We are Danielle and Blake Crosby, the proud parents of a wonderful 4-year old girl named Revel. She is a sweet, smart, funny, ray of sunshine. Some of her favorite activities include racing her scooter, exploring at the beach, playing with her cousins, visiting playgrounds, and eating organic tomatoes from the vine in our garden. We are very blessed to have her in our lives.
Revel was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on August 18th and admitted to the Memorial Pediatric Specialty Unit in Savannah. Blood and platelet transfusions began immediately that night. Those were the most frightening and heart-wrenching 24 hours of our lives, watching our child endure a lot of pain and confusion while coping with shock.
We started this caring bridge to keep you all updated on Revel’s journey through treatment. We’ve been touched and strengthened by the outpouring of love and support we’ve received already. Thank you.
On August 21st she underwent surgery to place a central port in her chest, bone marrow aspirate, spinal tap, and chemo injection. Leaving her at the OR is another experience that is now a scar in our memories. Surgery went very well and she astonished us with her resilience. After coming out of anesthesia, and her first round of IV chemo, she wanted to visit the hospital’s playground. Check out the pictures of this beautiful warrior.
Revel’s first spinal tap came back negative for Leukemia cells and her bone marrow results showed genetic markers that are more receptive to treatment. Hopeful signs of the ultimate goal, a Cure.
Each day we face emotional and physical challenges while we adjust to a new normal. The Pediatric Oncology team at Memorial Health have been incredible at helping us navigate every step. They describe the first 6-9 months as climbing the mountain so we are focusing on step by step. I will not sugarcoat, there are some very hard times. I can’t imagine going through this without a loving partner.
Revel consistently amazes us with her bravery and inquisitiveness. She is strong and even while fighting cancer, with low energy from chemo, she makes us, and the medical team, smile and laugh regularly with her quick wit and substantial questions. Although she is very young, we’re being honest with her about her diagnosis, treatment plan, and the tough road ahead. She named her port “Rainbow Port” and is embracing its power.
Please keep lifting Revel up in your hearts and minds. Your thoughts, prayers, and healing vibes are working because, so far she has one of the more promising prognoses for childhood cancer. We are grateful to have you following and supporting her. Hug your loved ones, tell them how much they mean to you, and don’t take a second for granted.
For those of you asking how you can help: We started a GoFundMe (
https://gofund.me/28d23c97 as well as Venmo: @daniellehicksmusic) but we struggled over whether to create this page. We are very fortunate to have jobs that we can do remotely and from home, so we are not in dire need, however this will take a toll on our livelihoods. Her road to recovery will be several years long and a costly journey. We will graciously accept anything that can help improve Revel's quality of life during this process, she is our number one priority.