A Wonderful Time

I really cannot believe that another year has passed. It seems like just a few months ago I was happy and healthy, and just in a matter of two years all of that has turned! From being diagnosed with my Immune Deficiency to being put in the hospital, so much has changed. I don't know where all of my time has gone.

It's really hard to believe that a year from December seventh of 2010, I had my first bone marrow biopsy. This one biopsy led to many wonderings and discoveries! We have been to so many doctors to try and figure things out, we have traveled to Cincinnati.  I have been put into the hospital, found out I have DBA, started more IVIG treatments, Blood Transfusions, surgeries...the list goes on and on. Seriously, where has my time gone? But, for the first time in a long time, I feel like I am in a good place. I really have so much to be thankful for.
   
This past month has been good and bad. I have had a lot more sick days than usual, and it kind of feels like things are getting worse. I have had a lot of new symptoms, and I'm not real sure why. I had a blood transfusion because my numbers were really low. It made me feel good for about two days, but since then I haven't been feeling well at all. I don't understand! But as usual, I have to keep pushing on!

I finished this semester of school, and that is a total relief. It has been so stressful, but I made it through and did really well! I had a wonderful Christmas, except for the fact that I was very sick and almost went to the Emergency room! But it was very nice! I got to be with my family and even go to church! Having Christmas on Sunday was so nice, I really felt the spirit of Christmas.

I went to clinic and to the orthopedist this month for a check-up, and to see how my arm is progressing from surgery. The doctor said it was dong great, and that I should be able to do some therapy soon! I am thrilled! I also went to clinic to have a transfusion. While there, my mom and I talked with Dr.Shah about the possibilities of transplant. At first, I was kind of shocked! I kind of had a breakdown, but we are just exploring it. Although the thought of a Bone Marrow Transplant scares me, there is a settling feeling that goes along. It could possibly cure me. That thought gets me excited. We are going to see the transplant team sometime in January. Remember, we are just exploring the option!

Well I had my blood drive on the 27th, and it went amazing! I could not believe all of the people who came! I was totally overwhelmed over the kindness of people. People made huge sacrifices to come and donate their blood to someone in need! I had over 120 people come and donate. Although, some weren't able to donate or able to make it, it really was the thought that counted! I had family, friends, school teachers, and so many others that came to donate! The United Blood Services even brought a bus to accommodate more people who wanted to donate! All I have to say is, THANK YOU! It really meant so much to me. You have impacted so many who receive blood, just like me. Remember I am having another blood drive on April 28, 2012! Make sure to sign up and come donate! Up above I put together a little video of only a third of the people who came! Thank you sooooooo much! Have a wonderful New Year! P.S. tomorrow the 30th is my birthday! I'm going to be 14... I can finally go to the Stake dances! Whoooooo!<3

Dot...Dot...Dot!

Wow it has been quit a month. I apologize for the time its taken for me to update by blog! Anyway I'd like to sum up my month with two words, gratitude and pain! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I did! There is so much for me to be grateful for. My wonderful family, my doctors, awesome friends, and my life. I have been trying to have a better outlook on life, my life may not be how I want it to be, or how it should be, but how can I not say that I have a good life! I have anything I ever need. I have the opportunity to give back, and that is what I should be doing. This month I am partnering up with United Blood services and Mercy Gilbert Hospital, to sponsor a blood drive on December 27. It is the best way that I could give back. Blood is life sustaining for myself and other children at Phoenix Children's Hospital. You could give the '' Gift" of blood this Christmas season. If you would please consider giving blood this season, it would be greatly appreciated! Did you know that for Arizona, they need 700 donations a DAY! If you or someone you know who would like to donate blood, please contact my mom at Aimee@bananahorn.com, or go to Bloodhero.org and sign up. If you email my mom with your phone number, name, email address, and also the time you'd like to donate, I can sign you up! PLEASE...JUST CONSIDER IT!

This month I received another blood transfusion, and my IVIG. Two days after that, I had surgery to repair my, UCL. The doctor said everything went fantastic! Now, I have a really ugly scar, and I'm in a weird contraption! I like to call my scars my "Battle wounds!" Just  little something for me to remember that day by! This took place on November 17! I am still in a lot of pain, but my arm is healing and getting better each day! Thank you to everyone who stopped by! Love you all!

I am now part of the Arizona HopeKids! It is an organization for children with life-threatening illnesses. They have different events each week, that the whole family can participate in. I went to my first HopeKids event on Saturday, the 3rd. It was the Miss Arizona Trunk Show! Surprisingly, it was so fun. I didn't feel well, so that kind of put a damper on it! But Miss Arizona 2011, Jenifer Sedler, will be competing for the title of Miss America on January 13. I think that's when it is! Jenifer is a big part of HopeKids, and comes to many events, and evens takes regular visits to PCH! While at this event I met the cutest, sweetest little girl named Elizabeth. She had just gotten out of the hospital, from a 17 day stay! Elizabeth was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma this year. She has gone through many rounds of chemotherapy, but had to stop because she had a stroke! I felt so sad for this five year old little girl! She was bald, and the most beautiful little girl...EVER! I wish teenagers could pull off the bald look!!:) She ran up to me and gave me the biggest hug! We had an instant connection! When we arrived home, my mom and I just broke down crying! I felt so sorry for this little girl. Why did this little 5 year old have to go through this? I just thought how lucky I really was! Elizabeth was the happiest little girl though! I know Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us, and this is his plan for me and all the other really sick children, including Elizabeth! Please pray for her!

Although my life may be really hard, I am so grateful for my life! In the end, I'll be way stronger than I ever was, and I WILL be grateful for my trials. It can only make me stronger! And this Christmas season, I am extremely grateful for everything!
"With faith, anything is possible!"
Love you, Kinny!