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.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Hans is 5!


Jack, Morgan, Adrian, Michael, Zoe, Elle, Hans, Zach and Ryan getting ready to make a wish...

Yipee! Hooray! Hans turned 5 years old yesterday!
Kevin, Elle and I were so happy and proud of our little guy as he celebrated his big day yesterday. Hans is very proud to be 5! He's actually been rounding up for months - so now he can just stop lying to everyone about his age.

Hans' counts checked out okay on Monday - no transfusions needed - and a whopping ANC of 11K! We were just happy to be able to celebrate from home, not at the hospital or clinic. The docs started to freak me out a little on Thursday - bracing us for a possible inpatient Bday - but, that didn't happen. With Hans' RSV status we had to have just a small celebration outdoors at a park, but that was okay - both Hans and Elle thought it was a perfect (if hot) day. We grilled turkey dogs, played with super squirters, did a Power Rangers Version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, and the kids did the Limbo to the tunes of The Beach Boys. We also had a Pinata - I think/hope each kid got two turns to take a swing at it before Elle (the oldest of the group) busted it open American Gladiator style. It was pretty fun. We had a handful of friends to share the day with - so we were all happy - Kevin took a vacation day to hang with (and grill for) the birthday boy.

Thanks to all of our parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins and friends who have been sending Hans cards and packages. Thanks also to Breanna for finding a special something for Hans up at clinic, and to Nurse Natalie, who met up with us to give Hans two way cool transformers on Monday after clinic! Super cool! He has been having such fun receiving all of the gifts!

We go in for another check up on Thursday to check counts, chemistries and just to be sure we're on board for getting more chemo on MONDAY...

Lara

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Everybody I know would have loved to have been at Hans' BIG 5 B-day party!!! Looks like a great time! And I can just see Elle getting into the Pinata Challenge!
Crossing our fingers things work out for a visit.......
Love and Prayers,
G'ma Stephanie

Therese said...

Glad to her Hans had a great party and that he is doing better.

Anonymous said...

We're very proud of our birthday boy! In spite of everything he just keeps being Hans.

Love,
Grandma Kathy, Grandpa Dale

Anonymous said...

Wow! Looks like a great 5th Birthday party! I wish that I could have been there to celebrate with y'all.

Love,

Roxie

Claire Rider said...

Yea Hans!!!!
Happy Birthday from Patrick! So glad you had a great party at the park! Wish we would have seen you guys in the clinic, but very glad you were at home and having fun!
Love, Claire, Shaine & Patrick

Anonymous said...

Happy 5th Birthday, Hans! Sounds like your party was a lot of fun!

Love Shelley, Greta and Tim Verkist