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.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Back Home and the Big News

We've been back home a couple of days. I am not so hot with jet lag! I'm trying to get my head back in the game here - just so many weeks 'til summer... bring it on!

I think Hawaii should be mandatory. Everyone needs to go:)

Elle and Hans are getting into the back to school 'til summer grind. Kevin is starting a whole new adventure.

We are going to be moving to California! He starts his new job on Monday. He's doing a cross country road trip right now.
It's a long story, but the short of it is, Kev was going to start with this company back in 2006. He had actually put in his notice at work on a Thursday. Hans was loosley 'diagnosed' in the TCH ER with Neuroblastoma just two days later on a Saturday. We hit pause on our lives for NB in many ways these past 4 and a half years. As my friend Michelle put it, now we are pressing Play.

NB is still a huge factor. But, we'll work around it. We will still seek out the very best treatments to keep our boy here with us, fighting the good fight until it is won. We will keep Hans' medical team at CHOP in charge of Hans' care. We'll find new local teams to care for Hans in our new town of Bakersfield, CA and in LA.

We are leaving behind the comfort of our friends, neighbors, the life we know, the medical set up we've got going on, our familiar schools, teachers, soccer team and Girl Scout troop, and not least of all, the Houston area NB community. We are returning to the West Coast; coming home to old friends and bringing ourselves much closer to family. We are excited for this move, but it won't be without it's challenges!! I'll keep you posted on all the ups and downs. We don't even know when we are leaving yet. We have an offer in on a house, and it could close May 2. That just seems like the worst month to move school kids... so the kids and I might pretty much wrap up the year here before we join Kev. We'll figure it out as we go, I guess...

Scans are in two weeks in Philly. Our schedule has been INSANE!

Lara

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Family is sooo excited to have you all closer to us!! And we are extremely grateful to all of your Texas friends that have been by your side, helping in big and small ways, throughout the past 4 1/2 years. They are a treasured group of people for sure!

Love,
G.Kathy & G.Dale xoxox

Anonymous said...

Now THAT is big news!!!! Wishing you nothing but love and happiness and praying that everything goes as smoothly as possible!

Mary Beth O.
PA

Patrick said...

Great stuff....I was waiting to be told you were moving to Philly.

Kim Tyler said...

WOW! That is great news for those of us on the West Coast who love you. I know it will be a huge adjustment for everybody, and hope we can all figure out how to support you to make it as painless as possible!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Your Texas "family" has been extraordinary...but you will stay in touch!

Best wishes for smooth transitions!

Love and hugs,
Aunt Susy

Anonymous said...

We, in the West, are cheering!!!!

0X0X
G'ma Stephanie

Anonymous said...

Really cool news! There might be hopes of a vist someday now. We are exited you will be closer and some of us are VERY excited that you will be living pretty close to Disneyland (lol)- Hope the transition is smooth and hope you enjoy your new location.
Kerry, Madison & Sean

Anonymous said...

Wow! YAY. :)

wurny said...

That "Wow YAY" was from Diana. One of your fans here on the West Coast. Glad to have you guys headed back!

Stefano said...

We are very excited to have awesome new neighbors! If any of you need a place to stay -- and in close proximity to your new house -- you are always welcome at our place!