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.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Counts looking good!



We had a very quick little trip to Phoenix Children's Hospital yesterday. Would you believe it was 45 minutes in and out the front doors and we had great counts in hand! HGB 11.7, Platelets 191, and ANC 5,000! We were glad to be here because we heard that the Texas Medical Center is pretty much out of blood. They are not giving out platelets unless people are bleeding!

THIS WOULD BE A VERY GOOD TIME TO DONATE BLOOD OR PLATELETS! Even if you haven't done it in a very long time. I'm a little worried about the other kids down there who might need transfusions. Check out the website www.giveblood.org if you are in the greater Houston area... If you are not in the area, you can find your local blood center and give, anyway;)

Hans is enjoying his trip. We are all having fun and being at least a little bit pampered. Lots of swimming, lots of playing Wii. Debi had been asked to bring Gabi, the new puppy, in for a photo shoot. We ended up having a little impromptu photo shoot of Hans, KK and Elle with and with out the doggie. I'll update with the photographer's website when he gets our photos up, so that you can check it out. But, I was able to post a couple of the photos today. Pretty good for just getting them yesterday!

Kevin is doing fine. We acutally got power back on at our house Wednesdat afternoon. He was able to return the favor and help another guy get a tree off his house, yesterday. Our block has been doing a few hurricane parties, so it's not all doom and gloom down there. He also said he got a very reasonable quote on getting the rest of the tree down. It was actually just the top 20 or 30 feet of a tree that landed on our house. The other 40 feet is still standing and we needed to get it down. I guess the guy is going to come out to the house today - amazing!

All we have left to do is figure out when to come home. That's a little tricky b/c we don't have our dates for UCSF nailed down yet. It's tentatively set for the week of Sept. 29th. We think the kids are going to be back in school Tuesday, so we'll see.

Thanks for checking up on us. Please keep Chloe Parker's family in your prayers. They are in truly unthinkable circumstances. Chloe's services are today and they still are operating without power at their house.

Lara

7 comments:

Charon said...

Lara,
Glad you are all doing okay and getting to enjoy your time (without transfusion!). Beautiful pictures of the kids!

Charon

Claire Rider said...

So glad you all got to Phoenix safe and sound and that you are able to get help with the house quickly. I love the picture of Hans with the puppy!
You all take care.
Love, Claire

Anonymous said...

Hi Lara-
Just went on to check on you all after the hurricane only to find you are in Phoenix! Don't know how long you will be up there but Tony, the kids and I would love to come and say "hi"! I don't have a phone for you so I hope you see this post. We have been thinking and praying for your family a lot and are glad Hans counts seem to good. We feel so helpless- if there's anything we can do please let us know!! Give Hans and Elle our love,
Jen, Tony, Ashley and Ryan Brown
ressia112@yahoo.com
520-971-6773
Hope we get to see you:)

Kerri Schaefer said...

Hugged Michele for you. the service was lovely! QWe will keep praying for them and you guys!

Kerri

suzanne said...

Hi Lara and Hans,

Glad you are sheltered and able to enjoy playing with relatives and animals. Sorry about the house - I'm sure it will be beautiful again some day!

The cool weather this week was such a blessing here. We're in Dallas for the weekend for the BMT-survivor conference and Elizabeth is playing with her aunt.
Houston is getting hot again - no power yet for us.

Hans, enjoy the puppy! Your pictures are really cute! Elle, are you still beading??

Hugs,
Elizabeth and Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Hi, there!

So pleased to know that all is going well in The Woodlands for Kevin, as well as in Scottsdale!!

The pictures are darling! I know that Debbie and Kalene are pampering all of you, and this rest time will help you as you face future plans.

Little Chloe's family has been in my thoughts and prayers. Indeed, life has been overwhelming for them.

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

Lara!

Those photos are UNBELIEVABLE!! Hans looks so cute I just can't stand it!

I'm glad things are getting back under control with your house. Enjoy your "vacation!"

Love Shelley