shrink the tumor! Let's hope. The pain patches and new pain medicine seem to be working much better!!

She is walking more and taking her new "Buddy" for walks up the street. This puppy does not allow any of us to relax and is quite a handful!!!

Kelly has recently begun her new radiation treatments. The doctors are radiating the brain, and the upper and lower spine to try to eliminate the sugar caoting effect of the tumor.

She is a tough, strong little girl who goes through these radiation treatments every afternoon. It hurts her back and legs to lie in the position she has to but she handles it!

I am very proud of her and she continues to have a wonderful and positive attitude. Some of her cousins will be in town visting next weekend and Kelly is looking forward to spending some time with them.

Kelly truly loves reading the updates and comments from all of her friends and thank you for keeping in touch with my little special angel. It is so good to have her home and to spend so much quality time with her.

Love, Steve

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Saturday, May 14, 2005 12:07 AM CDT

I'M HOME!!!!!!!!!!!! After 2 weeks in the hospital again, I am finally home!!! I get to see Buddy and play with him and I am really feeling better. My legs still hurt but the new pain patches are helping a lot, but the medicine doesn't seem to work at all.

While I was gone, my dad taught Buddy all new tricks like shake, stay, come, and the most important- NO!

Our neighbors' dog bit him the other week, and he really got a chunk out of him! We took him to the vet and they gave us pills to give him. My mom tricks Buddy by putting the pills in peanut butter. He isn't that smart!!

I am very glad to be home, and I just really enjoy getting all the e-mails and cards and prayers sent to me.

Thank you so much everyone!!!!

Love, Kelly Muldoon

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Thursday, May 12, 2005 9:11 PM CDT

I spent Thursday evening with Kelly at the hospital and had another wonderful time with her. She had quite a busy day with so many wonderful people stopping by to visit with her.

Her teacher at MHR, her piano instructor, her tutor, many friends, our pastor at church and more people stopped by to give Kelly their love and she had so much fun with everyone. She was in a great mood all day smiling and laughing and looking so forward to coming home!!

She is coming home Friday afternoon and we are all looking forward to having her home again!! She is going to her old school to see a play and Sunday we are having a cookout welcoming her home!!

The pain in her legs seems to be more manageable with two pain patches she wears and a new nerve medicine that seems to be working.

She started her new aggressive chemo medicine Thursday evening and the radiation therapy for her brain and the upper spinal cord will begin Friday afternoon.

We are hoping that the radiation and chemo together can elinminate the spreading of the tumor.

The docotr's said the tumor was reduced slightly in the last radiation but small flakes seem to have been carried in the spinal fluids to other parts. The new protocol has been successful in treating this type of aggressive tumor and we are hoping that it works quickly for Kelly.

We are going to battle this and Kelly is going to beat it!!

She truly is going to make a difference in this world and she will show all of us how strong she is!! She is a special girl with a wonderful outlook and she is fighting this with me and we will beat this!!

Kelly's puppy Buddy, has a small infection and I must give him pills for a week. I must be very careful not to mix the medicines up!! If Kelly starts eating dog bones and carrrying a ball back to me and if Buddy starts to lose his hair, I am in big trouble!! I promise I will be very careful!!!!

We are very fortunate to have such a strong support group of friends helping us through this and I really do appreciate all that is being done for Kelly. Your love and kindness for this brave little girl means so much to us. I have met so many wonderful people and have made so many new friends. Believe me, little things that people do mean so much to a little girl who is fighting daily!

I want to thank you again for all your help! We will all go through this together and help Kelly return to a healthy strong girl.

I can't wait to see Buddy jump on Kelly , give her a big kiss and spend all weekend with her.

Love Steve

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Thursday, May 12, 2005 10:50 AM CDT

I had the most wonderful time with kelly last night at the hospital. Sara Eppler and her father visited and we laughed and drew things on the board. I can see Kelly gets her looks and her artistic abilities from her mother, Thank Goodness!!!!!!!!

My neighbor Lani spent some quality time laughing and just hanging out with her and she was well entertained all day.

The radiation treatments and the new chemo medicine start today. Small parts of the original tumor have broken off and moved through the fluid in the spinal cord. They are floating in the fluid. The radiation and new chemo medicine can hopefully kill these flakes.

The doctor's said it is like a sugar coating around the brain and in the spinal cord. We will have another MRI in 3 weeks during the middle of the new radiation treatments that will show us if the spots have been reduced in size.

Kelly is just one tough fighter with a wonderful understanding of all this. She knows what she has to go through and it will take some more time. Just spending time with her is so much fun and seeing her smile and talk about her new puppy makes me feekl better.

I can not have any more days like yesterday!!!! I will continue to be positive and hope that this new medicine and radiation can work for us!

We all must continue to pray for her and hope this new medicine works soon. She needs all of your help to get through this. She has so many wonderful people who have helped and been so kind to her through this long battle.

We are fighting a very rare and aggressive tumor that is testing Kelly and her family we are going to do anything and everything to beat this.

I am looking so forward to having her home this weekend and spending more time with her at home where she belongs!!

Buddy, her new puppy can't wait to kiss her also!!

Thank everyone for keeping in touch and helping out!!

Love Steve

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Wednesday, May 11, 2005 2:12 PM CDT

Kelly recently had two MRI tests/scans this week and there were some more spots found in the fluid around her brain.

We are beginning more radiation to make sure these new spots
are elimiunated quickly.

We begin the radaition tomorrow on the brain and her upper spine because a growth was seen higher up than her original tumor also.

Kelly is a very brave and tough fighter and if anyone can handle this little bump in the road, she can, and she will!!

The pain in her legs comes and goes and it looks like we have the proper medication mix for that, so now we go on the this next hurdle.

She is getting very bored and restless in the hopsital and I think she is coming home Friday afternoon!!!!!! I can't wait to spend all my time with her and Buddy,her new puppy who misses her and is ready for her also.

We will continue to go forward with some new treatments of chemo and this radiation and get this under control once and for all!

I love her dearly and can't wait to get her home again! For
those who know her, you see how special and loving Kelly is and all of this should not be happening to this little girl, but we are going to deal with this the best we can and go forward.

Please keep Kelly in your prayers and thoughts now, she really needs everyone to keep pulling for her and supporting her in this challenge. We will do everything possible to get Kelly healthy again as soon as we can.

Thank you all for your notes, it cheers up everyone when we see who is praying for this special angel.

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Saturday, May 7, 2005 7:28 PM CDT

Kelly's pain has gotten worse in her legs and another emergency MRI will take place Monday afternoon. She has been in ALL Children's Hospital for a week experiencing sharp pain to her legs adn is very uncomfortable.

It has not gotten better. We will see if the tumor has grown or spread. We are all concerned about the pain and the hurt she is having daily.

I spent the past two nights with her and to see her scream out in pain is not good. It tears me apart to see her suffer and cry out.

I yelled at her and she cried and I felt like the walls were caving in on us. I am not mad at her but mad at this whole experience.

We settled our differences after she wanted me to leave and she still loves me!

Sara from FOA stopped by to help makse a present for Mom and it gave me time for a needed escape. It was well worth it.

We will let you know the results of the MRI as soon as we know anything. She is going to try some new medicine that may relazx her nerves so the pain and shock to her legs is not as bad and she may be able to handle it better.

She is one tough fighter and a very strong girl. They test her arms and legs and her grip is very strong still. All the pain seems to be related to the spot of the tumor on her spinal cord. We saw the surgeon and again she stated there is nothing she can do to help eliminate the pain. She can have more surgery but the surgeon can not get to the whole tumor so it will continue to grow.

It is all so very draining and frustrating and not fair for a child to go through this. I wonder why!! I do want her healthy again and to be able to come home soon.

Hopefully she can. Thak you for your prayeers and keep praying for her recovery.

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Friday, May 6, 2005 3:36 PM CDT

Well. it has been a long week!!!!!!!!!

Kelly has been back in the hospital since Sunday afternoon. We are hoping she can come home Saturday to go to a friends birthday but we will have to see. Kelly's pain in her legs has been getting worse this week.

I just want her home to see her puppy and recuperate here. But she is suffering from the tumor right now so she is in a better place for a while. She is one tough lady, tahts for suer! The doctor's are amazed at her high toloeracen of pain that she can handle! I made her one tough little girl throwing her around and wrestling wiht her all these years!! I just cant wait to play on the ground again with her one day!!!!!!!

At times she will have jolts of pain shoot down her legs and cry out! It has been very frustrating to see her in such pain and discomfort. You want to scream out loud to make it stop but you can't!

The doctors's are going to order am emergency MRI to see if the tumor is growing and putting more pressure on her nerves. My little angel has ben in alot of pain recently and at times can not feel her legs.

It is very frustrating and I don't know what to do or say to her anymore. I tell her to be tough and keep going and she does but she is hurting right now.

Some pain patches may allow her to go gome soon but we will wait to see. If you are having a bad day and feel lousy, just think of Kelly in the hopsital, stuck in her bed, and experiencing the pain she is in.

If I could trade places with her, I would in minute. I will be in the hosptial all weekend trying to make her feel better. All we can do is try to comfort her to make her happy right now.

Maybe the chemo can start working but it has only been a few weeks since it started again. That medicine needs time to work and it will hopefully.

It is all just a very frustrating and very hard to see your child have to go through this whiel you ffeel so hopeless on the side watching her in pain

When I look at her sleeping peacefully she looks like an angel but when she wakes up and the pain strikes her, it kills me inside to see her in such agaony. I want her pain to go away so soon but we have to wait and see.

Thank you all for keeping in touch with Kelly and please pray for her this weekend that her pain will stop soon and she can start her recovery.

Steve

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Friday, May 6, 2005 3:36 PM CDT

Well. it has been a long week!!!!!!!!!

Kelly has been back in the hospital since Sunday afternoon. We are hoping she can come home Saturday to go to a friends birthday but we will have to see. Kelly's pain in her legs has been getting worse this week.

I just want her home to see her puppy and recuperate here. But she is suffering from the tumor right now so she is in a better place for a while. She is one tough lady, tahts for suer! The doctor's are amazed at her high toloeracen of pain that she can handle! I made her one tough little girl throwing her around and wrestling wiht her all these years!! I just cant wait to play on the ground again with her one day!!!!!!!

At times she will have jolts of pain shoot down her legs and cry out! It has been very frustrating to see her in such pain and discomfort. You want to scream out loud to make it stop but you can't!

The doctors's are going to order am emergency MRI to see if the tumor is growing and putting more pressure on her nerves. My little angel has ben in alot of pain recently and at times can not feel her legs.

It is very frustrating and I don't know what to do or say to her anymore. I tell her to be tough and keep going and she does but she is hurting right now.

Some pain patches may allow her to go gome soon but we will wait to see. If you are having a bad day and feel lousy, just think of Kelly in the hopsital, stuck in her bed, and experiencing the pain she is in.

If I could trade places with her, I would in minute. I will be in the hosptial all weekend trying to make her feel better. All we can do is try to comfort her to make her happy right now.

Maybe the chemo can start working but it has only been a few weeks since it started again. That medicine needs time to work and it will hopefully.

It is all just a very frustrating and very hard to see your child have to go through this whiel you ffeel so hopeless on the side watching her in pain

When I look at her sleeping peacefully she looks like an angel but when she wakes up and the pain strikes her, it kills me inside to see her in such agaony. I want her pain to go away so soon but we have to wait and see.

Thank you all for keeping in touch with Kelly and please pray for her this weekend that her pain will stop soon and she can start her recovery.

Steve

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Monday, May 2, 2005 9:22 PM CDT

Dear Friends,

Kelly was admitted to All Children's Hospital Sunday afternoon. She was not feeling too good and she is recovering from her fever and her stomach queeziness.

She is in room 261-B and will hopefully be coming home in a few days. We will be sleeping over and staying with her until she is released.

This weekend maybe we over did it for her. Friday evening we went to a Relay for Life Cancer fund raiser and saw many of her old Irish Dancing friends. They were all so supportive and loved seeing Kelly at the track. Some girls wheeled her around in her wheelcahir and she had 3 luminary candles with her name on them. She thought that was cool!

She was impressed!!!!!!! Thank all of the Irish Dance family for what you guys do for Kelly!! She loves all of you very much.

Saturday afternoon we visited the Confer family in Tampa. Their daughter used to play soccer at North Carolina and had her number retired when her playing career was over. Their daughter and the Coach at Carolina gave Kelly some very special signed posters and she is having them framed for her bedroom.

She also received an old practice Carolina T shirt from Robin that she treasures and sleeps in. You should have seen her smile when she put it on Saturday evening!!

Kelly is going to get some private lessons when she is healthy again from Robin so watch out for her on the soccer field next year!! She can't wait to train again with her friends.

Kelly has a new puppy, an English Springer Spaniel, Buddy, who she loves so much. The new menber of our family loves Kelly and is very good for her!! Pictures are coming soon!

Once I figure how to download them!!!!!!!

Thak all of you for the many little things you do for Kelly. You should see her smile and laugh when she reads the notes and gets the things in the mail. They all make a lilttle girl so happy and make her feel better !

I am touched by the kindness from many of you!!

When I went to the hospital tonite Kelly looked better once she had more fluids in her. We had a wonderful time together laughing and hanging out in her room.

I hope she can come home soon, go back to school, and see her new puppy Buddy! I want her home now!!!!!!!!

Thanks again for all the little things that brighten up Kelly's life these days. They mean alot to a little girl who is hadnlig this situation like a true fighter. She hurts daily but continues to march on and hopefully we are getting closer to the end of the chemotherapy.

It is a very long, hard, difficult, draing journey we are going through but wiht teh help of all our friends we are getting through this!
I am looking forward again to getting Kelly back home !!
Steve

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Saturday, April 30, 2005 7:31 PM CDT

Dear Friends,

I wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts, phone calls, prayers and help these past few months.

I never knew how much so many people cared about Kelly and you all have been so helpful in keeping her cheered up. You don't know how such simple things as messages, cards, little gifts and her friends mean to a little girl as she goes through this struggle.

There have been some very good days recently, usually followed by very down sad days. Kelly has gone to some school this past week and her friends and teachers have been so supportive to her. Then she is so tired the next day, the medicine must take so much out of her that she lays in bed for hours to recuperate.

This medicine must sap her strength but she keeps fighting it. Her spirit and strength amaze me every day and she never stops smiling. When she cries in pain it hurts mom and dad so much but we are doing what we can do to make her feel better.

We recently got a puppy and it has been a good week for her. She has gone outside so much this week to walk the dog and pay with him. "Buddy" loves her as much as she loves him.

Sunday she has a big piano recital and is ready for her duet. Through all this, her love of the piano helps to keep her distracted at times from her pain and her music is getting better each month.

I have not thought of the worst scenario lately and continue to be very positive that this chemo will work. She does still have pain in her legs but it will take time for the medicinee to work, we hope!

We are taking it one day at a time and I am spending all my time with her. One never knows what will happen and I am going to make sure she is as happy as possible now. I love her so much.

It is truly very, very hard and quite difficult to handle but I must keep going to get her to feel better. I so look forward to the day she can ride a bike again and run around the house with the dog. It all seems so unfair and not right but I must deal with it and hope things get better in the future.

I truly want to thank everyone for all the little things that you do to make a little girl happy. Kelly truly is very special and loved by many people. She has touched many lives in her short life and she will make a difference in her life.

Thank you all for keeping Kelly in your thoughts and know that you do make a difference in her world.

God Bless you all. Love Steve

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Saturday, April 23, 2005 7:37 AM CDT

Morning everybody. This is Kelly again. Sorry I haven't updated this over the past week, but I wasn't feeling too good. I threw up a few times, and have felt really queasy, but now I feel a little better.

Last Friday night we went to the Relay for Life Cancer Walk in Tampa and had a wonderful time. We saw many people that were there that were fundraising for a cure for cancer. I really appreciated all the time and effort everybody put in for that. I was pushed around in my wheelchair for a few laps, and it was really bumpy, but I managed.

This week I didn't go to school because I was sick, but I look forward going back Tuesday. I have a doctor appointment on Monday, and then back to school to see my friends and teachers, and get caught up with my homework.

I realized I want to be a pediatric oncologist when I grow up. I want to help kids with cancer and maybe even find a cure! I have a lot of school and work to go through, but I want to do it.

The best thing is that my mom finally agreed to letting us get a dog! Later today my dad is taking me to the pet store and we will look for puppies. I am thinking about a Beagle or a Cocker Spaniel.

My piano recital is coming up next week and I am still playing the 17-page duet with my teacher. I learned a new song, and it sounds scary. I am going to play that song, too.

I am almost done with my first round of chemo this week. I can't wait to get rid of this tumor!!!!!! Then I'll be back on the soccer field!!!!

Thank you everybody for following my progress. I really appreciate all the guestbook entries. I love to read them!

Love, Kelly Muldoon

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Friday, April 15, 2005 4:07 PM CDT

Hey everybody! This is Kelly. I'm looking forward to a great weekend, spending a lot of time in the hot tub and on the jet ski with my dad and friends.

The chemotherapy has made me queasy, and some days I throw up and don't feel good. But the chemo seems to be working and my leg pain is not as bad as before.

One of the medicines I am taking won't allow me to eat some of my favorite foods! I can't eat cheese (pizza!!!), chocolate, sausage, pepperoni, bananas, blueberries, and alcohol (I don't drink it anyways). My dad isn't supposed to eat these foods either, but he still has some beer. Bad dad!!!

I am sleeping better, and each night my dad inserts PediaSure into my feeding tube while I sleep. Whenever I throw up, I taste the PediaSure, and it tastes horrible!!!

Thank you everybody for keeping in touch with me, and following my progress. I can't wait till this is all over and I'm running around the soccer field again.

God Bless!!! Love, Kelly Muldoon

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Sunday, April 10, 2005 11:58 AM CDT

Yes, it is great to have Kelly home again!

But we are not out of trouble yet. We start more serious chemo Monday and this is the medicine that gave her alot of problems in the past. We are hoping that the feeding tube helps!

We do not want to go back to the hospital again!!!!! It is so nice to be home and spend quality time with her at our house!!

She spent all weekend in the hot tub with her friends. It makes Kelly feel better and stops her pain! She was in the hot tub 7 hours Saturday afternoon with her friends! She may start to grow gills soon and start eating worms !!

Kelly still has sharp pains in her back and legs but keeps going!! She screams out loud in pain and cries herself to sleep at times. It hurts mom and dad to see her suffer like this and in such pain but we are trying to make her as comfortable as possible.

At times there are no problems but then the pain is very intense. We are hoping the chemo works and this is all over soon. Once the tumor shrinks the pain will go away!

I think all of this is nightmare and we will wake up one day and her pain will be gone. We are praying and hoping this medicine does work and the tumor stops growing. We can not have it continue to grow and spread.

We will see in a few months how it is responding to her new mdeicine. Thank you all for keeping Kelly in your thoughts and prayers.

Please see more pictures of Kelly at www.pelicanrugby.com and when we get the new pictures of the modeling show you will see how happy Kelly was!!

Steve Muldoon

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Thursday, April 7, 2005 4:35 PM CDT

Kelly's Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooome!!!!!!!!!!!!

We got Kelly out of the hospital two days ago after a 15 day stay. She needed to get rid of the urinary infections and the blood infection that knocked her down for a while.

But, now she is home with us and we are going to enjoy the special time we have together!! Please go to the photo file to look at some new pictures of Kelly. At the following web site, www.pelicanrugby.com, you can view some other recent photos of her at the Pelican Rugby clubs end of the year weekend game. She was the star of the game and many good friends offered her moral support and love that was truly appreciated.

Sara, a very special lady fromm FOA,(friends of Allie group)
spent some time with Kelly making jewelry one night in the hospital and brightened her stay. All of the FOA have been so kind in your thoughts and prayers and you all are helping us get through this! I really, really appreciate all the things you have done for us so far! And I know I can count in you in the future also if needed. FOA is a very special group of people!

I want to thank everyone who came by this past weekend to visit Kelly and called her during her recent stay in the hospital. Many people have continued to keep Kelly cheered up through this difficult time.

Kelly was in a fashion show at Saks 5th Avenue department store Tuesday evening for a fund raising event with The Pediatric Cancer Center. We used that as our goal to get out of the hospital and boy, did Kelly look good!

When we get the photos I will post them for you to see how good Kelly looked carrying a $2000 designer purse down the runway!!

The smile on her face was priceless as she gleamed when being introduced to the crowd and was strolled down the runway by her friend Dana!!

She is still in some pain as the tumor is still growing slowly and putting pressure on herr spinal cord. Walking and sleeping are still very difficult and painful. We have started the next round of chemotherapy already and we will see in a few months if the tumor is shrinking!!

It is a vicous cycle! Kelly must get better, but must also take some medicine that makes her sick and feel horrible. But in order for the tumor to shrink she must put herself through some terrible times.

We will all go through this for her but she endures alot of pain every day and night. She truly is a fighter and a tough girl who is battling to kick this diesase from her body!

If anyone can do it, I know Kelly can!! She feels great at imes and then screams of pain cry out through the house. I wish I could have her pain and let he live a normal life but for some reason she was dealt this hand and we are going to beat it!!

Thank all of you for continuing to support us and keep this beautiful precious angel in your prayers!!

Love Steve

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Saturday, April 2, 2005 8:33 PM CST

Dear Friends,

It is Saturday evening and it has been a wonderful day. I spent last night with Kelly trying to sleep in the hospital!!

And I mean try to sleep!! I was in the bed, the chair, the floor, the bed, and back in the chair all evening!! But you know , the pain and discomfort is nothing to what this precious little girl is going through daily.

Not much rest, but precious, quality, special time spent with your child!! We had many friends stop by and call Kelly today and it picked up her spirits!! She smiled all day long and had a wonderful time visiting with her soccer team mates and friends who came by!

Kelly wants to go home so badly and she is almost ready!! I want her home to but she must have her strength back and the infections must be gone befoer she can come home. We are in for a long journey but I truly belive she will be completly healed in time. Since last Sunday's Easter Mass I have had a different approach and a positive vibe that Kelly will be herself once the chemo is through.

I thruly belive the Lord is lookig over her and the friends who are praying for her and thinking of her will help get Kelly healed in time.

You do wonder why Kelly was chosen to handle this adversity and why she has to suffer more than other little girls her age! I wonder why all the time! But the Lord works in many different ways and Kelly will truly make a difference in tHis world aND in her lifetime. She has touched many lives already and has become a true friend to many girls and parents.

She will beat this and I will remain up beat throughout this journey. I truly belive she will be completely healed one day!! I know she will get through this and the tumor will be gone once the medicine takes effect.

Kelly is truly a very, very special girl and I am blessed, fortunate, and lucky to have enjoyed the time with her that I have as her father adn friend. Every minute is a pleasure to spend wiht her and if you have had the opportunity to know her, you would know how I feel about her.

Kelly is fighting for her life and we will get through this soon! I must belive that. Spending time with her and looking at her smile and look back at me means so much to me right now! I am loking forward to getting her home soon, starting the next chemo process and getting her back helalthy once again.

Thank you all for praying for our little angel. Your thoughts and prayers are truly appreciated. Please say a prayer for her Sunday at church and these prayers will be answered one day.

Love to All, Steve Muldoon

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Thursday, March 31, 2005 8:08 PM CST

She' not home yet but!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We don't have Kelly home yet but we are waiting for the doctor's to release her so she can spend time healing at home soon.

The infections are gone, the antibiotics have worked but Kelly is not ready to come home yet.

The feeding tube was inserted into her stomach and it went well. Kelly is a little sore but healing nicely.

Now mom and dad are going to learn how to feed her and give her the needed nutrition and chemo medicine through the feeding tube to get her healthy again!!

Last week was a very long and stressful time for everyone, but after church last Easter Sunday adn spending time with some people, wonderful words were spoken, people keep praying for Kelly and now she is finally feeling better.

I am trying to be more positive and you must, to keep going every day. We do truly take on day at a time to get through this.

I was beating myself up last week and the wrong thoughts were taking over! That is not good for anyone. Now we are looking forward to starting the chemo soon and getting rid of the tumor sooner!!!! We all want Kelly back to being the normal girl she was before the tumor was discovered!

It is a vicious cycle, the pain is in her back still, the tumor is still there, the medicine will make her sick, but it is necessary to get rid of the cancerous cells and eliminate the pain!!

We have a long way to go but the sooner we get Kelly home the sooner I can spend some precious moments with her. She is loooking forward to coming home and seeing her friends again and resting at home!! We all want her back so bad!

Thank all of you for keeping up with her progress and cheering me up last week when I was down. I leaned you can not be negative and dwell on the bad thoughts!

We all must know that this protocal will work. It truly is very, very hard to keep going and being strong every day but I must for her and my family!! You must keep going and talking to your friends and receive the moral support to continue!

Kelly is a fighter and she can do this!
She is truly a very special person and a hero to many people the way she is handling this situation.

I hope to spend some quality time with her at home and then the next journey to a full recovery begins. We have a long way to go but with the support and friends we have who are praying for her, we will get through this in time!!!

Thank all of you for everything you have done so far, it truly helps!!!

Steve Muldoon

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Wednesday, March 30, 2005 4:09 AM CST

Kelly is hungry!!!!!!!!!

It's a step and we have to start somewhere!! Yesterday Kelly finally said she is hungry and that is good news. She is having avfeeding tube inserted directly into her stomach today.

This will allow us to feed her while on the chemo therapy again. That is going to start next week. The infections are gone and now she is on her way to coming home again!

We are looking forward to this weekend. I will get her anything she wants to eat and I will eat all of her left overs!

I am looking forward to spending some quality time with her at home. The little things matter so much more now. We are going to just take it easy all weekend.

Maybe all of the Easter prayers worked for Kelly's recovery!! Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers and if anyone can beat this, Kelly can. To those who know her, she is a fighter and a special little girl. She will overcome this obstacle!

I must continue to stay positive and think that this chemo will shrink the tumor and Kelly is on her way to a full and complete recovery.

I will let you know how things go when we get her home Friday!! Steve

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Monday, March 28, 2005 4:53 PM CST

Kelly is still feeling a little down today. The infections she is fighting are gone but she is very tired and still queezy.

We are having a feeding tube inserted Wednesday morning which should allow us to have nutrition and food go directly to her stomach. This will allow our little angel the chance to get all the food she needs as the chemo therapy begins again.

The chemo should start next week. We are going to try a method that has worked on this type of tumor, but it also may not. We are going ahead with all thoughts and prayers that this will work and the tumor will slowly be reduced in size as the chemo does its job!

We must al be very positive every day for her!!

Kelly still has along way to go but with all of the friends we have praying for her and pulling for her, we know she will come through this. She is my fighter and she is not backing dowwn! If any little girl can handle this she can!!

To those of you who do not know know her, yet check on her progress and pray for her, she is a beautiful and sweet person on the inside and the outside. Kelly is a brave and caring young girl. I am so proud of her and love her so much.

We are going to do everything we possibly can to get her back to the special person she was. She wants to get there soon too.

Please continue to keep Kelly in your thoughts and prayers and she will pull through this in time.

Steve Muldoon

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Thursday, March 24, 2005 2:19 PM CST

Infection!!!!!!!! Dejection!!!!!!!

Kelly is currently back in the hospital for an extended stay this time. She was having extreme pain and some morphine was given to her. She had a bad reaction to it. Kelly has a UTI infection and blood infection. The doctor's will not release her until the antibiotics have cured the infections.

More tests were performed and this tumor is very aggresive. It has continued to grow even after the radiation therapy and it causing everyone more concern.The pain in her legs is caused by the tumor pressing on her nerves in her back which shoots pain to her legs.

Kelly currently is a sick little girl with a very rare spinal cord tumor. The doctor's are worried that the tumor will continue to grow and possibly move else where. This is our biggest worry.

We are starting chemotherapy again next week and it hopefully will stop the growth. A feeding tube is going to be put into her stomach so she can receive nutrition while receiving the chemotherapy. Nothing is certain though.

If this does not work there are other routes to take but lets try this first. After 3-4 cycles of chemo more tests will be performed to see the size of the tumor.

Kelly is a very strong, brave young lady that is suffering for who knows why!! Please pray and hope that this type of chemo works and reduces the tumor. This could be life threatening if not treated but pray that this works!! We need it to!!

We will be staying with her nightly at the hospital and making sure she is comfortable. I want her to come home so badly but she must be well before she is released.

We will celebrate Easter in the hospital but we will be together. I now treasure any moment that I can spend with her! Last weekend we went to a movie in the mall and she so enjoyed the time spent with her friends. Simple things matter so much more now.

Please continue to pray for Kelly this weekend when you celebrate Easter. Let us all celebrate the rising of Christ and the end to Kelly's pain. She is not doing well right now! It is very difficult but we must get through this.

Love to all, Steve Muldoon

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Tuesday, March 22, 2005 8:22 PM CST

Coming home soon, we hope!!!!

Kelly is feeling better tonite, and hopefully can be home Thursday evening. I spent some time alone with her today in the hospital and my little angel had a big smile again on her face.

She is sore, tired and wants to come home, yet not once does she complain. She is handling all of this like a brave fighter. I am amazed a little person can go through so much, yet keep smiling and fighting through this.

She is one brave special person and for the many people who know her, she can and will get through this!! Not many people could handle the adversity, continue reading, get straight A's, play piano like and love life like she does!

We are meeting the oncologist to discuss her options tomorrow and we will see what path we must take to rid her precious body of the remaining cancerous cells from her spinal cord.

We may have a feeding tube installed so she can receive her medicines and nutrition this way. It may work out better for her so she does not have to swallow the pills again.

It is not fair, but we must keep going. Please pray that she does one day make a full and complete recovery and she can run again on the socccer field with her friends. We talk about her team next year and what position she will play and we can't wait till she scores her next goal!!!

It is going to be along and painfull journey but with the moral support we receive, we will get through this soon.

Steve

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Tuesday, March 22, 2005 5:42 AM CST

Back in the hospital!!!!!

I can't quit now, but, boy do I want to scream sometinmes. Kelly had a bad reaction to some morphine that she received yesterday. A high fever and pain level and the doctor's wanted to keep her in to evaluate her again.

So this time maybe 2-3 more days in the hospital!!
This really sicks you know!!

I just want my daughter and life back to normal!!

This sucks and I am frustrated but it must run its course.

We will hear from the tumor board in a day or so and see what chemo steps are needed.

You feel goom, then you get bad news. It is just very hard to see your little angel not be herself and be in the hospital, in pain, again!! Very fristrating not to ahve your girl have her normal lilfe! I want it to all go away!!!

I want this to end soon but it is still going to be a long journey to get her healthy. Just keep going and take on day at a time is what we have to do.

Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.

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Saturday, March 19, 2005 7:34 PM CST

Great News!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, some great news today!!!!!!!!!!And we needed it!!

Talk about an emotional roller coaster!! And the ride is just beginning! More MRI tests were performed recently and the tumor has not spread!! We were worried that the tumor had grown and spread and then who knows!!

But the oncologist said that swelling from the radiation had caused Kelly the recent discomfort, and that the tumor had changed in shape!! Actually been reduced in size!!

So now we are waiting the word on what chemotherapy protocal to follow and for how long! But it sure beats the alternative!!

Kelly is handling this all so well!! She is so sweet and positive and we do keep her going!! Be positive !! But honestly at times a parents mind does wonder!!

It sure is an emotional nightmare. But the news today means that the tumor is localized in the spinal cord and the chemo can and should eliminate the rest of it!! In time!

I really do appreciate all the support from my friends and family. You can imagine it, what all of this is like, but you can't also. Seeing your child suffer at times and walk in pain like she does is a parents worst nightmare!! I cry many times by myself and it does tear at your heart to see your little girl in the shape she currenly is in.

But we must go on!! We will!! The upcoming chemo will be hard to handle but we all must continue to pray and hope she recovers in the future. With the friends I have and the moral support we receive, we are handling this as good as we can so far!

More to follow after the doctors discuss the plan this week.

Steve

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Wednesday, March 16, 2005 6:30 PM CST

We got the recent MRI test results back and they showed that the tumor had grown in the spinal cord area.

For whatever reason the radiation did not reduce the size of the tumor and its growth is still causing pain, at times, very severe, to Kelly's legs and back.

We are having more MRI tests tomorrow of the brain and spine to see how big this tumor has gotten or to see if it has spread. We will meet with the oncologist next week to see what they recommend. I am sure we will have to go back onto a strong dose of chemo.

We are disappointed but we must all go on, be strong and make Kelly as comfortable as possible. We will get through this soon and look back at an amazing journey that we are going through.

We ask you to continue to pray for Kelly and hopefully the chemo medicine will do what it must!! I will let you all know what the next steps are soon. Kelly is a brave, tough, beautifulyoung girl and quite a fighter and her spirit amazes me. Her paino playing has advanced so far now and it is a great escape for her to play daily. Her upcoming recital is in May and she will be honored. More later. Steve

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Monday, March 14, 2005 5:59 PM CST

A long MRI!!!!!!!!!!


Well, today Kelly had her MRI after the radiation and it took along time for her to be sedated. She is a very tough girl, and still in a lot of pain. The doctor had to give her two doses of pain medicine to put her to sleep.

We will ge the results of the MRI soon and then the docotor's will let us know what the next steps are.

Kelly is a tough young lady that can endure a lot of pain but we want it to go away so she can be a normal girl and run around again.

She is handling this as well as she can and we are all hoping for good news in a few days. If she has to go back to the chemo medicine, she will and we will beat this tumor once and for all!!!

We will let you all know the results soon. Thank you all for keeping Kelly in your thoughts and prayers.

Love Steve

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Friday, March 11, 2005 5:50 PM CST

Hey Everyone!!!

We got Kelly back to school for a few hours today and she loved seeing her old friends!! She had a wonderful day and we picked her up after lunch. The pain in her legs comes and goes and it still concerns us!!

We have another MRI scheduled Monday afternoon The radiation ocologist saw that Kelly was still having some pain walking and he is concerned about the tumor.

We will know more next week after the results of the scan.

Kelly is going to be honored at a rugby party Saturday for the courage and strength she has exhibited throughout the past year. She will be the honorary captain for the games and is looking forward to it!!

Sunday she is having her end of the year soccer party and will be with all of her team mates!!

Kelly is lookig foward to playing next year again if her legs can handle the running. I will coach again if Kelly can play!!

Sometimes we see her in pain and pray that this will all be over soon. Then we wonder if it ever will be!! We are so proud of her and she is truly one tough fighter!! If any little girl can handle this she is the one!!

Thank you again for all of you thoughts and prayers and we will let you know next week what the diagnosis is after the MRI results.



Steve

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Tuesday, March 8, 2005 7:49 PM CST

Good evening everyone!!!!!!!!!

Kelly is almost done with her radiation therapy!! We have another MRI scheduled next week to see if the tumor has shrunk or not!!

She still has some pain in her legs at times though. We want to get her strength back and her legs working better but we must wait to see the results of the MRI!!

Last weekend Kelly had a makeover at Saks 5th Avenue store in Tampa. It was sponsored by the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. She was picked up in a brand new Mercedes coup and was beaming all the way to the store!! She was spoiled and well taken care of!

The people were outstanding in treating the girls like royalty!!

This weekend there is a rugby tourmanment and Kelly will be receiving an honor for her courage and strength she exhibits daily in her battle.

Sunday she has a huge soccer party and will be surrounded by all of her friends!!

Thank all of you for your prayers and thoughts and lets hope the MRI results come out great for her back next week.

She is one brave, wonderful girl!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Steve Muldoon

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Friday, March 4, 2005 4:42 AM CST

She's Home Again!!!!!!!!!!!

Kelly returned home from the hospital again yesterday and is feeling much better!! Her legs are not hurting and the queezy feeling in her stomach is gone and she is eating again!!

Kelly only has 2-3 more radiation treatments left to go also!! She has handled all of the treatments like a true fighter and is getting through all this!!

We are all so proud of her to see what she is going through and still remain upbeat!! When people see her she still beams with her smile and she knows the radiation is almost over!!

We will have another MRI in a few weeks to see if the tumor is gone and then see what the doctor's tell us to do!

It is great to have her back home again!!! Thank all of you who check in on her and offer her words of encouragement. You don't know how important they are to all of us!!

We are looking forward to a great weekend and getting Kelly some needed rest at home! Thank you all for everything you have done for us so far during this struggle!!

Steve Muldoon

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Sunday, February 27, 2005 4:15 PM CST

Day by Day!!!

That truly is what we are living by!! We took Kelly back to the hospital again for a few days. She was vomiting and not being able to hold any food down again. Very dehydrated also. It is very frustrating and upsetting but we must try again to find the right mix of medicine so she can get through the radiation therapy.

Her legs are hurting still and we are hoping that goes away soon. I wish we had better news to tell everyone but at this time we are trying to get fluids back into her and get her strong again.

I want to thank everyone who has helped us with dinners recently. You don't know how that has helped us spend more time with the kids and not in the kitchen.

The Friends of Allie are some special people also!! These are local ladies who have talked with me and helped us, even though they do not know us personally.

They are a very special group of people who I apprecite what they have done for us.

Please pray that Kelly can come home soon again and beat this battle that this brave young girl is fighting!!

Steve Muldoon

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Wednesday, February 23, 2005 4:34 AM CST

Hey everyone!! I am home now, and I have stopped throwing up!!! My legs have starting hurting again, and the doctors do not know why. One doctor prescribed a stronger medicine for me, but it doesn't seem to help.

Whenever I receive radiation, I lay on my stomach. That irritates my port, so we figured out a way to help that. We have to put a little doughnut-shaped get pad around my port, which raises me up and stops the pain. But, it hurts my leg to lay on my stomach, so everyday the doctor said they might have to put me to sleep for radiation.

My family and I are so happy our friends are helping us through this difficult time. Thank you everyone and God bless you all.

Kelly

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Wednesday, February 16, 2005 4:46 AM CST

I'M Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Kelly came home late Wednesday night and is very happy to be back home again, even to see her big brother!!!!

I think she even missed him!!!!!!!!!!

We are having a home health company help give Kelly fluids to keep her hydrated while she recovers from the radiation treatments.

Kelly even had some pizza and some salad last night and still feels better!!!!

The tumor from the radiation has been reduced and Kelly is not feeling any more pain in her legs!! That is very good news and Kelly can walk again with out any pain. Only four more weeks of radiation treatments left!!!

Kelly received many flowers, cards , and phone calls during her recent stay and they all cheered her up!!

She really is a very strong, courageous young girl who has been through an awful lot of suffering and misery at such a young age. It is not fair and we all wonder why, every day, but God has something special planned for her and this is all part of some long term plan.

It is so nice to have her home and hold her again in our own house. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and we will continue this long journey today.

Love, Steve Muldoon

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Friday, February 11, 2005 4:38 PM CST

Kelly was recently admitted to All Childrens Hospital again becasue she was not able to hold any food down while undergoing the radiation therapy treatments. She had lost even more weight and was very dehydrated.

We admitted her Thursday and she may be in the hospital for a few weeks. We have taken her out of school until she regains her strength and is able to eat again.

Kelly immediately asked for all of her homework to be sent over and for more books to read!!! She met some Devil Ray players today and was very cheered up after teh port was implanted into her chest.

She is an amazing, strong, courageous and special little girl who has really had to under go an awful lot of things at such and early age. She keeps bouncing back and smiling but she does wonder why her at at times.

We are all scared, confused, angry, and wonder what the future holds. We must get through every day, one day at a time.

The radiation does seem to be having an effecet on the size of the tumor. Her back is not bothering her as much and the pain in her legs has gone away!! Now if we can get her to eat!! I have never had that problem!!!!

Thank you all for cheering her up through this difficult time. PLease kepep Kelly in your thoughts and prayers and hug your children for us tonight!!

Steve Muldoon

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Wednesday, February 9, 2005 5:00 PM CST

WE are now into the third week of the six week radiation therapy and it has been very hard on Kelly so far. The tumor did not respond well to the 4 months of chemo and the radiation therapy will hopefully reduce the tumor soon. The tumor has grown and is again pressuring Kelly's spinal cord again and causing her alot of pain and discomfort.
It all is not fair to see a beautiful little girl suffer so much and yet, be so brave to constantly battle this daily.

The recent MRI at least did not show the tumor had spread so now the radiation can hopefully reduce or eliminate the tumor completely. We may have to take Kelly out of school for a while because the sickness side effect of the radiation. She loves her friends and the school but the discomfort is getting to be too much for a while.

We are trying our bet to handle everything but it is overwhelming at times.

Please pray for Kelly to fully recover from this situation and with Gods help and everyones prayers, she will one day be the bubbly, beautiful,athletic girl she used to be. It is not fair to her or any child to have to go through this pain and sufferinig but in the end it will all be worth it to have our little girl back again.

Thank all of you for keeping in touch and we will keep you informed of how the radiation does in the next few weeks.

Steve

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Wednesday, January 19, 2005 5:27 AM CST

Hey Everyone!

Yesterday morning, I had a doctor appointment. The doctor said that according to my six-month MRI, the tumor is growing back slowly. So, she said I should start radiation.

After that, we went to the radiologist, named Dr. Cottman. He told my parents and me all about radiation, and how long I would have to take it. He said I should take it for at least 6 months, and then I would have another MRI. The MRI would depend on whether I keep doing radiation, or I stop and do chemotherapy again.

We probably will start radiation next Monday. The doctor said that I will need an hour-long stimulation, because they need to put markings on my back. They will show where to perform the radiation on me.

Thank you everyone for supporting me and helping me through this difficult period in our lives. God bless you

Kelly Muldoon

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Sunday, January 16, 2005 2:58 PM CST

Good Morning!!

Well , we are half way through the first cycle of chemotherapy and we recently had a 6 month followup MRI of Kelly's spinal cord last week.

The pictures showed that whatever tumor that was left that was wrapped around the spinal cord was still there. The surgeon could not remove the tumor because of the risk of paralysis during surgery.

We are all scared a little but we have a meeting with the doctor's early this week to discuss Kelly's options. We may go directly to radiation or we may stay the course of the current chemotherapy. Kelly is experiencing pain in her legs again because of the pressure of the tumor on her nerves and it is difficult to watch her suffer every day and night.


It really is hard knowing that our little girl is suffering and having a difficult time but we all must keep on going and get through this to save her life!!

Thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers and we will find out soon what our next options are for Kelly's treatments.

Thank you all for keeping in touch with Kelly through this difficult period in our lives.

Steve Muldoon

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Saturday, December 25, 2004 9:25 AM CST

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I can't believe that it is already Christmastime!!

I went to mass last night, then I got home at about 10:00. And because I was sooooo tired, I fell right asleep before I took my medicine, and my mom had to wake me up to take it.

Right now my family is eating breakfast, but I'm not very hungry. We stopped in the middle of the presents to eat. So far, I have been given socks(that look like stockings!), a sky blue jacket and pants, a royal blue watch (my favorite color), a white shirt that I am wearing right now, and I also got few bandanas that my friend named Taylor, from soccer, gave to me.

I gotta go- Merry Christmas every one!!!

You can e-mail me at soccergurlkrm@aol.com Bye!!

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Thursday, December 23, 2004 10:01 AM CST

Hey everybody!! It's almost Christmas!! I can't wait until Christmas day!!!!!!!!

My grandmother is coming to Tampa and she is bringing her dog, Schweppes.

I am doing great this week, because I am off of the chemo medicine for two weeks. My appetite has grown, but all I can think of eating is pizza!! That is now my favorite food, because when I am on the medicine, I am not aloud to eat many foods, including cheese and pepperoni. :(

For Christmas, all I want is to be home and healthy, and not to be at the hospital. My brother wants a laptop, but my dad says they're way too much money.

I'm gonna go eat pizza now, see ya!!

Merry Christmas!!

E-mail me at soccergurlkrm@aol.com

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Friday, December 10, 2004 6:36 AM CST

Hello everyone!!

I'm sorry I haven't updated my journal in quite a long time. I've just been so busy or sick.

I've had a cold for about a week. I have a runny nose, headache, my eyes ache, and I'm never hungry. Also I have a fever and a bad cough.

On Wednesday night, some of my friends and I went to a movie and to dinner with my teachers, Mrs. Grant, and Mrs. Burmeff. We went to see National Treasure, and ate at a pizza place.

Tonight I am going to a church event with my best friend, Sarah. The church is having a gift exchange. I wrapped up a D.V.D. someone gave to me (but we already have it), and that's what I'm using for my gift.

I didn't go to school today, because my mom thought that I shouldn't get near all those germs when I already have a cold. So now I'm home, updating my journal, and after I tell you all about my week, I'm going to sleep and get some rest.

Last week I was on the news, because I went to a Children's Cancer Center fishing derby, and I caught one of the biggest fish, and when I caught it, John Tortarella was standing right next to me!!

I'm going to get some rest now. Goodbye!!!!!

e-mail me at soccergurlkrm@aol.com

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Friday, December 10, 2004 6:36 AM CST

Hello everyone!!

I'm sorry I haven't updated my journal in quite a long time. I've just been so busy or sick.

I've had a cold for about a week. I have a runny nose, headache, my eyes ache, and I'm never hungry. Also I have a fever and a bad cough.

On Wednesday night, some of my friends and I went to a movie and to dinner with my teachers, Mrs. Grant, and Mrs. Burmeff. We went to see National Treasure, and ate at a pizza place.

Tonight I am going to a church event with my best friend, Sarah. The church is having a gift exchange. I wrapped up a D.V.D. someone gave to me (but we already have it), and that's what I'm using for my gift.

I didn't go to school today, because my mom thought that I shouldn't get near all those germs when I already have a cold. So now I'm home, updating my journal, and after I tell you all about my week, I'm going to sleep and get some rest.

Last week I was on the news, because I went to a Children's Cancer Center fishing derby, and I caught one of the biggest fish, and when I caught it, John Tortarella was standing right next to me!!

I'm going to get some rest now. Goodbye!!!!!

e-mail me at soccergurlkrm@aol.com

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Thursday, November 25, 2004 7:53 AM CST

Good Morning and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Last week I started my third round of chemo. 3 more to go!!
I haven't been sick lately, but I haven't really been hungry. Every few minutes I take a small bite of something, and I think that helps a little.

My grandmother and her dog Schweppes arrived at our house last night at 9:00. She left her house in Fort Myers at about 1:00. There were a few accidents on the highway, so she had to get off of the main highway and then get back on a few hours later.

Yesterday I got my blood tested, and my counts were great! I also got an I.V., and they only had to stick me once!! Last time the nurses had to stick me 4 times, because I didn't drink much water and was dry. This time I drank a lot.

For Thankgiving dinner, I am going to help my grandmother and my mom to cook everything. We're going to eat mashed potatoes (from Boston Market-my favorite!!), sweet potato casserole, salads, cranberry bread, rolls, stuffing, and turkey- of course!!!

School has been going great- I've been getting all 100's, and my brother, well, he's improving his grades.

My soccer team played a really hard team last weekend, and my dad put me in as right forward, and I almost scored. I shot at the goal, and it hit the crossbar.

Goodbye everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving!!

E-mail me at soccergurlkrm@aol.com

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Thursday, November 25, 2004 5:41 AM CST

Good morning everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

I started round 3 of my chemo treatments yesterday and so far, so good. The doctor said my blood cell counts are doing fine and she is very proud of me!! I even gained 2 pounds last week!! I ate alot of doughnuts !! My mom told me it was ok to do so I ate them all week for breakfast!!Michael ate alot too!!!!

I played some more soccer last week and almost scored a goal for our team!! We won 4-0 and we are undefeated still!! My dad is the coach and he makes me go to practice all the time!! We have some nice girls on the team and next year I will play for the same team again, if my dad wants me to play for him!!

My grandmother is here for the weekend and I love to see her!! She brings her dog Schweppes here to play with!! It is a schnaussner!! We are having turkey today and we will have a good time with my family.

I have alot to be thankful for today with my family and my recovery from surgery and all of you have a wonderful day with your family. Soon I will be over this bump in the road and on to no more medicine!!!!! I can't wait !!

Thank all of you for visiting with me and have a wonderful weekend! I miss alot of my friends from my old school and my old soccer team but you guys are always on my mind!!

Love to you all,

Kelly

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Sunday, November 7, 2004 5:41 PM CST

Good morning everyone, I just wanted to thank everyone who has contacted Kelly throughout her bout with cancer. She has gone through two cycles of chemo so far and only has 6 more months to go!! I know it will go by fast.

She is truly a remarkable girl to battle this like she is and never forgetting to smile and laugh. She is a tough little girl who continues to excel in school, piano and sports and she is going to be stronger when all of this is over!!

The cycles take alot out of her but now we are on an up cycle to recover and she is doing quite well these days.

She loves to check out her web page and it brings a tear to our eyes when we read the nice things that people say.

All of you are in our thoughts and prayers and in a few more months she will be done with her medicine. She is already looking forward to mentoring other children strickened with this disease.

Thank all of you who keep her in your prayers and we will all be so proud of Kelly when she is fully recovered once her chemo therapy has stopped.

God Bless all of you and thank you for keeping Kelly in your prayers.

Love to you all,

Steve Muldoon Kelly's Dad

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Saturday, October 23, 2004 9:27 AM CDT

Trick or treat!! Today is Halloween!! I'm going to be Mia Hamm (the famous soccer player).

Yesterday I played soccer for the first time since May, and I almost scored a goal!! We tied 0-0. I only played a few minutes, because I got tired quickly. My leg didn't even hurt at all!!!!!!!!!

I got my report card the other day in the mail, and out of 27 kids in my class, 4 kids got straight A's. I was one of them, even though I missed 12 days of school.

I have almost finished 2 cycles of chemotherapy, and only have 4 more left. Another 7 long months...

The past week has been great. I have been eating a lot, and getting stronger. My muscles are sore from the chemo medicines, so I go to a physical therapist.

Thanks to everyone who checks my web site and e-mails me, even if I don't know them!! It makes me and my family feel good to know people care about me.

Happy Halloween!! I'll update next week. Have a healthy, happy week. E-mail me at soccergurlkrm@aol.com

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Sunday, October 3, 2004 7:42 AM CDT

Hey everyone!!!! I feel sooooooooooo great today!!! My dad just bought a ping pong table and I was playing ping pong this morning (I beat Michael!!). My dad beat me though.

Last Sunday, I arrived at the hospital, and had to wait there for an hour for another room. They were cleaning it to make it ready for me (it took forever!). I was at the hospital because I kept vomiting. It was nonstop so I had to come to the hospital for the 6th time. It was funny, because I saw my new teacher there, Mrs. Grant. Her daughter just had saw surgery for the second time, and she was at the E.R. (emergency room).

During my stay at the hospital, I had to have an endoscopy (which is a little camera down my throat) and the doctor took pictures of my stomach. They saw that there was nothing wrong, so they had no idea why I was vomiting.

I also had two ultrasounds. Those showed nothing was wrong either.

I stayed a week in the hospital altogether, and had an annoying roommate, who kept talking to her friends on the phone, about the cool menu they have there at the hospital. It has fried chicken, turkey, popcorn, steak, ice cream, waffles, pancakes, and probably anything you can think of.
But the bad part about that, is that I didn't eat anything for a week, and I was NOT hungry. So all that food just made me want to throw up even more.

Well this is the best I have felt all week (all month actually), and it might be because my Aunt Cheryl is visiting, but she left this morning. My grandmother's coming tonight with her dog Schweppes, and I can't wait!!!

Well, it's been a long week, and I have to go eat breakfast.

See ya!!

E-mail me at soccergurlkrm@aol.com

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Sunday, September 26, 2004 6:47 AM CDT

I feel soooo horrible right now. My dad is just making it worse. I keep throwing up, and throwing up, and throwing up!

On Friday I went to the E.R. room (again) and the nurses gave me an I.V. My mom and I got home at 2:00 A.M.

It was funny because I saw my teacher at the hospital. Her daughter had surgery on her jaw, so we saw her there too.

Well I have to go because I feel horrible. See ya!


E-mail me at soccergurlkrm@aol.com

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Saturday, September 18, 2004 2:15 PM CDT

Hey everyone! I'm feel the best I've ever felt since I've started chemo, because I am off of one of my medicines for a few weeks!! :)

On Sunday, September 12, I kept throwing up. My dad thought I was dehydrated, so he took me to the E.R. (emergency room)of All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. The nurse took a blood sample from my arm, and she found out by my blood counts that I was definitely dehydrated. So she hooked me to an I.V. with another needle (I hate needles!),
and gave me fluids through it. We spent 6 hours over there, 2 hours waiting for the doctors, and 4 hours hooked up to the I.V.

Then, on Thursday, I had the same exact problem, so my mom took me to the hospital again (not the E.R.) and they gave me a room on the second floor (room 270, bed B.).My nurses' names were Sarah, Dana, and Stephanie. Sarah hooked me up to an I.V. and gave me a huge bag of fluids overnight, so I obviously slept there overnight. :) In the morning, I felt soooooo much better, because of the fluids she gave me. I didn't want to go to school that day because if we left the hospital at 10:00 (which we did), we would arrive at school about 12:30 (which we also did). But, my mom made me go.

Now, after all of this, I feel sooo much better.

You can sign my guestbook below my journal, and see my family photo at the top of the page.

E-mail me please at soccergurlkrm@aol.com See ya!!!

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Sunday, September 12, 2004 4:53 PM CDT

Last night, I threw up practically every hour. So today at 5:00 am, my mom called the doctor in the E.R. (emergency room).

My mom was worried that I was dehydrated. So I went to the E.R., and they took my temperature, my blood pressure, and the doctors took an X-ray of my head. They found out I was definitely dehydrated.

So I had to get another I.V., and wait in the E.R. for 5 1/2 hours!!! It was horrible. I felt sick, and I threw up 6 times, justin the E.R.

Now I feel better, though I threw up 2 minutes ago. I haven't eaten anything in 7 days, and I don't feel like it either.

To find out about my surgery, go to my Journal History. You can also sign my guestbook. See ya!!

(P.S. My e-mail address is soccergurlkrm@aol.com )

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September 5, 2004 2:17

On July 5, I went to the E.R. (emergency room) at All CHildren's Hospital. 2 days later, I was admitted and had an MRI on my spine, and brain, to prepare for the surgery. They found out, from the MRI, that there was a tumor in my spinal cord. I have learned that it is a very rare type of tumor to be found in children's spinal cords. On July 8, I had my surgery. It lasted 5 hours!!!! And it was successful. BUT, because of the position of the tumor in my spine, they could not remove the whole tumor. My surgeon, Dr. Carey, told me that she removed 98f the tumor. After my surgery, I spent 8 days in the hospital. I had many unpleasant roomates who had their own problems, that slept in my room. The first one was a 4 year old boy who screamed the whole entire night!!!! The next one had a broken arm and only stayed in there for 2 hours. The last one was about my age, 10, but I left before she was released from the hospital. My recovery has gone well so far. I am back to running, swimming, and biking. Soon my soccer season will start again. I have NO idea how much I can play yet. 2 weeks ago, the doctors told me I have to have chemotherapy to remove the other 2f the tumor. I will have chemo for 6 months, and then the tumor will be completely removed.

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