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Happy Home-Going Day, Christina! We love you! 
On Tuesday April 5th, 2005 Christina (age 5) was diagnosed with sinus cancer,
a Rhabdomyosarcoma.
Surgery was not an option for the doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Christina went through 5 weeks of radiation and almost 40 weeks of chemotherapy. In October 2005 the sinus cancer was declared dead and we rejoiced; but on January 3rd, 2006 Christina had a seizure at home and we soon found out that the cancer had spread to her brain and spine. Christina did well despite her diagnosis, but her condition began to worsen in April over a 2 week period until her body could take no more and God called her home.
On Wednesday April 26th, 2006 Christina went home
to Heaven to be with Jesus!
Her battle with cancer ended at home peacefully and painlessly as God reached down and gently pulled her sweet spirit from her tired little body. She is now without illness, pain, sadness, or tears, and has a brand new body. She is basking in the light, and joy, and peace, and love of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.
"Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome home."
We donated Christina's body to The Johns Hopkins Hospital for Cancer Research where an autopsy was performed, and tissue samples were collected and then banked for future research by any interested institution. Then her body was transported to the Anatomy Board of Maryland (near the University of Maryland). According to the gentleman at the Anatomy Board, this is the first time in 25 years that he has seen a family donate a child's body for research and study.
Christina's body is currently at the Anatomy Board and is being used to study pediatric circulation. Her bones will also be used in a new bone-growth study that will hopefully be more effective and less painful than the current Ilizarov fixator device. It is exciting to know that a part of Christina continues to help the medical and scientific community in the search for
new treatments and cures.
A Memorial Service was held on May 20th, 2006 to celebrate Christina's vibrant life on earth--
a life lived for Jesus.
Thank you all for your steadfast support, love,
and prayers that helped to carry us through the many challenges of this past year. And by the grace of God, we keep pressing on with thankful and joyful hearts, and with great hope for the future when we will be reunited with Christina, never to be separated again.
Journal
Monday, April 26, 2010 Dear Christina-
HAPPY HOME-GOING DAY!
Today marks four years since you left us and went home to Heaven. Please tell Jesus 'thank you' for all of the love and comfort He has poured out on us. It doesn't hurt so much anymore.
One day soon we will all be together, but until then know that we love you and miss you very much. All of your friends miss you too. You have made a great impact in the lives of many people. Your sweet face still blesses the desks and refridgerators of many offices and homes. You will never be forgotten.
Lots of love and hugs and tickles and giggles!
Mom and Dad, Hannah & Joey
Read Journal History
Links: http://www.makeachildsmile.org Support for Children with Chronic or Life-Threatening Diseases, and their families.
http://www.wish.org Make-A-Wish Foundation: Granting Wishes to Children with Life-Limiting Illnesses
aplacecalledhope@comcast.net A Place Called Hope, Inc.-Offering HOPE to families living with childhood cancer.
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