Over the past 2 ½ years I've empathized and agonized when I've read the heart wrenching stories from others in the Rain when it comes to an illness of an individual Rainer, family member or dear friend.  I remember the feeling of loss shared by so many of us here with the passing of a youthful Karen George  from cancer far too early in life.

We all know cancer knows no boundaries and all of those stories hit too close too home for me personally as some of you may know.  After joining Active Rain in Jan. 2007 a few months later Katie G. my little granddaughter was diagnosed at age 5 with Leukemia, yet our family has lots to be thankful for.  Katie's type of Leukemia with today's medicine was/is very survivable in young children.  We we know that's not true for everyone, we lost another sweet friend also from Leukemia six weeks ago. She was a young Mom in her early 30's who also left two small daughters of her own behind.

Yet today I can after after 2 ½ years of in and out  hospital stays, blood tests, spinal taps, cat scans, more tests and chemo, today is a milestone and a great day for our family! Katie had somewhat minor surgery today to remove her chemo port implanted just under her skin in her chest area. It looked like the size of the lifesaver for the past few years. Her doctor said it came out as easily and it went in.   

She's now back home and more importantly KATIE is in REMISSION and the CHEMO FREE! Her prognosis is good and we expect her to live a very long life!

The photo (left) is Katie and her Daddy at the "CHOC Walk" for Children's Hospital of Orange Co., Oct.  2007. Her bloating cheeks, thinning hair and fatigue were visible signs of the impact of chemo.

Photo (right) was taken of a sweet little friend and Katie on the right.Both girls(also born on the same day/year) were team members of "Katie's Krew" and both finished the 5K "CHOC Walk" fundraiser at Disneyland one week ago.

  

 

 Gone are the chemo days for this little girl!

CHOC, Children's Hospital of Orange County is an amazing place of dedicated caring professionals that treats all children irrespective of the ability to pay.

Photo left is from the playroom at the hospital, the kids were visited by the "Angel Ball Girls" that day.

Thanks go the self-less dedication other others, Katie is just one of the many examples of the progress made in today's cancer treatment.

THANK YOU CHILDREN'S HOSPTIAL OF ORANGE COUNTY!