About Me

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Bakersfield, CA, United States
Hans was a busy, happy, sweet and fearless three year old when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. He fought his disease like a "gladiator" for nearly 6 years. Hans was an animal lover to his core. He was 'guarded' at home by his three cats, Black, Orange and Cotton. He also had his Golden Retriever, Honey, to keep him company. Hans enjoyed swimming, biking, gardening, grilling (he had his very own grill!), horseback riding, playing video games, building Legos, and flipping between Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Animal Planet. Hans loved all members of his family and he was a loyal friend. He had to go through a lot of treatment in his life. But Hans powered through it. His attitude was let's get this done! His motivation was always to get back home, to his family, pets, favorite foods and pool.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Hans the Fish!

Me and Hans at Alden Bridge Pool yesterday. He lasted about an hour in the pool. I think it's a great way for him to build up strength. And, he looks completely happy floating on the noodle...
(Thanks to Carmen for taking the shot and sending it to me. Thanks, too, for watching Elle when Hans and I had to bail.)

Hans has just continued to do a little bit better everyday. He did really well at the swim meet yesterday. These things last hours and you just set up a little area to hang out in any shade you can find. Thanks, Dana, for letting us all borrow your cool shade tent at the meet on Saturday. Hans hung in there through the whole thing. I was even off doing my volunteer job of writing down times for 2 hours and he was fine hanging out.

Last Thursday was the Neuroblastoma Meeting at TCH. I decided to conserve our energy and stay home. However, Kevin went, since it's not too far from work. He said the meeting was awesome. He got our Doctor's permission to go the National Neuroblastoma Conference in Chicago next weekend. We scrambled to make the arrangements and it's all set. We're looking forward to going to a new city. And, to finding out all we can that may be able to help us make the best decisions for Hans now. We'll also get to see a bit of the city and meet up with Kevin's cousin Erin, who lives there.

We tried out an Astro's game on Friday night! Every time we would pass Minute Maid Park on the way down to TCH Hans would get all excited and talk about getting to eat chips and watch the game, and see fireworks. So, we took him. I think he was pretty tired after not napping all day. But, with lots of concessions, we managed to see most of the first half of the game. It was a good experience. I just think he'd stay a little longer next time.

I'll post more on Tuesday, after his office visit. I'm hoping he'll have gained a bit of weight. We think he's filling out a little bit!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there - Especially Kevin, Grandpa Oscar, Grandpa Dean, Grandpa Dale, Papa, Great Grandpa Bud, and "Gramps"(Great Grandpa Web).
Lara

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hooray! I'm all about the water therapy. It is such a good non-impact way to build strength, and there is something about floating in water that is healing. I'm so glad he took the plunge.

Looking forward to seeing y'all in a few weeks!

xoxo
Erin

Anonymous said...

Happy Fathers Day, Kevin! You are an awesome Dad! So glad to continue to hear good news. I love that big smile on Hans" face. Love, Cindy

Anonymous said...

Hans, you look like you are having a great time in the water! Thanks Carmen for the cute picture and all of your support!

I think you're all going to have a fun time in Chicago with cousin Erin. And how great is that trip through Make A Wish! I know that cousin Drew can give you all some inside information on things to see in Costa Rica - just drop him a line.

Love and Hugs, Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Dale