Will Power

Sitting in an oncologist's office after the three month check up from a tumor removal surgery, we learn that my son will need an intensive chemotherapy protocol.  His adrenal cancer had metastasized to his lungs and liver.  Our lives changed immediately.  Thus began a six month cycle of chemotherapy that would require 5-6 day stays at the hospital and daily trips to and from.  Work and school would simultaneously halt and we would begin a new journey of growth and gratitude.  The light that came through at the time was that Springtime will be the end of treatments.  And it is upon us.

Will is going to be entering his 8th and final IV chemo treatments in mid April.  This little, vivacious (now) 4 year old is coming up to a milestone in his plan.  During this past round of holiday at the hospital (I have to have some fun with the situation we face), Will and I spoke about hopefully having one more week long holiday.  As much as Will and I have come to know this as our new normal, it will again change soon.  I am not sure exactly how, but I will continue to share with you Will’s walks of life as he conquers cancer’s ass.

Humbled doesn’t even begin to express the love and honor I feel at being Will’s mother and learning more from him than I ever knew I could myself.  He is always smiling and asking questions about topics well beyond his years.  He said he wants to become a doctor and a nurse. Whatever you choose baby!!  The love and support from all of the nurses, techs, residents, and secretaries on the pediatric floor of Goryeb Children’s Hospital at Morristown Medical Center bring great joy to Will’s face during our long stays. While all of our new friends will certainly be missed, I am going to be asking for prayers and hope that this will be the last of this type of treatment for my strong baby boy, although if I said that in front of him he would of course yell, ”I’m a big boy now, Mommy.  Not a baby!” And, oh boy do I know that’s true.

Closing out our milestone are two upcoming walks.  On May 18th, Calvary is hosting a “Walk 4 Will” and established a Facebook page.  If you would like to support and celebrate this new chapter for Will, please come! If you don’t have Facebook and would like to come, please email kmae74@gmail.com for a flyer or registration form.  I believe you can also go to practicehard.com to sign up as well.

Additionally, The Valerie Fund is having their annual walk on June 15th and I created a team named “Will Power Walk.”  You are welcome to come support the various Valerie Centers around NJ that helps keep families closer to home.  Follow the link to walk with us –

https://www.thevaleriefund.org/Walk2013/team.php?team=484

I cannot be more proud of my son for all that he has had to overcome in his 4 short years of life.  I would be honored to have you be a part of celebrating him and all that he has endured at either event if you can make it. 

Wishing everyone love and light as we all begin again and learn new ways to navigate through life’s journey.  Whether we see you there or hear your prayers we are blessed with the family, friends, and communities that have come together for Will.