~*Antonio*~

Hi my name is Olivia, mama to my brave and courageous son Antonio. Antonio was born on August 2, 2001. He was diagnosed with High Risk Neuroblastoma on March 19th 2004. It’s a rare childhood cancer that requires a lot of intense treatment. About 650 kids in the United States are diagnosed with High Risk Neuroblastoma each year. The doctors gave Antonio a 25% chance to make it. He is very strong and I pray everyday that he will continue to stay in remission. He’s was on protocol COG A3973. He has gone through eight rounds of intense chemotherapy, two surgeries (one on his 3rd Birthday), a stem cell transplant, and 12 rounds of radiation. Then he did 6 months of oral treatment at home. As of now he has been in Remission/N.E.D (No Evidence of Disease) for 8 years. I want to thank everyone who visits our website, I know we dont update often, but that usually is a good sign things are going well with Antonio:) Thank you for showing you care. You all mean a great deal to Antonio and I


The Chosen Mothers
by Erma Bombeck
Most women become a mother by accident, some by choice
and a few by habit. Did you ever wonder how mother's of
children with life threatening illnesses are chosen?
Somehow, I visualize God hovering over earth
selecting His instruments for progagation with great care and
deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels
to make notes in a giant ledger.......
"Armstrong, Beth, son, patron saint Matthew"
Forrest, Marjorie, daughter, patron saint Cecilia"
Rutledge, Carrie, twins, partron saint Greard."
Finally, He passes a name to an angel and says, "Give
her a child with cancer." The angel is curious. "Why this
one, God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give a child with cancer
a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But, does she have patience?" asks the angel,
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will
drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and
resentment wears off, she will handle it."
"I watched her today," said God. "She has that feeling
of self-independence that is so rare and necessary in a mother.
You see, the child I'm going to give her has it's own world.
She has to make it live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she believes in you," said the angel.
"No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just
enough selfishness."
The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child
occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is the woman I will bless
with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet,
but she is to be envied. She will never take anything her child does for
granted. She will never consider a single step
ordinary. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see....ignorance,
cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them."
"And what about her patron saint" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.
God smiles and says..."A mirror will suffice."

Journal

Sunday, January 12, 2014 11:52 PM CST

Hello everyone :)

I know I don't update often, but no news is usually good news :)
Antonio is doing great! He started 7th grade this past fall and so far hablesssn't had too much trouble with middle school. He is getting good grades and has lots if friends. He just started basketball and is enjoying that.

A few months back we found a lump on his chest. We've been to the doctors quite a few times, but they aren't sure what it is. His endocrinologist thinks it could just be hormonal. we go back next month to follow up, but it doesn't seem to be bothering him that much. Other than that everything has been going very well.

Later this year we will be celebrating Antonio's 10th year in remission. I will be having fundraisers all year long to raise money for childhood cancer research, in honor of Antonio. I've been raising money for some years now and debating on if this will be my last year. I've enjoyed doing all these events, its just very time consuming and a lot of work, but who knows maybe I'll continue next year...lol we'll see how this year goes :)

March 15th, June 8th & Sept 6th I will host pancake breakfasts at the Renton Applebees. I will probably do something else too, but we'll see :)

Besides all that this year will be just special, we will continue to celebrate Antonio's life and continue to be so grateful for what we have. I am extremely blessed and can't wait to celebrate Antonio's 10th year in remission later this year :)

Thank you all for your continued support, we are so thankful for our family and friends, and all the people who have supported us for years :)

Read Journal History

Hospital Information:

Seattle Children's Hospital
4800 Sand Point Way NE
seattle, wa 98105
206-987-1000

Links:

E-mail Author: tonio0802@yahoo.com

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Note: The foregoing information was authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any sponsoring agent.  This information does not confirm that anyone is or was actually a patient at any facility.