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Brooke Ann Clemons 
March 23, 1999 - April 6, 2006
Brooke was diagnosed with Wilms tumor in her right kidney, liver and both lungs (Stage IV) on January 13, 2004. Her histology was originally identified at favorable, but her first CT scan showed no improvement. Based on lack of response, she began a much more aggressive chemotherapy regimen as Stage IV, diffuse anaplasia on March 9, 2004. After six rounds of the more aggressive chemotherapy, surgery and abdominal radiation, Brooke's CT scan showed no evidence of disease. To prevent relapse, Brooke began an autologous stem cell transplant on August 31, 2004. Her eight lung radiation treatments were completed on November 18, 2004. On June 17th a suspicious spot on her right lung was surgically removed and confirmed to be Wilm's Tumor. On April 4, 2006 a lesion was removed from her left lung that was also confirmed to be Wilms tumor. Complications (influenza B and strep pneumonia) following surgery led to her death on April 6, 2006.
***NEW PICTURES POSTED MARCH 19th***
Journal
Monday, April 6, 2009 1:11 AM CDT It is so hard to imagine that 3 years ago Brooke left this world. As I replay the tapes of her last admission to the hospital, it is overwhelming to think about many of the details. But then, thankfully, I am comforted too. Comforted by her peaceful passing surrounded by many of the people who love her, comforted by Bryan reminding her to "feel the love" as we all placed our hands on her and prepared to let her go, comforted by Father Chuck's words in those finals minutes together, comforted by the lasting memory of her smile on her face that night, comforted that she is healed forever from cancer, and comforted by the fact that we were blessed to have her as our daughter/sister!
In so many ways it seems like Brooke was just here with us, and then at other times it feels like she has been gone for a very long time. But EVERY day we miss Brooke and are reminded of what a lasting impression she made on our family. We just returned from our Spring Break vacation/Sacred Heart softball trip to Disney World...and oh how the memories flooded in! The Rock-n-Roll roller coaster, driving the cars on the Indy Speedway, watching the Muppet's 3D puppet show, watching the Electric Light Parade, Buzz Lightyear, and getting the character's autographs were all favorite activities for Brooke. I could almost "see" Brooke at every turn. And while it was hard "reliving" those memories with our family, it was important to get through it together and to share that same fun with Kristen (who at age 7 is just slightly older than Brooke was on her Dream Trip to Disney). But it is not just the big events that remind us of her...it can also be the daily things...a song on the radio or a picture that can bring a smile to my face or tears to my eyes. It is nice that time can't wash away all of those emotions and memories.
To say that we miss Brooke doesn't begin to tell the story and we have to do our best to carry on with our lives... it would be an injustice to our other children to stop living because Brooke died. But in our grief, we have never been alone. We have been blessed with the love and support of our family and friends...people we have met that were traveling a similar path...people we "met" through Brooke's website...the doctors, nurses and staff at Kosair....to each of you, THANK YOU! But to survive Brooke's death, we have needed our faith to carry us through. I don't know where we would be if we did have the hope of eternal life and the chance to see dear Brooke again. Most of you have heard the story of the tragic death of Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter last year. He was quoted as saying following her death, "The only thing more frightening than walking through what we walked through with our faith would be to walk through this alone, cursing God." I feel like those same words could have just as easily come from my mouth.
But today, in the midst of our sadness for what April 6th will always represent on our calendar, we will thank God for Brooke and for the 7 years and 14 days that He shared her with us. We remember Brooke's big brown eyes, her sweet smile, and her uncanny ability to WIN every board game. We remember her laughter, her big bear hugs and kisses. We remember her loving heart and her strong spirit. We remember her ability to have fun no matter where she was or what was ahead. We remember her love for her family and the JOY that she brought to our lives. We remember our daughter and sister and we are thankful that she is cancer-free and happy in Heaven!
Love,
Bryan and Stephanie
Read Journal History
Hospital Information: Patient Room: HEAVEN The Clemons Family
6403 Keith Springs Circle
Louisville, KY 40207
Links: http://www.acor.org/ped-onc/hp/wilmspages.html Kids with Wilms tumor
http://www.patientcenters.com/childcancer/news/wilms_tumor.html Wilms information
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