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, February 20, 2009

Hans is on ABT-751!



All of our prayers came through for Hans today! His ALT (sorry, last time I posted I said it was his AST we were waiting on) was 133! Even though it was 8 points above '5 times normal', Dr. Russell called it good and gave us the go-ahead to start. I'm very happy about this. But then, I really had put all my eggs in this basket, so I can't imagine waiting the weekend with a no-go. So now, all we have to do is hope and dream and pray that the ABT 751 will go down easy for Hans, and that it will keep his NB away! I know I'm not asking for much here, huh? Apparently, he can go on this drug for up to 3 years. We will scan again (in Philly) in about 6 weeks to see if we get the thumbs up to keep it up.

Here is a picture with Elle and Hans and all of the CASES of cookies she sold for the Ronald McDonald House! Thank you very much to all of our sweet buyers. There are even more boxes from her troop, too! Elle sold a personal record of 422 boxes this year, with 164 of them going to the RMH Houston - Thanks!

I have been wanting to post a couple of other research-related things. Did I ever tell you that I found out that the CNCF at least partially funded the Phase I Trial that Hans went on up in Philly that put him back into NED status! It just gives me chills to know that you and I have saved this boy with every ornament we put up on his giving tree, every lanyard and baked good we've beaded, baked or bought, we've helped fund important research. It's huge. If you feel moved to do so, you can go back out to www.lunchforlife.org to celebrate by putting another ornament on Hans' tree. Or, better yet, you can put up a few! Put one up for Erin Buegner who has been battling NB since age 5 and now she's in middle school beading lanyards and authoring cookbooks for the cure! Visit her site at http://erinbuenger.blogspot.com/ she's one of my favorite girls in the world. Or, you can put up an ornament on my bud, little Michael Bazargani's http://www.michaelbazargani.blogspot.com/ giving tree - he just learned today that he will go ahead and have surgery next week to remove some residual tumor after 8 rounds of chemotherapy! Don't forget our friend, Colby Ash, who is still stable after relapsing almost 3 years ago! Or, Alex Black who just moved into Long Term Survivor Status! Just a few ideas... there are so many children to adore all over the country and world who are battling this disease, or who have already finished the fight.

I'll post more later with news of the Earth Day Bake Sale, the next NB Garage Sale, and the Amazing Grace Golf Tournament. There are so many ways to help fund the cure. We are continually humbled by your ongoing support.

Have a good weekend! Lara

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yea!!! So glad things worked out good!!
claire rider

Anonymous said...

WHOO HOO!!! Great news, Hans!!!

ELLE!!!! WOW!!! You are one girl scout making a difference! Hooray for YOU!

Love you,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

Excellent! I'm so glad you guys got to start--you must be feeling so much better! Talk to you soon.
Sarah

Anonymous said...

I am so thrilled that Hans got started on ABT 751.

He is one lucky boy!

Elle: I'm so proud of you for all of your cookie sales! Now, make sure you get payment upon delivery!

Love you all,

Roxie
aka Hans' Godmother

Anonymous said...

So Glad to hear your good news!
Hope he stays on it for all three years!

Love The Hutchisons

Anonymous said...

Good news all around. Love that curly hair starting to poke up there!

Love, G. Kathy

Anonymous said...

Lara - It was nice to see you & Hans the other day! I am so happy that his blood count is high enough.....that's great :)

Take care of yourselves & hope to see you again soon.
Shannon, Sean's Mom