I know it’s been a while since I’ve provided an actual update on where things are with Macie. 

This little cutie had her monthly clinic checkup. She continues to be in remission and as of May 5th, will have made it to 6 months post treatment with no evidence of disease. She will be able to stop the preventative medications that have continued for shingles and pneumonia. She will still have monthly check ups and lab work. Thank God! I truly mean that I give Him all the praise and glory! I remember hearing about this moment at the beginning of treatment because our providers wanted us to have hope. But, getting here is a feeling that has me emotional. Macie has fought cancer with grace, determination, and a motivation to live..just as every child with cancer! She has inspired so many people including me. She lost her health, time with friends, the ability to be in school (the first year due to how hard she was hit with chemo and this one due to covid), sports, and even her father during this journey. She’s dealt with cognitive slowing and needing things repeated. She never lost her smile, her positive spirit, her sassiness and love for the Lord. She has had straight A’s on all of her report cards this year and is killing it as a virtual student! 

Her sister Jaden is also a rockstar. J has been one of Macie’s rocks (mine also). She missed out on a lot as well over the last 3 yrs, however has no hesitation in doing what’s best for her sister and keeping her safe. 

I worry everyday about relapse. I worry that I’ll miss something, I still get angry, I have feelings of guilt because we’re here and other families have experienced losing their child, and I have anxiety attacks. I pray about it and do my best to hand it over to God, but I’m a mother and when you’re a parent you worry about everything with your children. Because of our situation, I have cancer added to the mix. Sometimes this gets the best of me and my anxiety is high. Other times I manage fine. It’s a process. I pray one day I handle it better, but for now it is what it is! I say all of this because these things do not go away when your child has cancer, no matter where they are in treatment...you just enter a new phase and the focus changes. I’m always hopeful though. Our family knows how fragile life is and look forwarding to living each day to its fullest. 

There are a variety of ways to help our kids. We have to be their voice and advocate for them. Sadly our government has not allotted more than 4% of cancer research funding for our children. Right now there are numerous friends raising money for pediatric cancer research and in preparation for an upcoming 21 mile hike. I’ve shared many of their links over the last few months. Please consider a donation in honor of Macie’s big milestone. It was because of continued research that Macie’s type of leukemia was identified and treatment road maps changed years back to improve prognosis. You can send letters and call your state representatives as well. Put pressure on them to make this a priority! Virginia contributes ZERO dollars towards pediatric cancer research. Literally anything is better than what our state is doing currently. If you need contact information and letter templates, message me. Truly, NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE!!! And to those of you fighting alongside our families...thank you, thank you so much! 

Thank you for your continued support, love, prayers and encouragement! We appreciate you so much! I hope you’re all well and doing the very best you can as we move through this pandemic. 

Best, 

Misty