Our grandson Noah was diagnosed with Philadelphia 23 leukemia when he was less than two years old.  Unlike ALL, which has a very good cure rate, this terrible gene switching type is very hard to fight.   But fight we did, and Noah bravely kept his ability to enjoy life in the midst of constant treatment for nearly five years.

The doctors and nurses at UCSF, Duke Children’s, and Morristown Children’s were state of the art, individual and family focused, amazing care givers.  They put every effort into designing strategies to help Noah survive.  He was even able to have the experiences a young child should have, including some time in nursery school and kindergarten.  Until about a year and a half ago, Noah lived nearby, and we helped care for him, whether near or far.  But now the family is in New Jersey, due to a better job.

And due to the treatment way of life, Noah had many experiences that most children never have…and they were fun as well as painful and harsh.  He had many early admissions to favorite kid places such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  He rode on merry-go-rounds and steam trains that were opened early and run just for him, because he was so immune compromised.  The Corporate Angel Network program allowed him to travel across the country in corporate jets when he could not fly by commercial plane.  And there was no doubt in his heart that his family loved him deeply and unconditionally, that doctors and nurses were working hard for his sake and ours, and that complete strangers were anxious to go out of their way to help.

But now, the pain of those of us who loved Noah is as deep and strong as our commitment to him in life.  Our daughter’s hope is that one of the studies in which Noah has participated will help other children, so that they and their families won’t have this terrible burden.  

We are grateful that Kara is there for everyone who asks, all year every year.  Our daughter is waiting for a local organization similar to Kara to resume after a summer hiatus. We appreciate the support that Kara gives to the grieving, at all times of the year, and we appreciate all the people who support Kara.

From our hearts,

Mark and Mary Ann Harris

September, 2011