Day 19 Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Sorry I have gotten a little delayed on my posts. Ill try to catch up before the end of the month. Several friends have questioned how parents and kids get through the ordeal of cancer treatment. I hope I have realistically portrayed what a special place St Jude really is. They always put the patient first and that includes the patients family. Once someone commented to me that Hayley must have bad luck since the likelihood of her getting osteosarcoma was 4 in a million. I dont think I verbally responded to this shocking comment but I thought, No we are so lucky we found St Jude to get us through this. But what really sustained us emotionally was the support of our families and friends as well as faith in God. I may spend several posts on these. I hate to call out some people because I cant mention them all and all were very meaningful to me. Just a few hours after the initial diagnosis in St Francisville, Laurie McCrocklin walked up my driveway with a present for Hayley. That was the start of an unimaginable outpouring of love and support. It was this compassion from those close to us as well as complete strangers that sustained and strengthen us to endure. We left for Memphis so quickly, most people sent cards and gifts directly to the hospital. The first month we were there, Hayley received mail or a package every day. The mail worker even showed Howard a space on one of the shelves that he was calling the Hayley Arceneaux shelf. It wasnt the actual gift that mattered, it was truly the sentiment that each represented that meant so much. We loved getting cards made from whole classes. Students at the lower elementary that didnt even know Hayley made some really sweet cards. I think almost every class from Hayleys school as well as the middle school sent cards. The principal of the middle school, Al Lemoine, wrote Hayley the nicest letter saying he couldnt wait for her to be at his school in two years (that kind of hopeful encouragement made me cry). So many from our little small town, my school system, Howards department at LSU and my bible study friends contacted us. I remember RaeLynn sent us cookies from the Magnolia Cafe wrapped carefully in bubble wrap. It was a just what I needed at that moment (that made me smile). One of Hayleys Bible Study Fellowship leaders sent her a card every week for an entire year. Hayley looked so forward to this, especially because she always included a corny joke. Hayley had a secret pen pal who sent letters from all over and only revealed her identity at the end of treatment. Contact from people who cared was vital in getting through treatment. The Methodist Church community brought dinner for Howard and Hayden every week for almost a year. Hayden was also allowed to attend the after school program at the church on scholarship. It was such a relief to know Hayden was cared for when I was so far away. Some of my coworkers organized a fundraiser to help with our personal expenses. Many donated throughout the year. Haydens best friends mom, Holly Cafferal, stepped up and included Hayden in everything possible to help us out and make him feel better. I knew I didnt have to worry about him with her looking out for him. Brandie and Tiger even hosted Haydens 7th birthday party since we were unexpectedly delayed in Memphis. We were all blown away (in a good way) by the generosity, support and love shown to us all. I believe that is what strengthened us so that we could get through all the horrors of her treatment. I am so thankful for that love and support. (Hayley still has every card and letter she received safely stored in the attic. She couldnt bear to throw them away). People were so generous to us I have a hard time asking for more, but if you could please consider joining the Hayley Arceneaux family and friends team for the St Jude Give thanks. Walk or making a donation. The link is: walk.stjude.org/ColleenArceneaux
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 05:06:52 +0000
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