Gina was 7 when she was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. She had radiation and chemotherapy for approximately 7 months at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Gina had been cancer free for nearly one year. This journal follows Gina through treatment after her relapse.
FAQ's (Updates in Red)
*Why did you set up a website? This is a bit weird isn’t it? A. We need the support of our friends and family but we can’t keep everyone updated. Imagine coming home from 15 hours in the hospital, walking into the kitchen, and seeing 28 new messages on the answering machine. We need to focus whatever energy isn’t going to Gina toward trying to keep things semi-normal for the other kids but we need to keep the wonderful people in our lives up to date.
* What can we do to help? A. That depends on who you are. If God is reading this, the answer is pretty obvious. As for everyone else, we’re struggling along but doing ok for now. Where we really need help is with the other kids. They are the ones who are going to be overlooked. If you are involved with them, anything you can do to help keep things as normal as possible for them is greatly appreciated and please overlook it if they act even weirder than normal.
*Do you need money? A. No, but thank you for thinking of us.
*We know you’re Lutheran and I’m not. Do you still want me to pray for Gina and your family? A. While we trust in Jesus and his will, we’ll take any help we can get. Prayers of any type; good thoughts; whatever. Please keep them coming. Anyone wants to sacrifice a goat? Go ahead.
*Would you like us to visit Gina? (updated 01/14/08) A. Now wouldn't be a good time. Gina is about to start treatment again and exposing her to any germs would be really bad. We will let everyone know when she is able to have visitors.
*We’re thinking of you and want you to know or we have a non-urgent thing to ask you about? A. If your message is a private one, send us an email. If not, You can go into our guestbook and leave us or Gina a message there!
*Is Gina facing chemotherapy or radiation? (update 01/14/08) A. Actually, we are not sure yet. The doctors need to decide which protocol will be best for Gina. We will update this info in the journal.