History

Sunday, September 7, 2008 6:01 PM CDT

What to say...what to say. We're approachng the 2 year mark. 9/29/08 at 7:17 am. So many things remind me of Alexa. Both Chris and I have said that we need to keep a journal to write all of the random thoughts down that just come in and out of our minds on a daily basis. Before we know it we could probably compile a book.

My job at Riley is going very well and it is so very rewarding to know that the funds I raise for the hospital and for continuing research can help other children with battles of their own that they must fight.

Chris is job seeking as he was laid off, however he has some very good leads. Let's hope they come around soon. Perhaps GOD has plans to reposition him so that he can be the most he was made to be and that he will be able to give back to others. Chris's birthday is tomorrow!

Connor is still Connor (age 14). Doing very well in school. Doesn't talk about Alexa much. Mom or Dad or someone else ususally brings her up first and then he chimes in on the "remember whens." I imagine it is too hurtful for him to talk about it so his best coping mechanism right now is just to block it out. Alexa was fighting death and he was at her bedside holding her hand when he had to tell her to close her eyes and "go to sleep". That's deep for a then 12 year old. She always listened to Connor and loved him so very much.

Pray for us for the remainder of the month. Just pray that we will get through the month and see some glimmer of hope and encouragement. Perhaps we will see a beautiful "pink sky" that will give us strength to make it through.
God Bless.
Dana, Chris & Connor

Wednesday, March 5, 2008 6:25 PM CST

Hello to everyone who still checks this site upon occasion! We are well...Who would have thought?!! It's been a year and six months since Alexa went to be with Jesus. We were so blessed to have had her. I am a better peson because of her. I work for Riley Children's Hospital now in their campaign and fundraising department--I love it! Alexa is everywhere and it makes me feel good to know that she made such an impact up there. Chris's new job is still going well and Connor is pulling straight A's and being a typical 13 year old!

Spring will be here soon--Alexa's favorite time of the year. I will be watching Mother Nature as she creates a new life cycle and I can bet I'll be able to see my little angel's signature of pink dispersed & scattered here and there!

Have a wonderful day and keep the faith. God is good!
Peace & Pink Skies--The Shanks

Tuesday, December 25, 2007 7:59 PM CST

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! We hope this message finds you and yours well and at peace. We got through the year of "firsts" without Alexa. Looking back, we probably didn't do it that well...there certainly could have been room for improvement; however, with no guidebooks written about these personal, unchartered territories--the devestation of losing your child--I think we did pretty darn good. Thank goodness for our friends, family and the Lord above.

Christmas Eve Candlelight service last night was beautiful, however, it was missing a certain little blond-haired, blue-eyed angel. Alexa always wore the angel costume with the halo and wings and for several years led the lighting of the candles in the darkened sanctuary. I remember how her faced beamed in the candlelight while lighting the candles of the congregation as we sang Silent Night. I know she saw us last night and that she was well pleased.

Chris, Connor & I took presents to the Riley Children's Cancer Center to hand out for Christmas. I think this is a tradition we will always do and one that I hope Connor will do with his children some day. There was a special little girl there--maybe 6/7 years old--bald from chemo and dressed in pink from head to toe. She was beautiful. I picked out a special, pink ballerina book and gave it to her. I was waiting for the right child to give it to and I found her. I know that Alexa is tenderly watching over her and all of the children. God Bless them.

Before I go play "Guitar Hero" with Connor and join Chris on his 1,000 piece Thomas Kinkaid jigsaw puzzle, I want to leave you with a final thought:

"Start stretching your faith once again. Get up each morning expecting good things to happen. And remember, God is on your side. He loves you. He's for you. The Scripture says, '"If you put your trust in him, you will not be disappointed."' "Don't settle for mediocrity; never let good enough be good enough. You too will discover that the dream is true!"

We wish you Peace & "Pink Skies" in 2008!
Chris, Dana & Connor Shank

Thursday, September 27, 2007 1:43 PM

Well...here I sit. I knew the moment was coming...what would I say? So many random thoughts come and go these days...

We thank those of you who still check in with us...your kind words and prayers really do give us comfort. We hope you understand that in order for us to move forward in our lives that each day cannot be spent reliving the past and revisitng the "what-ifs." My personal motto throughout this difficult year of "first's" has been "Get busy living or get busy dieing...which one are you going to choose?" I know that seems harsh, perhaps cold and unfeeling. But it's the reality I live. You either roll over and let life pass you by or you get up and you embrace life, the good and the bad, with zest and passion!

The other day while taking yellow and pink mums to Alexa I layed down on her grave and looked up at the sky. She is laid to rest by an ancient maple tree that guards over her night and day and cute little squirrel friends that scamper throughout the falling autumn leaves. Oh! The most beautiful blue jays live in the grand maple too! Anyway, I wasn't crying and distraught...just simply visiting. I was looking up into the beautiful blue sky dotted with white puffy clouds and I saw Alexa smiling at me! I know you think I'm crazy...(but remember I am GETTING BUSY ON THE LIVING part of my life now and I'm in tune with so many things)! Her face was perfectly outlined in the perky, happy, little clouds! I saw her cute litte upturned nose first, then I saw her chubby, rosy cheeks, her almond shaped eyes and her beaming smile!!! Anyone who knew Alexa knew that smile! I've had other "experiences" that I treasure whioh leaves me no doubt at all in my mind that she is at "Peace" in Heaven. I am thankful for those experiences that have been sent to me. Without them, I may not have been able to so easily "GET BUSY LIVING."

Chris has changed jobs and careers and seems to be coming around. He's doing well. Losing Alexa has been so very hard on him. I changed some things too..like where I grocery shop and my hair style! I don't enjoy going to the mall anymore. Every turn reminds me of shopping with Alexa. Perhaps someday...when I'm shopping for Connor's little boy or little girl will I find joy in shopping at the mall again! Connor is still Connor. Happy, smiling, getting great grades and playing footbal! He just earned the STAR Student award at CBMS for being a positive influence to his school and peers. That kid amazes me. Resilient, tough. We'll keep you posted...He's 13!

Well...I'm going to sign out for now. I need to go order pink balloons to release on Saturday, September 29th. Perhaps I'll take a little drive on some country roads when I'm finished ordering them. I can promise you that on my little cruise...I'll turn up the radio, REAL loud like Alexa liked it. I'll pop open the sun roof, gaze at the beautiful, rolling farmland. And you know what...she'll be right there with me! She always is!!!

Many Blessings & Pink Skies to all--Love, Dana, Chris & Connor

Friday, December 1, 2006 9:09 AM CST

Dear Team,

Our Little Angel, Lexi will be memorialized at Tabernacle Christian Church as part of a Memorial Service hosted by the "Healing Hearts" group...This service will also honor several other families from Franklin and the surrounding communities that have lost children...The service is open to all family and friends of Lexi and others and will be held on Tuesday, December 5th, 2006 and will begin at 7:00 p.m. The brief service will include special tributes and music selected by the families, and should be a very special evening...I hope that several of you will be able to attend to support, Chris, Dana, Connor and all of the families represented...
Uncle Stan

****Hello everyone! It has been 2 months, 1 day, 3 hours and 6 minutes since Alexa went to Heaven. Chris has said "hello" on the website; however, I have been slower to respond. All in all, I feel the 3 of us are healing and trying to focus on making ourselves well again. During Thanksgiving, I dreaded the idea of an empty plate at the table..so I didn't set it! We had a serve yourself (on Alexa's favorite china of course) and I had a beautiful live floral arrangement made to honor and celebrate Alexa. Pink and leopard-spotted! Not quite the traditional earthtones correlated with Thanksgiving! I cooked a wonderful holiday feast EXCEPT for the stuffing...I threw it in the trash! Pan and all..It felt good to laugh...really laugh! I know Alexa was laughing! Christmas is coming. We have a huge 12 foot tree that Alexa and I always loved to decorate. Again, I dreaded the idea of even pulling the thing out of the closet; so...we had a "Tree Trimming Party" to help us rise to the occasion. Chris over-achieved on putting up the Christmas lights on the house--they are beautiful and are everywhere--perhaps he did it so Alexa can see her house. Today I decorated her pink Barbie Tree that we will place at her gravesite. That pink tree with the sparkling, pink lights used to make her hospital room look so cheerful during this time of year. We are going to the Indianapolis Symphony Yuletide Celebration this weekend. Something fun! I think we'll also see the old movie "A Christmas Story" playing at the historic Artcraft Theatre this weekend. Trying to spend a lot of quality time together as well as with our family members. We are beginning a new tradition. On Christmas Eve, we plan to open an envelope on the tree that will be filled with "Acts of Kindness or Honor" that have been done in Alexa's name over the past year. Example: Christmas gifts given to Riley Kids with cancer or clothes given to a 5 year old foster child, etc. We feel that we need to keep her spirit alive even though she is no longer physically with us. Christmas morning will be all about Connor and the puppies. If you have done or plan to do an "Act of Kindness or Honor" please tell us about it so we can pull it out of the envelope and read it on Christmas Eve. We are still prayerfully waiting for GOD to show us His purpose for our family..we hope to receive an answer or be given our direction someday. I know that this has not all been for nothing. Perhaps I'll write a book! Perhaps the 3 of us will go on a mission trip! Perhaps Connor will help discover a cure for leukemia! Only God knows where we are going and I keep my eyes upon Him at all times.
Good to talk to you again...
Love & prayers Dana, Chris & Connor

Thursday, November 23, 2006 7:33 PM CST

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial,
because when he has stood the test,
he will receive the crown of life
that God has promised to those who love him.
James1:12

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL
Dana, Connor, and I are very thankfull for all of you,for all of the love, support, words of encourgment, prayers and most of all the 10 years that God gave us Lexi. Today has been tough, Lexi always made name tags to show us where to sit at the table, although we all knew where to sit I missed those name tags today. Please continue to call, write, or leave us words of encouragement as we need them now more than ever. We give thanks to our Lord, Jesus Christ for through Him we can do all things.

Saturday, November 11, 2006 8:16 PM CST

"Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you
with My rightous right hand...'

For I am the Lord your God,
who upholds your right hand,
Who says to you,
Do not fear, I will help you
Isaiah 41:10 ,13

Let us pray,
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you tonight because I am scared, I need strength, courage and I need Your rightous
right hand to lift me up and show me there is nothing to fear. You are my God and I know Lexi is well again, but I miss her so bad. Please give me the courage and strength to carry on. Amen

Please keep praying for us--this has been so hard on Dana, Connor, and myself. In Christ's Name, Chris Shank.

Sunday, October 8, 2006 5:39 PM CDT

"And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness."--Acts 4:31

Please access the online link for "Alexa's Journey" at the bottom of this page! One week, 2 days, 12 hours have passed since Alexa entered the House of God! It must be beautiful! Have you seen the pink sunsets? Have you listened to the birds? Have you seen the falling leaves? I believe it's Alexa and all the loved ones who have gone before each & everyone of us telling us it's ok--everything is going to be alright--we just have to open our eyes, hearts & minds to receive the spirit. This may be the last journal entry for quite some time. The rest of our journey will be of a more personal and private nature. Please know we love you. Thank you for 4 1/2 years of prayer. We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers as we have the first Thanksgiving...the first Christmas...and Alexa's Birthday on February 21st to get through. I am already anticipating Spring--as it was Alexa's favorite season of the year.
To you and yours...God Bless
Love...Chris, Dana & Connor
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."--2 Timothy 1:7

Friday, September 29, 2006 5:41 PM CDT

Our litle princess met Jesus this morning at 7:17 a.m.

Friends may call Monday, October 2nd from 1:00-8:00 pm and Tuesday, October 3rd from 11:00-1:00 p.m. at Tabernacle Christian Church, 198 N. Water Street, Franklin IN 46131 (corner of King & Water Streets). The Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, October 3rd at 1:00 p.m. at Tabernacle Christian Church. Further information will be available Saturday evening, September 30th at www.wilsonstpierre.com or 317-632-9431

The family requests that all Memorial Contributions be made payable to "The Alexa Shank Trust Fund", c/o Tabernacle Christian Church, 198 N. Water Street, Franklin IN 46131

Wednesday, September 27, 2006 6:58 PM CDT

We were admitted yesterday--September 26, 2006. I don't think Alexa will be coming home to our house this time--I think she is going home to be with Jesus this time. Connor is spending the days and nights with us up here at Riley. The friends and family are coming to visit. Her white count has sky-rocketed and she has a fungal infection--she can no longer fight. We give thanks for ALL of the staff--not just the amazing doctors and nurses--at Riley Children's Hospital for they are truly phenomenal people and have blessed us beyond comprehension. We will post an update as soon as possible--
Love one another...Chris, Dana, Connor & Alexa

IT'S HERE...IT'S HERE...THE LINK FOR "ALEXA'S JOURNEY" IS HERE!!--PLEASE SEE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE--THE SITE GOES ACTIVE OCTOBER 1ST!

Sunday, September 17, 2006 5:38 PM CDT

Did you see the above update on "Alexa's Journey?" This is about GOD's people coming together and glorifying GOD. Chris, myself, Connor and so many others--many whom we may never meet--are forever changed by our little Alexa--we have grown closer to the Kingdom of God. If you think of your typical dome--let's say the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana--think of all of those seats--over 62,000--that is at least how many times this site has been looked at in just a little over a year--think of all the lives she has touched! Just think if we had started this journal 4 years ago?!

I just checked on Alexa and she is resting quietly in her room. Connor just returned from Youth Group at church. I brought out the fall decorations for the home today. Chris is continuing his doctor role. It is amazing to see how he knows how to use the IV's, tubes, syringes and saline flushes, antibiotics, etc.--he could be a registered nurse. I thank God for Him. As for me, I keep on keepin' on. I give thanks for all of you and for all of our family & friends--some we have never met--but we love you just the same--until next time....Peace be with you
Love, Chris, Dana, Connor & Alexa

"My brothers! Consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure." James 1:2

Sunday, September 10, 2006 5:53 PM CDT

"In the midst of our suffering, it can often be difficult to glimpse the glory to come. Suffering is so immediate and can seem so permanent that we can easily lose sight of the big picture. The pain can be so crushing and our hearts can be so broken that we just don't understand why! Why me? Whenever that question tends to fill my mind, I hear Him whispher to my heart, '"why not you? Just trust Me!'"--Anne Graham Lotz

We were able to be released from the hospital in time for Chris's 41st birthday, the anniversary of Alexa's re-birth day, and celebrate the gift of life that Connor has been able to give to his little sister over the past year and a half. With the help of family, Chris and I were able to attend Connor's first football game of the season (they won!) and he and the entire team did a great job! We had the football team over to our house after the game to take a dip in the pool and have a pitch-in! Are we crazy or what?! "Do-Do the Clown" came to see Alexa today--it was great to see her smile. The switch over to the new pain meds seems to be working for now--they run continually 24/7 and Alexa doesn't feel like getting out of bed or going outside much. I remember the days when she used to do back-handsprings and back-walkovers in the front lawn--she had such a beautiful, muscular build. In closing, have a beautiful week and I leave you with one of my favorite quotes:
"The burden of suffering seems a tombstone hung about our necks, while in reality it is only the weight which is necessary to keep down the diver while he is hunting for pearls."--Jean Paul Richter

Sunday, September 3, 2006 7:02 PM CDT

"...No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." Corinthians 2:9

Alexa has been in-patient since last Wednesday and is still there. Her pain medication was no longer adequate and she had built up resistance to it and they have had to switch her over to a different med which must be an exact science. She was on such a high dose that Clarian Health Partners was having to go out of state to keep her supplied. At night when Alexa is asleep in her hospital bed, I climb in next to her and I breathe the breaths she exhales. I want to soak in every essence of her, every fibre of her being so I may never forget. When she is released from the hospital, Hospice will now come into the home and help us better care for Alexa--it will be like having doctors here with us and can give us more accurate & timely information on what to do next. I rejoiced in seeing Conor's bright blue eyes again today...so full of life and potential. He wants to do it all, see it all. He's growing up so fast.
Thank you for all of the prayers and love...We hope as a family that you continue to keep it coming! This is such an amazing journey. Love Dana

Wednesday, August 23, 2006 6:25 PM CDT

"Joy also in this--that your sufferings, your losses and your persecutions shall make you a platform from which the more vigorously and with greater power you shall witness to Christ Jesus."--C.H.Spurgeon

The blasts are 96nd the white count is rising. The leukemia is taking over.

Alexa's 5th grade teachers (as well as Connor's from last year too) stopped by for a visit yesterday. While watching Connor at football practice last night--I could look around and really feel the peace and presence of GOD at work in our lives. Countless people ask Chris at work how he's doing and try to reach out any way they humanly can. Dilly Bars sent to the house "just because". Connor--loving his puppies--the signs of GOD are all around us--we have to have our eyes open and be ready to receive His special gifts. Be ready--keep your eyes and hearts open to all of the amazing possibilities! Love Dana

Sunday, August 13, 2006 8:01 PM CDT

Alexa is home from Riley--Chris and I are doing as much home care as we can. She is now hooked up to a continuous drip for pain control and her appetite has increased. We return to Riley again tomorrow for more blood and platelets. Connor has his back-pack ready to go for the first day of middle school and Alexa was trying to sharpen her pencils this evening in hope that she, too can go to school. Alexa's hair is coming out again (this is the 4th or 5th time) from the prior rounds of chemo--she is quite upset. We have had to get a wheelchair and have needed to use it on a few occasions. However, she did just walk up the stairs and gave me a great big vanilla cupcake kiss--the sweetest kiss and smell in the world! I really embrace those moments. A beautiful picture should be posted soon...love to all--Dana

Saturday, August 5, 2006 9:22 PM CDT

Blessings to all--We are so sorry for the lack of updates--life has been a whirlwind of late. Alexa was hospitalized Friday with high fever and pain. The blast count had decreased; however, it has increased again. She has lost so much weight and looks very fragile--I pray she cannot feel the pain through her sedation. I pray she is having wonderful dreams--perhaps of dancing, cheerleading or doing back-handsprings or swimming the "butterfly" in the pool--I hope she is free in her dreams. I pray for Connor--that he will rebound from this and grow up solid and firmly planted. I pray for Chris as he struggles to be provider, husband, father and doctor. I pray for myself and for other members of our family. Thank you all for lifting us up in your thoughts & prayers--we need all of you. Updates to follow as soon as possible. Love Dana

Sunday, July 23, 2006 3:00 PM CDT

"'Touch me, heal me,' the crowds demanded of their Messiah, and so even as He went about touching and healing, He acknowledged that miracles, if produced on demand, could sabotage the faith they were meant to strengthen. For the truly faithful, no miracle is necessary; for those who must doubt, no miracle is sufficient."

A dance will be held this Thursday, July 27, 2006--details are as follows:

Starry Summer Nights--A dance to celebrate with friends, Alexa & Connor Shank, 7-10:00 pm, Why?--Because each day is precious, and we just feel like dancin'! Attire--Semi-Formal to Formal is recommended, but not required! Location--Beeson Hall (Franklin Parks & Rec. Center)

If you would like to be involved or would like more information, please RSVP to Stan Clark at frfghtr213b@aol.com or The Clark residence at 317-861-1336

The hot air balloon ride was amazing, the portraits of Alexa and Connor are beautiful and Connor had his 12th birthday party bash! We continue to give thanks for our friends, family and to our Heavenly Father.

Friday, July 14, 2006 2:29 PM CDT

The leukemia blasts are increasing--74%. We had family and individual portraits of Connor & Alexa taken today--they are going to be stunning. Alexa is so self-conscious about her short, thinning hair again--but I think she looks angelic. We are taking a hot-air balloon ride Sunday. We'll try to enjoy the weekend to its fullest. Connor is excited and looking forward to his 12th birthday next week.
"Your Word has been my comfort. ...For these laws of yours have been my source of joy and singing through all these years of my earthly pilgrimage. ...I would have despaired and perished unless your laws had been my deepest delight... In my distress and anguish your commandments comfort me."--Psalm 119:52, 54, 143

Monday, July 10, 2006 6:35 PM CDT

"The kind of trust God wants us to have cannot be learned in comfort & ease. Mary & Martha could not learn it immediately or quickly. It required time. And patience. And suffering. And the pressure of desperation. Which is why, when Jesus "heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days" (11:6). Jesus deliberately delayed answering the sisters'plea. They could not know then why Jesus did that. But we know now. Have you finally reached the place where you have no one and no help--except Jesus? Then you may be close to experiencing the purpose for His delay, which may be to develop your faith in Him, and Him alone."

You would think that after 4 years I would be used to how quickly things can change. Today was not a good day at clinic. Alexa's blast count is 65%. This is a significant increase in leukemia cells. Either the chemo is trying to work and break apart the cells and release them into the blood stream or else the chemo has not worked and her bone marrow is packed and the leukemia is taking over. We return on Thursday morning to see. Please be in prayerful meditation for Alexa and for all of us. Love Dana

Sunday, July 9, 2006 6:20 PM CDT

"God doesn't always deliver us "from" things; often He walks us "through" them."

It's been a good week. Connor just returned from church camp with a great attitude and a few mosquito bites! I am certain he grew another inch! After much deliberation, Alexa stayed home from church camp and we had fun around here. It turns out that was a good call as we had to go to the ER Thursday evening. Although we are not certain, she may have experienced a breakthrough case of the chicken pox, which when you are immuno-supressed--it is actually shingles. The doctors were proactive and began therapy immediately. If it's not viral--it could very well be a sore tooth! We may never know. We do head back to the hospital again tomorrow for blood, platelets and anything else that may need taken care of. Her body is currently "recovering" from the latest dose of chemo. She told me today that she wants a white convertible for her 16th birthday--I'll have to start working on that one. She's ready to go back to school shopping for the 5th grade--How I hope she is able to return. Only God can make that call as He is in complete control and knows the destiny for Alexa and for all of us.

Love Dana

Thursday, June 29, 2006 9:18 AM CDT

The baptism was beautiful. I may add that Alexa's blast count (leukemia in the peripheral blood) has lowered significantly since that time. Amen.

Alexa is still strong--another oral chemo option was presented to begin this Friday evening--one she has never tried before. We are not on any type of protocol--not many children keep going relapse after relapse afer relapse. Amen

She is insistent on attending church camp next week--God please keep her safe & strong while away from my watchful eye. Amen.

The most generous act of kindness & love from a Benefactor sent us to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas last week. We swam with the dolphins that were rescued from Hurricane Katrina, para-sailed, snorkeled, rode the banana boat, shopped at the straw market and ate delicious lobster & shrimp! Amen

We are going to see FanFire and Fireworks with the Louisville Symphony Orchestra Friday night (one of my favorite events). We'll tote our picnic basket and gaze at the stars. Amen

The remainder of the weekend we are going to try to fill with camping with good friends and eating "some 'mores" around the campfire. Amen

Chris said he will post new pictures from our trip...I am technically challenged in that area--stay tuned!

Hold tight to one another,
Love--Chris, Dana, Connor and Alexa

Friday, June 16, 2006 9:28 PM CDT

Sunday, June 4, 2006 7:35 PM CDT

"The burden of suffering seems a tombstone hung about our necks, while in reality it is only the weight which is necessary to keep down the diver while he is hunting for pearls."--Jean Paul Richter

Alexa has been doing well. She is as brown as a berry, is signed up for golf camp and is swimming non-stop. We have our bi-weekly appointment again tomorrow. No blasts have been spotted yet--but it's too early to say remission. At this point, the leukemia can return at any time. We take one second, one minute, one day at a time and enjoy the now and try not to get too ahead of ourselves. We'll keep you posted on when we travel to St. Judes to gain more information on new treatments being performed there. Pray for a good check up tomorrow (no leukemia blasts). Pray for Connor, Chris and I as we "keep on keepin on" and lean on all of you and our Heavenly Father for peace and comfort.--Love Dana

Tuesday, May 23, 2006 12:40 AM CDT

It's been a while since the last journal entry. It's taken me this long to pick myself up off the floor from the devestating news. Alexa wants to go outside and play--so I'm making this entry brief. She is recovering from a week long round of Chlofarabine given last week. Hopefully this will put her back in remission. As her body hopefully becomes stronger, we will be referred to St. Judes Children's Hospital in Memphis Tennessee. Though not much is known at this time, there is ground breaking research on cases such as ours involving a new type of protein transplant with (KIR) Killer Immunoglobulin Receptors. Chris and I will travel in the next few weeks to Memphis to get information and decide to either stop treatments or continue in a new path. If we continue, I believe Alexa will be the first child with ALL from Riley to try the study. Please lift up Alexa and our family in your prayers--God Bless--Dana

Friday, May 12, 2006 7:59 PM CDT

Today was not a good day at the clinic. The leukemia is back. We are going to take the weekend to try and regroup/mentally to prepare and begin the Chlorfarabine (spelling?)--some really, really, hard chemo next week for at least a 5 day admit in the hospital. Hopefully she can get into remission again and have some quality of life. Please pray for our Alexa as I am sure she has many questions she wants to ask, but may be too afraid. Please pray for Connor as I really do think he knows what's going on and is trying to play "cool" about it as not to upset mom & dad. Pray for Chris and I to keep our eyes and ears open to all of the signs GOD gives us about what to do or not to do in the coming months. We love you all--please hang in there with us. Please pray that if this is really the end of the end that it is peaceful, prayerful and painless for Alexa.

Thursday, May 4, 2006 8:38 PM CDT

Hello everyone! Thank you for attending the SKATE FOR ALEXA party! It was so much fun to see everyone and it was Alexa's first time to skate! Alexa received her chemo she needed last week and we return to clinic tomorrow morning, May 5th for more chemo. I don't know how she does it--she's pretty amazing. She received her 4th grade mid-term and she has all A's & B's--Yeah! A special thank you to Shari Dransfield who has been our home school teacher and Regina Scott at Creekside Elementary for keeping Alexa up to speed! Connor continues to do well in school too! Alexa will be admitted in early June for some very intense, but new to the USA, chemo. Hopefully her body will stay strong--many times it's not the leukemia that is the problem--it can be all of the side effects of the chemo on her organs that can be so very complicating. In the meantime, we live life big and turn to our friends, family, community and GOD for strength and faith.

Blessings to all--Love, the Shanks

Wednesday, April 26, 2006 10:18 AM CDT

Hello everyone! Thank you for attending the SKATE FOR ALEXA party! It was so much fun to see everyone and it was Alexa's first time to skate! Alexa received her chemo she needed last week and we return to clinic tomorrow morning, May 5th for more chemo. I don't know how she does it--she's pretty amazing. She received her 4th grad mid-term and she has all A's & B's--Yeah! A special thank you to Shari Dransfield who has been our home school teacher and Regina Scott at Creekside Elementary for keeping Alexa up to speed! Connor continues to do well in school, but we are at the point where we are ready for some summer fun! Alexa will be admitted in early June for some very intense, but new the USA, chemo. Hopefully her body will stay strong--many times it's not the leukemia that is the problem--it can be all of the side effects of the chemo on her organs that can be very complicating. In the meantime, we live life big and turn to our GOD for strength and faith.

Blessings to all--love the Shanks

Friday, April 14, 2006 10:07 AM CDT

Hello! We made it to Florida and back without any complications! It was fantastic to be together as a FAMILY! Alexa actually swam in the pool and showed off her butterfly stroke! She just received two "big guns" of chemo when we returned on Monday--VP 16 and Cytoxin and she has been able to go to school EVERYDAY this week-- (plus she wanted to ride the bus and play on recess) all week! This is MAJOR for her because she has not been able to attend school for at least a year and a half. We return to Riley again this coming Monday and will receive more chemo--we rotate chemos every week for the next 2 years. She will receive another round of Chlofarabine (big stuff) that will be a 5 day admit in the hospital around the week of June 1st. This is a new drug that has hit the U.S. and she already has had one round of it and tolerated it well. Only a handful of children at Riley have had this new chemo.

We give thanks to GOD and praise HIM as we know He is in charge and He has a plan for all of us--even if we may never fully understand.

Love Chris, Dana, Connor, Alexa, Beaux & Riley too!

Monday, March 27, 2006 7:10 AM CST

Don't waste your precious "now" worrying about yesterday or tomorrow. HE has promised to never leave us or forsake us, but to be with us and help us.--Hebrews 15:5, Matthew 28:20

So far so good! Alexa seems to be tolerating the St. Judes chemo plan and has been able to attend school here and there. She had to take 23 chemo pills this past Friday evening and we are seeing the effects of that this week. The doctors have cleared us (just barely) to get away as a family for a few days and have a vacation. We haven't had family time like that in so many years and we mentally need to get our minds off of cancer. We will really be making some memories and photographing every moment. I guess in the scheme of things, none of us really know what the future holds.

God Bless and keep the prayers coming our way--we will pray for you and yours as well and know that we love you all. Love Chris & Dana, Connor & Alexa

Thursday, March 16, 2006 9:52 AM CST

"Hope"
"Hope is a THING with feathers that perches in the SOUL and SINGS the tune without the WORDS and never stops at all."--Emily Dickinson

Alexa went to school today...YES! They took her central line out...YES! She's not in pain...YES! Connor's cells are working hard...YES! Praise GOD...YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned...
Blessings,
Love the Shanks

Wednesday, March 8, 2006 11:37 AM CST

"Happiness and joy do not come from the outside. They come from within. They are a conscious decision, a deliberate choice, one that we make ourselves each day we live."

So sorry for the lapse in updates! We are doing well--a little out of control, but well! Alexa began her 1st round of the St. Judes Protocol last Monday and we have many, many more rounds ahead of us--but at least we were able to begin! She is being weaned off of her pain medication and the medicine is only a small patch she wears now vs. the line that was hooked up to her. Connor received a 1st place in his school science fair (Thank you for the idea brilliant cousin Jamie!) and is trying to earn his way into the spelling bee and is preparing a report on Area 51! The puppies are a handful but are pure joy! We keep on "keeping on" and await for the signs of spring and the daffodils to bloom--the Northeastern Bluebirds are back and are nesting in our backyard. We pray for peace and strength each day and ask God to show us the way. Alexa's FireRun II, Silent Auction and Golf Outing/Concert are gearing up for the month of May on the Franklin College Campus--we can't wait to see all of you there! More details coming soon--Thank you Alexa's Team!

Blessings to everyone--Love Dana

Sunday, February 19, 2006 5:53 PM CST

"Fear not, for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes; I will hold you up and retain you with My victorious right hand of rightness and justice."--Isiah 41:10

We celebrated Alexa's 10th birthday over the weekend! It was so nice to see her smile and be happy--we had a wonderful time! A dear friend from a professional salon and day spa offered her free time to have a "spa party" theme for Alexa and her friends! Cucumbers on the eyes and everything! A little puppy named "Riley" was the highlight of the party--now we have 2 puppies to love--Beaux and Riley! Connor continues to do well in school and is gearing up for the Science Fair. I am very proud of him for withstanding all of this. As someone said the other day...what we are going through is BIG, I mean BIG, but to us it has become normal. We don't know what normal is anymore. We lean on God and our friends and family and must trust that everything is in His hands. God is still preparing Alexa's body with Connor's cells to begin the new St. Judes program. Hopefully we can begin in the next few weeks and she can return to school. We are going to pack as much life in as we can...there will be no stopping until God says it is time.

Thank you for your love, support and encouragement on this site...we look to this site daily for your prayers & love.
--Blessings--The Shanks

Sunday, February 12, 2006 11:21 AM CST

Happy Valentines Day!

Alexa is doing well and she and Daddy were even able to attend the annual Father/Daughter Valentine Dance on Saturday evening. A precious moment in time. We are still waiting for her counts to recover to begin the St. Judes Protocol. We have appointments at least twice a week at this point. I heard something the other day that I think I was supposed to hear--"Can your faith move mountains or do your mountains move your faith?" We keep pressing on. Alexa is such a strong little girl.

Blessings--the Shanks

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 6:13 PM CST

"Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it--the Lord is His name, 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'"--Jeremiah 33:2-3

I love that passage! Alexa completed her 5 day in-patient stay with the new chemo. The chemo has been used in other parts of the world; however, only a handful at Riley have received it. She was nauseated more than prior chemos, but seemed to control the nausea around the 3rd day. She has lost weight so she and I both are trying to pack the pounds back on. Alexa received her wig today from a company affiliated with Locks of Love--we are going to a salon tomorrow to have it shaped. She told me the wig gave her back her confidence. Now we play the waiting game. We wait for her counts to bottom out and then we wait for them to recover to begin the St. Judes protocol--hopefully in the next 3/4 weeks. Alexa is 100% donor again which means that Connor is in there doing his job. We can only hope that the nasty blast cells will stay away this time and leave Alexa alone.

Please pray for the all the sick children and their families. An illness such as this--so life threatening--hanging by threads--is so hard to endure day in and day out.
Love Dana

Saturday, January 21, 2006 6:53 PM CST

That is why we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"--Hebrews 13:6

We begin a 5 day cycle of new chemo called Chlorfarabine on Monday, January 23rd. Alexa's body has never seen this chemo before--it is new in the country. Hopefully, her little body will bounce back again from this treatment and we will begin a new regimen in 3-4 weeks. I bought red tulips today to perk things up as I long for spring and the renewal of Alexa's health and life. I straightened the house and tried to prepare everyone for the week ahead. Chris and I will rotate hospital stays, Connor will stay in school and Chris will be working as well. We appreciate the meals, gas cards and we ask for your prayers for strength and support in the coming days & weeks as we continue on this surreal & profoundly life-changing journey.

God Bless--Chris, Dana, Connor & Alexa

Sunday, January 15, 2006 5:02 PM CST

"Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. I am holding you by your right hand; I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, Don't be afraid, I am here to help you."--Isaiah 41:10,13

Alexa woke up today and said she felt "great!" That's the best brithday gift in the world to me. Alexa baked me a pink birthday cake with pink icing and deorated it with pink sprinkles. I took many pictures of that moment--my 40th birthday. Connor continues to love and spoil our little Beaux--boy puppies are alot of work! We have been in and out of Riley many times the past few weeks as they are closely monitoring Alexa to find the exact timing to begin this next chemotheraphy treatment that her body has never seen. We continue to put one foot in front of the other and take 5 minutes at a time and hope and have faith. Love, Chris, Dana Connor & Alexa

Tuesday, January 3, 2006 3:38 PM CST

"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are discouraged take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears." Psalm 34:1-4

We've got remission. After being through what Alexa has been through--remission was not a guarantee. Thank you God. The doctors are building her counts just enough to recover and then we begin the next phase to keep her in remission--probably will begin the new chemo her body has never seen next week. After that, the St. Judes rotating pairs. We'll continue to take 5 minutes at a time. Thank you for all of your prayers today--God heard you!

Thursday, December 29, 2005 7:31 PM CST

"He is your God, the one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done mighty miracles that you yourself have seen."--Deuteronomy 10:21

We're so sorry for the long update--it has been very hectic. Alexa was able to return home on Christmas Eve Day and, unfortunately, we readmitted her early this week. I am glad to say that she arrived home today (Thursday). She was hospitalized due to fever and neutropenia which involves having low counts and being very susceptible to any type of infection--even the air we breathe. She has been sent home on IV antiobiotics that Chris administers every 8 hours around the clock and her cultures are now negative which means the bacteria is no longer growing. We had a wonderful Christmas morning and Santa brought us a beautiful, fluffy, white male Bichon puppy named Beaux! Alexa's beautiful curly locks were falling out this week and were putting her in a terible mood so she made Aunt Lisa shave her head yesterday. She looks like a beautiful cherub. We're trying to keep her spirits up and Connor's too. Please continue to pray for all of us and especially Alexa's bone marrow test on January 3rd which will determine if this round of treatment has put her back into remission. We love all of you and you help give us the strength we need and encouragement to keep on going. Happy New Year--Love, Chris Dana Connor & Alexa

Wednesday, December 21, 2005 10:49 PM CST

Give your burdens to the Lord.
He will carry them.
He will not permit the godly to slip or fall.
Psalms 55:22

Tonight at 8:00pm we had to rush Lexi back up to Riley, she spiked a fever of 102 and was admitted.I will update when we know more. Chris

Tuesday, December 20, 2005 2:58 PM CST

"I am convinced of this, so I will continue with you so that you will grow and experience the joy of your faith."--Philippians 1:25

Good news! There is strong evidence the chemo is killing the leukemia--she is heading towards remission.On December 4th the marrow was 88 percent leukemia cells,yesterday the leukemia cells in the the marrow was down to 29 percent after only 2 chemo treatments. While the blasts (cancer cells) are not all the way gone--the ones that are left are dying and "look unhappy." She has good things growing in her marrow. She received big time chemo yesterday and her pain is managed which is a result from the chemo she must take. We return to clinic for a CBC (blood and platelets) this Thursday and next Tuesday and will repeat another bone marrow test and look for complete remission on January 3rd. I wish I could say we had a definite plan, but we just have to take things slowly and make sure her body can handle it. So far so good. The doctors say she is strong both mentally and physically and they have many things they will put into action for Alexa when the timing is right. The doctors are by no means giving up--we will fight the good fight. We thank everyone for their encouragement, prayers, meals, shopping help and support during this most beautiful holiday season. Have a very, very Merry Christmas--The Shank Family

Wednesday, December 14, 2005 10:07 PM CST

Alexa was admitted to Riley today, the pain she was in was unbearable and the morphine just was not taking the pain away.The med.staff at Riley have changed her pain meds. in hopes to get this under control,it is a nightmare seeing your child in so much pain. Hopefully they can get this under control soon so she can come home and rest peacefully. Dear God I cry out for you to comfort my babydoll.Chris

Tuesday, December 13, 2005 2:26 PM CST

"Who is the One whom we seek? The One who will come to restore us and renew us in the midst of joy and despair. Who is the One whom we seek? The One who will come to help us rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances. Who is the One whom we seek? The One whose sandals we are not worthy to untie. Who is the One whom we seek? Jesus Christ, who will restore, heal, and unite us in the midst of God's glory."

Alexa is in quite a bit of pain and we use morphine to try to give her some relief. Her counts are bottoming out which means that the chemo is having an effect. As of yesterday there were still blasts (cancer cells) in her blood, but they were significantly decreased from the past few days. I anticipate we will be hospitalized at any time for fever and neutropenia. No hairloss yet, but coming all too soon. I pray we don't spend Christmas in the hospital. I'm not giving up on Alexa until she tells us it's time to give up--we're fighting with her all the way. We remain optimistic in a terribly surreal story. We are clinging to our faith. Please pray for us. --Chris & Dana

Monday, December 5, 2005 6:11 PM CST

"O my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me."--Jeremiah 8:18

We begin again. Day 1 of Induction. Alexa received 2 rounds of platelets today as the cancer has killed her clotting agents. After platelets were administered her central line was again implanted. Many toxic agents to kill the cancer are pouring into her body this week. Pray for remission by December 19th--that is a marker the doctors are using to see if the chemo is working. We don't have a definite road map--everything depends upon getting back into remission quickly. When (not if) that happens--Some options could be another stem cell transplant with Connor (done a little differently), another donor not as closely matched, or a St. Jude's Children's program done at Riley Children's Hospital. We have the best doctors--how often is it that you go into a hospital, become aware immediately that the best minds in the field of cancer have been extensively discussing your case, your doctor is waiting in the lobby for you to arrive--walking you immediately to begin procedures, giving detailed orders to staff, cutting through all the red tape and spending their entire day with you and their patient--in this case--our Alexa. How often is that? We are blessed to have the best care possible.

There will be an Alexa's Team Meeting for all those who would like to help in some way this Saturday, December 10th at 10:00 am at Tabernacle Christian Church in Franklin. If you cannot attend we certainly understand and please know that we do appreciate all of your cards, prayers and outpouring of love. For more details and information on the event and a possible blood drive, please contact Stan Clark at frfghtr213b@aol.com or 919-9344

Love Dana

Saturday, December 3, 2005 3:54 PM CST

If God be for us,
who can be against us?
Romans 8:31

Last night we went to see The Nutcracker,the kids were on the edge of their seats for the whole show. It was good to get out and get our minds off of everything we are about to face. Lexi and Dana are out shopping for new PJ's and crafts to keep them busy for the next few days.Alexa is full of energy and looks great, you would never even know anything was wrong with her.
Our church is having a prayer vigil tomorrow evening at 5:00 pm,Tabernacle Christian Church 198 North Water Street here in Franklin. We invite all to come and pray for Alexa's healing. We love you all and may God bless us all, thank you for all of your support.

Thursday, December 1, 2005 9:12 PM CST

Lord,
When doubts fill my mind,
When my heart is in termoil,
quiet me
and give me renewed hope
and cheer.
PSALM 94 : 19

It has struck again,today Dana took Lexi into have a regular check-up and the Leukemia has returned. We are so overwhelmed now we do not even know what to say.
Lexi will have surgery on Monday to have another central line put in and start more chemo the same day.
Our church is going to have a prayer vigil on Sunday around 5:00 pm all are invited, details will be posted in the next day or so. Please keep our family in your prayers.

HOPE,
Hope is a THING with feathers that perches in the
SOUL and SINGS the tune without the WORDS and never stops at all.--Emily Dickinson

Chris

Thursday, November 17, 2005 3:14 PM CST

"Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it--the Lord is His name, 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'"--Jeremiah 33:2-3

Day 170! Thank you Father for another great check-up! Alexa will have her central line removed Monday, November 21st! Her blood work is great--she grows stronger with each passing day. The doctors told us to prepare to get "back to normal."????????????? We will never be normal--only forever changed, molded and profoundly impacted. Please continue to keep Alexa and our family in your prayers because your prayers are keeping us strong. Enjoy this Thanksgiving Holiday and be truly thankful and grateful for all that you have!

Many Blessings,
The Shanks

Thursday, November 3, 2005 3:16 PM CST

"In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul."--Psalm 138:3

Day 156 post transplant! We just returned from our Riley appointment and everything is still looking good! The surgeons will be contacting us within the next few days to schedule her central line removal in the next few weeks! Right before Thanksgiving! Father in Heaven, thank you for your blessings--continue to heal our wonderful little Alexa so she may grow strong and fulfill all good things according to Your plan. Be with all the children and families that are in the hospital at this time and give them strength.
Blessings--The Shank Family

Thursday, November 3, 2005 3:16 PM CST

Saturday, October 29, 2005 6:22 PM CDT

Happy Halloween! I'm doing much better today.I also get to go trick-or-treating!I'm going as a pumpkin princess.Today is 151 days since my transplant.Today I had enough energy to ride my scooter(non electric)around the block!The doctors are FINALLY letting me go to Target and go to movies.I've been doing very good in school.I got all A 's and one B . Mrs.D is a very good (and fun) teacher!I hope everyone has a very scary Halloween!
Princesss Alexa :)
P.S.I hid a smiley face on the page!

Sunday, October 16, 2005 5:40 PM CDT

Day 138! Enjoy the new pictures (finally!!!)! We are going to the pumpkin patch to pick pumpkins. So far everything is going well for Alexa--we are keeping a low profile. Please bless all of the children at Riley Children's Hospital and lift our family up in prayer as we STILL VERY MUCH NEED all of your love and support.
God Bless--The SHANKS

Thursday, October 6, 2005 2:20 PM CDT

Day 128! We just returned from our Riley appointment and it was a great check up! Her ANC is 2800, her white blood count is 5.2 and her platelets are 119...this is all good! Connor, Chris and I will need to get the flu vaccine to help keep Alexa as healthy as we can this winter until her immune system builds back up. They took her off Cyclosporin (anti-rejection) meds today as well! Yeah! Please continue to pray for Alexa and all of us...we are not out of the woods yet, but things look good today! God Bless--Dana

Saturday, September 24, 2005 6:58 PM CDT

Day 117--I got a little bit ahead of myself if you read day 126! Alexa is now visiting Riley every 2 weeks for her follow up appointments. Her last check up went very well and they are taking her off of cyclosporin (anti-rejection) medication. After this happens her body (Connor's cells) should begin to produce a new immune system which will help her fight off viral and fungal infections. She has enough coverage for the basic common cold but the risk of viral and fungal are still looming over us like a dark cloud. Approximately 1 year post transplant (May, 2006) she will be immunized again--just as if she were a new born. Alexa completed ISTEP testing and is keeping up with her classmates. Connor is doing well with school and playing football. Chris and I try not to think too much and "keep on keepin on." I think we are on auto-pilot right now. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

"He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will carry the lambs in his arms and gently lead the ewes with young. Who else has held the oceans in his hands and measured off the heavens with his ruler? Who else knows the weight of all the earth and weighs the mountains and the hills?
--ISAIAH 40:11-12

Thursday, September 15, 2005 9:33 PM CDT

Day 107!

"He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venemous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you." Deuteronomy 8:15-16

Alexa continues positive progress. She has lost about 10 pounds and is growing taller. She is beginning to get her appetite back so, hopefully, we'll put on a few more pounds. Her hair continues to grow and so does her spirit. We are settling into home school & home dance lessons and she will even take the ISTEP test next week. Please continue to keep Alexa and our family in your prayers as our next goal is to make it to May 2006 (1 year post transplant) without any major complications and without a relapse of this dreadful Leukemia. I wake up every morning thanking GOD for my children and my family.

We thank you for checking this site and for lifting us up in your thoughts & prayers. In His Name--Amen

Friday, September 9, 2005 7:45 AM CDT

Day 101! Day 100 was an eventful day as it was also Chris's 40th Birthday. What a wonderul Birthday present! We had our Riley appointment and everything is looking fantastic! They will begin to cut back on her cyclosporin (anti-rejection) medication in the next week-to-two-weeks and schedule a date to have her central line removed in October. Her dance teacher came over in the afternoon for dance class and she received a beautifl gift from her great aunt and uncle in Atlanta, Georgia--a new bedroom suit! Chris blew out 40 candles on his cake and Alexa and Connor each blew out 1 candle (they each made a wish) on a special Day 100 cake. Without Connor, we wouldn't have had a Day 100.

"I will rejoice and be glad in Thy loving kindness, Because Thou has seen my affliction; Thou has known the troubles of my soul."--Psalm 31:7

Wednesday, August 31, 2005 10:10 PM CDT

Day 92. Alexa sleeps with a small cross underneath her pillow--she says she likes it there. Tonight the cross will have a visit from the tooth fairy as she lost a tooth today! Alexa has her Riley appointment tomorrow--please pray that all goes well and she continues on her road to recovery. In addition, her dance teacher will come over and give her dance lessons in the afternoon. Her home school is going well--she's actually working ahead of the class. We keep the faith and keep our heads held high--that's all we know how to do.
Blessings--Dana

Tuesday, August 23, 2005 11:12 AM CDT

Day 84! 84 Days of new life running through Alexa's veins! What a miracle! As I am typing this update, she is having homeschool with "Mrs. D." (Shari Dransfield) and is doing great! Lots of math and language going on in the house! Connor is doing great getting back to school and playing football. Yesterday I received a beautiful bracelet as a gift and enscribed on it are the words "EXPECT MIRACLES".........so that's what we'll do!

"Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it--the LORD is His name, 'Call to Me, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'"--Jeremiah 33:2-3

Wednesday, August 17, 2005 1:34 PM CDT

Day 78. 78 days of new life! We had her weekly Riley check up today and everything looks great! She said a little bird was sitting on her window for about an hour yesterday--and that she just watched it. I told her that I bet that little birdie was an angel from heaven watching over her. Just the other day, a seamstress in Franklin hemmed some glitzy blue jeans from Limited Too for Alexa--she is from another country and her English is a little broken, but this much I could understand: the woman said that with every stitch she said a prayer and that Alexa will be healed. Thank you God for sending our family so many miracles.

Monday, August 8, 2005 11:23 AM CDT

Day 69. 69 days of a totally new blood type, new very black eyelashes, very black eyebrows (they used to be white), and beautiful, brown/dark hair! Overall, Alexa's spirits are good, but I know she is sad about not returning to school, dance or gymnastics. This is going to be a tough year emotionally for her as far as trying to "fit in" and fell normal. We continue weekly visits at Riley Children's Hospital and they still want her isolated as much as possible (no malls, restaurants, school) as she has no or very little immune system. I pray her health will continue and that the transplant will be a success and we can be DONE with cancer. I pray that our Father in Heaven gives Alexa back to all of us and she can then go out and make a significant impact on the entire world in the name of GOD.
Blessings--Dana

Monday, August 1, 2005 9:16 AM CDT

We are home! Alexa was discharged this past Saturday and we were told that this was only a minor "inconvenience." Things continue to progress and she looks forward to the day when she can have some freedom (like go to the mall), have her central line removed and return to school & her activities. Thank you to everyone who has ever cooked a meal, supported and prayed for us. The journey is not yet over, but we continue to walk the path to the next hill or mountain--never quite certain what lies on the other side.
"Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it--the Lord is His name,'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'"--Jeremiah 33:2-3

Wednesday, July 27, 2005 7:25 PM CDT

Alexa was hospitalized Saturday, July 23rd (the evening of Connor's 11th birthday pool party) for vomiting. The good news is that she has an ulcer in her lower esophagus caused from radiation and chemo and it can be treated! We were afraid something else was terribly wrong--there are so many complications that can develop. She remains hospitalized and we hope she will return home soon. This "journey" is such a roller coaster ride of emotions. Thank you for the words of encouragement, prayers and love that each of you give to our family.

Friday, July 22, 2005 7:43 PM CDT

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."--PSALM 5:3

Our prayers are being heard. Alexa continues to do very well with her new transplant blood in her body from brother Connor. On July 26th she may have an upper GI performed to look for any signs of graft vs. host rejection. We look forward to meeting the challenge of getting to day 100 on September 8th and then every day after that I will consider a "gift." We ask that all of you lift us up in prayer as Chris & I try to resume the daily activities of going back to work--while going back and forth to Riley, returning to school and sports activities and trying to be "normal." During this "normal" phase we are moving into, Alexa will still need to be isolated from crowds and must be home-schooled for the 4th grade and cannot attend dance or gymnastics class. But she promised me that when the time was right and the doctors clear her that she was "really going to bust out!" She wants to go to Paris, China and the Mall of America. In addition, she now wants to be the 1st woman President of the United States, an astronaut or still an oncologist. She says "I have really high expectations of myself now." Hopefully her kick-off will be an encore performance with the wonderful people of PartyLite performing a solo in front of 15,000 plus in Washington D.C. for the American Cancer Society in the summer of 2006. Thank you Father for the blessings we are receiving.
"But happy is the man...whose hope is in the Lord his God--the God who made both earth and heaven, the seas and everything in them. He is the God who keeps every promise...He lifts the burdens from those bent down beneath their loads. For the Lord loves good men."--PSALM 146:5-6, 8

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 3:55 PM CDT

Please view the new pictures!

"Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" --Habakkuk 2:3

Alexa visited the Riley Outpatient Clinic yesterday and will return again on Friday. They are monitoring her very closely for any signs of graft rejection. Currently, at day 42 she has a new blood type, she is doing good and she is now operating as 100% donor. Thank you Father in Heaven for Connor's 122 BILLION Stem cells of life, a perfect cell match, and for all of the amazing doctors and nurses. We keep putting one foot in front of the other and we just wait.
Love, The Shank Family

Wednesday, July 6, 2005 3:34 PM CDT

Please view the new photos!

Hello everyone! We apologize for the delay on the lack of updates! We hope everyone had a great Independence Day Holiday and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. As Chris and I have found out, your family and your friends are the greatest treasures in this life. Alexa continues to do well here at home and still needs to be isolated as much as possible. She asked me today if I could call her dance teacher and schedule some of her tap dance & ballet lessons here at the house! As I sat beside her today looking intently at her beautiful face, I saw her little eyelashes beginning to grow again. Thank you GOD for Your miracles.

God Bless, Dana

Tuesday, June 28, 2005 2:34 PM CDT

Monday, June 27th Alexa was told she was a "Super Star" and was released from the Riley Stem Cell Transplant Unit! She is home!!!! Today she is at day 28 with her new cells from Connor and we were in-patient for 32 days. The doctors wanted Alexa to return to the out-patient clinic today for some more blood works-ups. She has had some problems with vomiting; therefore, they have scheduled an outpatient GI procedure on Thursday, June 30th to scope her intestines as a precaution. She will be fully sedated for this procedure as it will not be pleasant. On a side note, unfortunately, the same day Alexa was released from the hospital my father was admitted to St. Francis South as they fear he has suffered another heart attack. Please keep the mighty prayers coming our way.

Thank you to all of you that give us continued strength & encouragement through this website--we need you more than you know.

God Bless--Dana

Oops!! Lexi woke up feeling goood today and,I (daddy) started feeding her everything she wanted, she has not really eaten much of anything for almost a month. She had watermelon, pudding,alot of green beans, candy and a big bowl of pasta. As I was setting out back enjoying a cigar, It hit me like a ton of bricks, she was only to have a liquid diet the day before her GI Scope thing.So it will not be Thur. but maybe Fri. I was sooo overjoyed to see her eat and to be FEELING GOOD that I never even thought about tommorrow. Live for today not tommorow.Dana and I are so blessed to have all of your support. God bless you all today, take time today to tell someone how the Lord as changed your life, it may change theirs!

Sunday, June 19, 2005 4:13 PM CDT

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."--Lamentations 3:22-23

Day +19--Father's Day. After 24 days of isolation, Alexa met her father outside of her hospital room, standing up with a smile and home-made Father's Day card. No ties, no shirts, no grills for Father's Day--just a proud smile and the exuding confidence, hope and faith that her life is not yet over.

Alexa is doing very well. In fact, I am afraid to say how well she is doing. Our GOD is working miracles. Please continue to pray for Alexa and our entire family. We are not through--not by a long shot, but her health is in her favor right now. We know that your prayers are making the difference and your prayers build us up and give us strength to fight the good fight.

Connor is staying busy with golf camp, golfing with buddies, swimming, vacation bible school and church camp the week of July 4th--he is doing fine. Chris and I are focused on the task at hand and we give thanks to God for the strength He provides.

God Bless--Dana

Saturday, June 11, 2005 11:33 PM CDT

Day 11, Alexa sleeps most of the time, The Dr.s say that her body is working 10 times harder then that of a normal person working a full time job. She looks so precious and at ease. Dear,Lord watch over my baby while I sleep tonight.
Dear Lord Allmighity,Keep us in Your loving hands and give us all the strength to carry on, in the Name Of You Son, Jesus. Amen

Tuesday, June 7, 2005 11:45 PM CDT

Day 7, 93 days to go. 7 days are a week. 1 week down 5 or 6 weeks to go and she will be able to leave her room for the 1st time. Each day, each hour, each minute we get closer. Alexa has had some very tough days, Lord keep her strong and positive, heal her little body, so she won't hurt any more. Be with Connor, Dana and I and keep us strong too. Love to all Chris

John 16;33
"I have told you all this
so that you will have
peace of heart
and mind.
Here on earth
you will have many trials and sorrows;
but cheer up ,
for I have overcome the world"

Friday, June 3, 2005 11:54 PM CDT

Alexa is doing fine , just how the doctors expected. She is now on a reguler drip for pain control. The pain is a result of the radation and chemo, it kills all of the mucus membranes, in her mouth all the way down into her throat and into her belly.Also, she started running a fever this evening, which was also expected.it will be 14 days or so to see if the new marrow is starting to graft ,and make good cells. Please keep praying for Alexa and our family. Connor is almost back to his normal self, he still has some pain in his lower back and hips.
Day 100 after the transplant is THE MILESTONE.If all goes well for 100 days,the transplant is considered a success. Today is day 4.Day 100 wil be Sept. 8th, my birthday, what a gift. To all of our church family, our friends,our familys and to all of you who we don't even know, thank for all you have done for us. KEEP PRAYING

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 9:18 AM CDT

122 BILLION, 100 MILLION (122,100,000,000) stem cells of life were harvested from Connor's bone marrow yesterday morning and were infused over a 4 hour period into Alexa's fragile body from her total body irradiation & 2 more days of heavy days of chemo. The infusion is logged in at 5:25 p.m., May 31, 2005. Now we wait. We wait to see if the "graft" will be accepted or rejected. We wait to see if the lungs, heart & kidneys "can get along" with the new cells. Alexa will be put on hyperailmentation (liquid food) as she is expected to not want to eat. We just wait........
"Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."
--James--5:7-8

Friday, May 27, 2005 11:21 PM CDT

Ready,Set, Go.
It is hard to believe that Tue May 31st is here.Transplant day, or day 0 as the doctors call it. What a week Lexi went through. She had radiation for 1 hour, 3 times a day, for Mon-Fri. This has been a rough week for her . Lexi is very weak and tired, but she is still in good spirits. She has very high doses of chemo on Sat.and Sun. with a day of rest on Monday. Then Tue. morning is the big day. We will arrive at Riley at 6:30 am and the stem cell team will start harvesting Connors bone marrow @ about 7:30 am, this will be about a 2-4 hour process. The marrow then will go thru some testing and then infused into Lexis'with in a short period of time. Alexa will go from an o+ blood type to b+ ( I think). I was amazed that her whole blood type would change to Connor's blood type.I will get some new pics posted in the morn. sometime. Thank you all for alll of you support, God Bless. Chris

Saturday, May 21, 2005 11:34 AM CDT

"With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall."--Psalm 18:29

It's our last weekend home as a family for quite a while (at least 4-6 weeks). We had radiation "practice" the other day and Alexa said the radiation machine looks like the Octopus Ride that you see at the county fair. It really does--big, ominous, cold and kind of a sky blue color. Radiation will begin next Tuesday-Friday that will be 3 times a day 7:00 am, 11:00 am & 3:00 pm. It will be a challengining week. Alexa will be admitted Friday May 27th if not sooner. The stem cell transplant (day 0) and a new birthdate for Alexa along with a shared new birthday with her brother Connor will be Tuesday, May 31st. The first 100 days are critical and Alexa will be in isolation the majority of that time. We are scared to death and are frazzled at the ends. Please continue to lift our family up into your prayers.--Love The Shank Family

Saturday, May 14, 2005 8:33 PM CDT

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls."--Matthew 11:28-29

Today was a day I will never forget. Alexa's 5K Walk/Run. Yes, the skies were wet with rain; but the spirit and the love of all the people--the runners/walkers, food servers, those working the registration tables, the silent auction tables, those mopping up the wet floors--everything that everyone did was done in a spirit of love and in the spirit of GOD. We are going to try to do some fun things with Alexa this week because the next week she will begin full body irradiation 4 days a week, 3 times a day. On the final day of radiation, she will be admitted and the stem cell transplant (if still on schedule) will take place the morning of Tuesday, May 31st. Alexa will be in isolation for 4-6 weeks. We face the possibility of many complications, but we have a lucky ticket hiding in our back pocket--and that is the "perfect match"--Connor's stem cells. Love the Shank Family

A note from the Princess!(ha ha)
Hi everyone!I had alot of fun at the walk/run!I would like to thank everyone who made this possible (includeing the runners and walkers)!If anyone has any good ideas for crafts ect.plese tell me because it gets VEARY boring!!!:-)

by!!!,
Princess Alexa
hi aunt lisa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, May 8, 2005 10:35 PM CDT

Dear Lord Bless Us All, Please watch over Alexa and ALL of the kids and nurses on the 5th floor at Riley. A heartfelt "Thank You" to everyone that is involved in "Alexa's Fire Run."

What a beautiful Mother's Day! The sun was shining and both of my children were with me laughing and playing! My own mother is still able to be with me. You don't realize how precious these moments are until you are faced with the possibile "reality" that these moments can be taken away any second. Alexa has her "work-up" testing this week and will see many doctors and will have many tests performed to make sure she is in top shape for the transplant. Connor will also have tests done on Thursday. It looks like radiation will begin on May 23rd or May 24th--which will last about a week followed by 4 days of VERY high doses of chemo.Alexa will be admitted for the chemo treatment, Connor will donate his bone marrow which contains the stem cells of the new gift of life.--Love Dana

Lord, watch over my family and protect us always. I ask you to show us your unfailing kindness. Be our refuge when life is difficult, our strength in times of trouble. Help my children to love you all the days of their lives and to pass on their faith to the children you give them. Amen

Tuesday, May 3, 2005 11:04 PM CDT

Dear Lord Bless Us All, Please watch over Alexa and ALL of the kids and nurses on the 5th floor at Riley. A heartfelt "Thank You" to everyone that is involved in "Alexa's Fire Run."

What a beautiful Mother's Day! The sun was shining and both of my children were with me laughing and playing! My own mother is still able to be with me. You don't realize how precious these moments are until you are faced with the possibile "reality" that these moments can be taken away. Alexa has her "work-up" testing this week and will see many doctors and will have many tests performed to make sure she is in top shape for the transplant. Connor will also have tests done on Thursday. It looks like radiation will begin on May 23rd or May 24th--which will last about a week. At that last radiation treatment, Alexa will be admitted and Connor will donate his bone marrow which contains the stem cells of the new gift of life.--Love Dana

Lord, watch over my family and protect us always. I ask you to show us your unfailing kindness. Be our refuge when life is difficult, our strength in times of trouble. Help my children to love you all the days of their lives and to pass on their faith to the children you give them. Amen

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 7:29 PM CDT

Hello to all! Alexa will return to Riley as an in-patient this Friday, April 29th. This his her final round of chemo during this last block before radiation and stem cell preparation. She's taking all of this rather well so far. Her hair is even trying to grow back a little! However, it will be gone soon with the radiation treatments. Channel 6 News was here today while Alexa had home school with Mrs. Dransfield. They will be showing the segment a few days prior to the Saturday, May 14th Fire Run around 5:30. Chris and I are tyring our best to mentally prepare ourselves for the battle we have ahead. Looking ahead to the May calendar (which I try not to look too far anymore) Mother's Day is approaching. My wish is that all Mother's who read this bask in the love, joy and essence of life that your children give you on Mother's Day and each and every day. They are truly a gift--cherish your gifts.
Love, Dana

Wednesday, April 20, 2005 11:33 AM CDT

Well, the good days were nice while they lasted. Chris had to take Alexa to Riley at 10:00 p.m. last night for a fever. She is currently receiving intra-venous antibiotics through her central line. I don't know how long she will be admitted.

We continue to thank all of you for the many prayers and offerings of support. So far, Alexa is still on schedule for transplant--around May 23, 2005 and it looks promising that she will be able to be at the festivities that are taking place in early May. God Bless--The Shank Family

Saturday, April 16, 2005 8:19 PM CDT

Tuesday, April 12, 2005 10:10 PM CDT

Alexa is home for now. Amen--Daddy

Tuesday, April 5, 2005 10:37 PM CDT

NEW PICS posted 4-6-05 Today ,Fri the 11th Lexi's count were good enough to start the next block. She had a spinal tap and a bone marrow aspiration.Dana or I have to be with her during these procedures. And it was my turn.
Lexi 's bone marrow was tough on her like nerver before.I would do anything to avoid every going thur that every again.Alexa will be at Riley for a min of five days. Her room phone # is 317-274-9506 Room #5134

Hello everyone,Dana and I thank you for all of your prayers and all of the encouragement to stay strong.
Lexi has been at home for one week now,what a wonderful feeling it is to have the whole family together at home. Alexa had a slight fever last night so we did have to take her to Riley today to have some blood counts and the basic checkup.Last week the doctors did see a spot on one of her lungs that could be a fungal infection. This Fri. She will have another ct-scan to make sure the spot is getting smaller ,or maybe even gone. The doctors do not seem to be too concerned about the spot ,but she is on all of the meds to clear it up, just in case. Also this Fri. it looks like Lexi may be ready to start the final block of the chemo but only if her AGC is above 1500 (1300 today) for 2 days and her platelets must be above 75,000 (45,000 today). To start the final block she will be admitted for a min. of 5 days, during which time she will be infused with a drug called cytoxin, daily. We do not think this will be another long stay in Riley but we just do not know.
We have met with the transplant team and it looks like the transplant will take place sometime around the first part of June.We love all of you and need you support. Chris

Let us pray,
Father, thank you for the life and example of Job. I praise you for his faithfulness in the face of suffering and pain.Please fill me with your Spirt so that I may learn from Job's faith to love you,to praise you ,to thank you,and to trust you in every circumstance, knowing that suffering can result in a deeper fellowship with you. I willingly submit to your direction in my life.I pray this in Jesus'name. Amen

Wednesday, March 30, 2005 4:44 PM CST

We finally made it home--26 days & nights in the hospital. We spent Easter Sunday at the hospital dyeing eggs and trying to keep our spirits up. Alexa's counts finally recovered enough from the 2nd phase of treatment to be released from the hospital Tuesday evening. Unfortunately, a form of fungal infection has appeared in her right lung and she is currently on oral anti-fungal medication. When your immune system is so comprised it is unfortunately easy to obtain a fungal infection. Hopefully this will "go away" and will not be an issue when it comes stem-cell transplant time. We return to the hospital Friday, April 1st for blood work and will return several times the week of April 4th. The following week we should begin our last block of treatment with high dose methotrexate which will be the duration of April. Radiation and then the looming transplant follow. We're in this thing deep right now...there's no turning back. Pray for Alexa and for all of us.
Love Dana
No April Fools joke, today, April 1st Alexa's AGC (blood counts) was 4900 WOW!!

Friday, March 25, 2005 11:41 PM CST

Praise The Lord!!! Alexa's AGC or good blood cells was at 120 today, the best it has been in 3 weeks. The down side to it though, is that she has been running a fever for the past 48 hrs.The Docs are running blood cultures daily to make sure it is not another bact. infection She has been getting red blood cells and platelets transfused almost every day or every other day. Boy Oh Boy does she perk up on the days she gets the red blood cells, Dana and I do our best to keep up with her. I think Dana and I could use some of those red blood cells. All in all Alexa is doing very good, she is in very good spirits and is very active around the Childrens Cancer Center. She is still having alot of pain in her back and legs, which is from her bone marrow growing. If you ever had "growing pains" when you where young, that is what she is feeling, the bone marrow, inside the bone is regenrating, or attempting to grow again at very rapid rate. The Doctors are giving her a drug called G-CSF every day that speeds up the bone marrow regrowth, but makes it very painful. Lexi is not in pain, the doctors at Riley make sure she is comfortable at all times.Thank you for all of your prayers , cards, donations, meals and everything else that you have done for my family.
God Bless You All.

NEWS BREAK !!!! LEXI'S AGC Today the 25th was 260.If She could go 24 hrs without a fever, we would be able to bring her home for Easter.

Sunday, March 20, 2005 9:45 PM CST

These kids of ours continue to amaze Dana and I day after day. Connor is doing great in school and he is excitedly-proud that he is going to be THE ONE to help out his sister. Alexa has been in Riley for 17 days now. Her AGC, which is kind of an overall grade of her blood has been at 0 for 9 days now, the normal AGC would 5000 to 10000. This is what the doctors want to see and expected it to be this way, but they expect to see her AGC to start coming up any day now.With Lexi's counts so low we can not have any visitors, for her immune system can not even fight the bactria in her oun body without antibodies. Tomorrow Dana And I meet with our transplant team for the first time. Please pray for us, we have read alot about the transplant and we know it is going to be tough. NEWS BREAK !!! on Mon. the 21st Alexa's AGC WAS 3 Whoopie Whoopie !! YEA YEA YEA.I know it's only 3 but it's a start.

Dear Lord, please give Dana and I the strength we need to win this fight, please wake us each day with renewed hope and energy to carry out Your will. Amen

Thursday, March 10, 2005 10:29 PM CST

Father,it is so easy to think that this world is what really matters. Remind me that it's passing away, and give me a greater appetite for the world that is to come. Help me right now to start living in a way that will prepare me to live forever in your kingdom.Amen

Today Alexa, Dana and my wonderful sister, Aunt Lisa had a tea party in Alexa's room and I am sure it overflowed out into the halls of the 5th floor. Our goal here is to make each day fun in some way ,not just for Alexa but for everyone spending time in this unit.To all of the staff on the 5th floor hem/onc you really know how to keep our spirts up. You HAVE to be very special people to be able to do this day after day. Everyday when I pray I ask God to give you the Knowledge and wisdom to heal my baby doll.Keep fighting Lexi, love you ,Daddy

Tuesday, March 8, 2005 6:13 PM CST

"May we be refreshed as by streams in the desert. Those who sow tears shall reap joy. Yes, they go out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, and return singing, carrying their sheaves." --Psalm 126:4-6

It has been a tough week and this is only the beginning. Alexa was admitted last Friday and the doctors anticipate she will be in the hospital until late March--maybe we'll have her home for Easter Sunday. Her treatment is going as planned and we are all just doing the best we can. Please keep sending the messages, cards and prayers--Love, Chris, Dana, Connor & Alexa

Wednesday, March 2, 2005 4:52 PM CST

We just returned (again) from the hospital this afternoon. A blood culture identified a type of bacteria ( gram positive rod) growing in Alexa's central line. The doctors have Alexa on an IV-antibiotic which Chris administers here at home (he has become a doctor) until we are admitted into the hospital this Friday, March 4th. At that time, Alexa will receive another agressive round of chemo--they tell us to plan on being in-patient for quite some time. Chris and I are exhausted; I can only imagine what Alexa must be feeling and going through. Connor is staying the course. Keep the prayers coming our way , that's what keeps us going--Love Chris & Dana

Saturday, February 26, 2005 4:01 PM CST

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."--Proverbs 11:25

Hello to all. Alexa is in the hospital receiving her 2nd block of treatment which consists of chemo every 12 hours for 3 hours at a time. Her spirits were good yesterday, but the nausea has settled in and she has lost some of her spunk. She has the prettiest room at the hospital as she brought a canopy (all her idea) to put over the top of her hospital bed! Connor placed 1st and was the 4th grade champion at his science fair--he will now go on to the Regional Science Fair in Indianapolis! We are very proud of him! This is still so very hard to believe that this beautiful little girl, both inside and out, is going through this and that we, as a family must endure such a terrifying and emotional time. Daily I am reminded of the quote by Eleanor Roosevelt--"You must do the thing you think you cannot do."
Love to all--Dana, Chris, Connor & Alexa

Sunday, February 20, 2005 9:30 PM CST

Today we celebrated Alexas 9th birthday , her birthday is really tomorrow the 21st. Alexa has had her 2nd GREAT day in a row, you will never know how much this lifts our (Dana & I) spirts.On Sat. Lexi felt so good that she thought it would be a good day for her and mom (ONLY) to escape. They went to Brown County and had fried biscuts and applebutter and looked around some shops. Thank God for giving her the strength to carry on, Alexa also informed me that she had to talk mommy out of buying a picture that cost over 200 dollars, so Lexi earned 5.00 dollars for that coaching job. Today we had a very nice birthday party for her ,she had a few friends over and felt really good (view the new pics). Connor is doing great. I am so proud of him, just for being him. Love and Peace To All. WE NEED YOU.

God in heaven, thank you for your Son who came to earth to save me. Thank you for your grace. Please forgive me for complaining when things don't turn out as I planned. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that when others see me, they see you living in me. I pray this in Jesus'name. Amen.

Thanks for all of your support and prayers, Chris

Thursday, February 17, 2005 6:15 PM CST

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
James 1:12

Alexa is doing well, but is very tired and longs for her life back--school, gymnastics, dance class. However, she knows what she must do. She will be admitted into Riley Children's Hospital next week where she will receive heavy doses of Cytarabine and injections of L-Asparaginase. She will become very ill. Connor is wrapping-up his Science Fair project on Bio-Solids and is preparing an oral presentation on Genetic Engineering! How blessed we are that he is a PERFECT match for his little sister's stem cell transplant in May. Chris and I are trying to keep our chins up. One day at a time...
Love, The Shank Family

Sunday, February 13, 2005 6:19 PM CST

Be sure to look at the updated pictures in the picture directory!

The Daddy/Daughter dance went well (see Chris & Alexa's photo)! I am so thankful they were able to attend. It has been a quiet, but good weekend--reading, playing Spongebob Squarepants board games and Mall Madness. Chris and I realized that we won't have many more weekends to be together as a family. Alexa's next Block of treatment will begin around the 24th of February (just after her 9th birthday on the 21st). This is going to be a really tough round of chemo. Riley Hospital told us to be prepared to have lengthy hospital stays the end of February into the entire month of March--we are trying to brace ourselves the best way we know how.

Please keep us on your prayer lists--Love the Shank Family

Wednesday, February 9, 2005 6:47 PM CST

To view prior journal entries--click on the "read journal" tab.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.--2 Timothy 1:7

Alexa is progressing well after her ear infection and she is eagerly anticipating the arrival of the annual "Daddy/Daughter Dance" this Friday evening. She will need to wear a mask as she is neutropenic (low counts) but that won't stop her; in addition--not having hair won't stop her from attending. Today she made a special Valentines Box so she can be included in her classroom Valentines Day Party and valentine exchange. She is also working on her studies through "home school" so she will not fall behind her 3rd grade classmates. Connor continues to do very well in school and is spending time with special teachers just "hanging out" and working on special projects after school. How blessed he is to have such important role models and mentors during this critical time in his life. Everyone is doing their best to keep him strong & healthy (mentally & physically) for the upcoming stem cell transplant. He is working hard on Student Council and is helping his school organize a fundraiser for his little sister. We search this website several times daily to hear from all of you as we need and crave your uplifting thoughts and prayers. Please keep "talking" to us--it means more than you will ever know.
Love The Shank Family

Sunday, February 6, 2005 9:52 PM CST

New photo of Alexa in her OWN bed getting some rest with Patches. Alexa is back home as of 2:00pm this afternoon.Dana and I will be infusing antibodies every 8 hrs.to make sure the infection is gone. Lexi is very happy to be back home, you could just see an extra bounce I her steps the minute she was in the door.She was feeling great this afternoon,now she is all snug in her own bed. It has been a very good day. Chris

Saturday, February 5, 2005 9:59 PM CST

Psalm 121
Make sure you check out the new pics.
Alexa is still @ Riley,but it looks like she may be coming home tomorrow (Sun). The infection in her ear is much better, but she is still needing pain med. She has been getting antibodies thru IV 24/7 for 3 days. Her body has no way of fighting any kind of infection, so the docs.are taking every precaution to make sure the infection is gone. Alexa insisted that I shave her thinning hair Fri night. It was makeing her very itchy.She has NO fear,she knows God loves her just as she is. How brave!! Chris

Thursday, February 3, 2005 5:27 PM CST

Psalm 94:19
Lord,
when doubts fill my mind,
when my heart is in turmoil,
quiet me
and give me renewed hope
and cheer.

Alexa did not feel to well yesterday, and last night she started complaining that her ear was hurting. Mid-day she started to run a slight fever. By 10:30pm lastnight she had a temp of 100 while taking a fever reducer. She slept pretty good until early morning. By 9:30am today the temp was upto 102 and by the time we got her to Riley it was 102.9. Sure enough she had a inner ear infection and the eardrum had burst.So needless to say she is back in the hospital.The doctors started IV anitbiotics and morphine for the pain. She is sleeping sound now and mom is with her at the hospital,while Connor and I hold down the fort here at home. God Bless You All. We will give an update Fri. evening. Chris S.

Tuesday, February 1, 2005 7:17 PM CST

JOHN 16:33
" I have told you all of this
so that you will have
peace of heart
and mind.
Here on earth
you will have many trials and sorrows;
but cheer up,
for I have overcome the world."

Stand up and give thanks to Him, for our prayers are being answered. Today at Alexa's treatment we got great news!!!
The leukemia cells in her blood are 0but there are still some in her bone marrow, but the ones in the marrow look like they are dead. Alexa had a very tough day, spinal tap and a bone marrow aspiration on top of a full round of chemo. She is so strong and really not worried about anything but losing her hair, which is getting thin very quick. Please keep praying for all of us. WE NEED YOU. Chris S.

Sunday, January 30, 2005 10:39 AM CST

To view prior entries, click on the "read journal" tab at the top of this page.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

It is Sunday morning and Alexa is still holding strong. On Tuesday, we will return to Riley for her 4th bone marrow aspiration, a spinal tap and some intense chemo through her central line. We have learned to knit which makes the long, lonely days a bit better for her. Connor is working hard preparing for his upcoming science fair project. He knows that he his helping Alexa through the stem cell transplant, but I don't believe he knows to what magnitude he his helping. That's a lot to put on a 10 year old boys shoulders. Chris and I have really late (I mean really late) night talks about our faith, future, our finances. Somehow everything just has to work out. The demons/fears come out of hiding in the middle of the night--that's when we pull out the Bible and try to get through those pre-dawn hours.

Your support and prayers are helping us immensely. Please keep it all coming our way.
Love,
The Shank Family

Friday, January 28, 2005 7:49 PM CST

Alexa is doing fine, the trip to Riley today was ok. She is on high doses of prednisone, so she is enjoying eating EVERYTHING.We thank you all for your encourging comments, please continue to pray for us , and for all of the doctors that devote their lives to healing children.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005 2:49 PM CST

To view prior entries, please click on "prior day journal entry" tab. Another good day! So far Alexa is breezing through her re-induction chemo doses of prednisone, vincristine, PEG-asparaginase, doxorubicin, cytarabine and 3 bone marrow aspirations over the past 9 days. A church member is coming over to teach Alexa how to knit tomorrow morning and her school teacher is coming over tomorrow evening to keep her beautiful mind sharp! Her AGC or absolute neutrophyllic count is very low which means her litle body is extremely vulnerable to infections/colds. This is normal and we are just laying low. The plan is to undergo 4-5 months of intense chemo, followed by total body radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant with her big brother Connor as her donor. It was incredible to see the DNA match the doctor's provided--they are absolutely, perfectly compatible!! Connor & Alexa are 18 months apart and very close. Riley has told us to plan on being in-patient at the hospital for at least the months of March, May and June.

Late at night, when it's just "me & the moon," I praise GOD for holding Alexa in the palm of his hand and thank HIM for all the good and wonderful people in our lives. Please keep sending us your thoughts & prayers--we need you to continue to lift us up.

Love the Shanks-
James 1:2-4
"Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

Monday, January 24, 2005 8:12 PM CST

Today was a good day. We feel blessed to have so many supportive friends and family. Tomorrow we go to Riley for a bone marrow aspiration and some very intense chemotherapy--vincristine and PEG-Asparaginaise. Connor was able to tell his class today that he is a "match" for Alexa's stem cell transplant later this summer. GOD is good!

Sunday, January 23, 2005 8:37 AM CST

To view prior days entries, please click on the "read journal history" tab. Alexa is feeling well today. She has been getting plenty of rest which is greatly needed. We will return to Riley Tuesday, for another round of chemo. We returned home from the hospital on Friday, January 21; however, we will continually be in and out of the hospital for our treatments for many months. My fear is we will be in the hospital more than we are out of the hospital. Connor had a fun time last night spending the night at a buddys house. If you wish to help with your tax free donation to help defray the staggering, medical and out-of-pocket prescription costs, The Alexa Shank Trust Fund has been established. The details are as follows:

Alexa Shank Trust Fund
Tabernacle Christian Church
198 North Water Street
Franklin IN 46131
317-736-5088

1st Peter 1:6-7
God Bless,
The Shank Family

Saturday, January 22, 2005 3:25 PM CST

On June 23, 2002 our Alexa was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). After 2 years and 3 months of successful chemotheraphy we had our final treatment September 17th, 2004. Unfortunately, on January 14th at Alexa's 4th monthly check-up her blood counts did not look good. On January 16th Riley Cildren's Hopital performed a bone marrow aspiration and her relapse of ALL was confirmed. On January 17th her central line was surgically implanted and her chemotheraphy began again. Hopefully, her body will tolerate 4-5 months of intense chemo without any complications and then be followed with a stem cell transplant. Amen,her older brother Connor, is a perfect match for a transplant. Connor has amazed us with his willingness to help his sister during the past two and a half years. We are blessed to have him play such an important part in Alexas recovery. Please keep our family in your prayers. The Shank Family 1st Peter 1:6-7

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----End of History----