06/25/2010
by Michael Wells I woke up this morning and realized I had no mentioned a couple of wonderful events which occurred yesterday. First, Brian Ceralo (Jackie’s Dad) came to the hospital last night to introduce us to Joe and Maryann of Edison. Joe and Maryann are professional “healers” who believe in the power of prayer as I have never experienced before. It was a very simple but incredibly moving experience. We held hands and Joe led us in pray. Not too long ago; (as a self described secular person), I would have laughed at this but I can only tell you it was simply a beautiful experience. Thank you, Brian and Lori for arranging this and thank you Joe and Maryann for taking the time to pray for our son. The next wonderful event of the day was arranged by Monica & John Vermeulen of The Ashley Lauren Foundation. After their daughter Ashley was diagnosed with kidney cancer, they started this great organization. The Ashley Lauren Foundation, a non-profit, charitable organization incorporated with the State of New Jersey on July 6, 2005, was founded because of a passion to make a difference in the lives of these families. The desire to help others facing the same daily battle of pediatric cancer is held by all of those associated with The Ashley Lauren Foundation. Ashley is cancer free and doing just great. Sherrie reached out to Monica attempting to arrange for one of the Sesame Street character (Elmo) to visit Brady. Elmo and the rest of the Sesame characters are now Brady’s favorites by far surpassing Baby Einstein. Anyway, Sherrie didn’t have to ask more than once as she received an immediate “yes”. John rented a costume and last night at 7:30pm the biggest Elmo I have ever seen (John has to be 6’5”) showed up at Brady’s room. Brady gets this big smile on his face and says “Elmo”, immediately followed with a quizzical expression, “Bert”? It was just adorable. John and Monica thank you so much for dropping everything and making a little boy very happy. And thank you, Tracey Levine for introducing us to The Ashley Lauren Foundation. [link removed] Just an amazing organization!Another day in the battle to beat this horrible disease ended in another disappointment. Sherrie and Brady were on their way to CHOP but one last item had to be completed before they started their trip; Brady’s temperature had to be taken and unfortunately it read: 102.5. This caused the trip to be cancelled as the risk of a lymphocyte transfusion is compounded if the patient is febrile. So, it’s Monday we are now shooting for, provided Brady’s temperature get closer to normal. I swear, Brady cannot catch a break. Sherrie went home early tonight as she is just about as exhausted as I have ever seen her. She needs to get some rest and I sure hope she does. I’m going to keep this a short entry as I must tend to Brady. Please keep him in your prayers, thoughts and hugs. It’s just getting really scary…
“8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer” is a series of posts revisiting the journal kept by Sherrie and Michael Wells during the cancer diagnosis and treatment of their son, Brady Michael. Hopefully these entires will provide an understanding of the journey families face when dealing with these horrific diseases and of the important work the Hugs for Brady Foundation does.