June 18, 2003

We're there!

Hey everybody..........So much seems to be happening I can hardly keep up! Life is definitely crazy during the week Jade feels good since we have to cram so much into it!

Monday Jade had his oncology appt and had his blood work done. Everything (red count, white count, hemaglobin, hermatocrit, platelettes) were finally back within "normal" post-chemo ranges. He had a bazillion blood tests to continue the staging for harvesting. He also had another Procrit shot.

Jade is really enjoying spending time with his siblings and nieces/nephews who are all here from out of town (CA, VA and AZ). It's also been hysterical to watch Garrett interact with his cousins. Garrett absolutely got the "social" gene from Jade and loves people! His cousins were very tolerant of him walking through their card games and other activities.

Many of you probably heard the news that we're very close on reaching the goal to pay for the transplant. This has only been accomplished through your efforts. Assuming the Deseret Foundation follows through with the money they've been talking with us about, and that the last few fund raising efforts go as well as the others, we will have covered the hard costs we've become obligated for via a contract, and have a little cushion for the costs not covered by the contract or insurance. So, we have a couple things to finalize and follow through with, but we're essentially there! How amazing! The only downside is that Jade and I really wanted to tell a lot of you in person since you have invested so much time, energy and effort in our behalf with the fund raising. We can't express enough our gratitude. If someone would have told me on April 23rd that we would not only come up with the money but basically get it together in six to seven weeks, I wouldn't have believed you. Honestly, hearing the need for fund raising was devastating to us. Almost as tough as hearing the official cancer diagnosis. It seemed insurmountable and inconceivable to have to ask for money/help. (Now you get a glimpse at the level of pride that exists in my life.) Once we realized we didn't have a choice but to ask for help with the organization and sheer work involved with fund raising, we didn't (couldn't) look back. Now that we're there I don't think there's an ounce of pride (or privacy, haha) left in my body. With the humility of receiving help has come a very tender heart. I wouldn't call it "obligation" but I do feel a strong desire to make sure I reciprocate the service I have received. I've told many people that nobody wants to test friendships, but we have and everyone has passed with flying colors. Tonight there were multiple stories on local TV and there will be others in the newspapers in the coming days. We are very grateful for the help from the media in getting the word out. Speaking of which, there will be a wonderful concert on Friday, 11 July (7:30) at Viewmont High School in Bountiful, UT (Davis County) which is Jade's and mine alma mater. (Check www.jadepusey.com for information about tickets or email Curtis at Ravstence@ldschurch.org.) It really seems like a touching, sentimental way to wrap up the fund raising activities. We aren't cancelling any fund raisers that are scheduled but feel like we're at a point we don't need to push hard to organize more.

Jade and I are almost compulsive about wanting to make sure the message is sent strongly regarding our gratitude. I never want anyone to think their effort, whether large or small, is not acknowledged and appreciated. Every donation has made a difference. Children learning about giving and service through lemonade stands, good grade money and even the tooth fairy has touched our hearts. Checks from the eldery living on fixed incomes have been difficult to deposit. Many families are struggling through their own crises of downsizing and unemployment. Huge sacrifices of time and energy have been made. I shouldn't even start this list since I undoubtedly will leave someone or a group out. Please know we are touched and forever changed as a result of your compassion towards us. It seems awfully simple but, Thank You. We truly couldn't have done this alone.

As I overheard Jade telling someone earlier tonite, we've seen the face of God. He's been on our doorstep at 1 am bringing us batteries we needed, collecting donation jars, stringing bracelets, bringing Chinese food, on the phone for countless hours and giving much sustaining, loving hugs. Thank you.

We are looking tentatively at having Jade admitted into LDS Hospital about the third week of July. As the time frame gets closer, we'll keep you posted. Jade's line gets switched out this Fri and chemo starts on Mon so the email updates will continue! Thank you again and for all of you who have worked your guts out fund raising in our behalf, enjoy the summer and your newly acquired free time! Take care...............

Much love........................Tanya and co.