Numbers

I just signed Jonah up to participate in the Beads of Courage program through Lurie (http://www.beadsofcourage.org) as a way to visually represent the journey that he's on.  We keep telling him how proud we are of him, but he really doesn't remember much before 3 weeks ago, so this way he can see what he been courageous through.  Most people start this program at the beginning of their diagnosis so there isn't a big reflection back, but we're just starting now and have had to tally a bunch of things, that really put this journey into perspective (here are a few of the more impressive ones).

Days/overnights in-patient: 95
Days of chemo: 18
Blood & Platelet Transfusions: 12
Imaging (MRI, CT Scan, X-Ray, Ultrasound, EEK): 39
Admissions to the PICU: 2
Surgeries: 4
Dressing changes: 12
Tube Placement (Foley, NG): 7
Hair loss: 1

When he's beads come, they will tell his story in a tangible way.  As we have just finished up round 3 of chemo this week, there are many more beads for Jonah to collect as he faces 3 more cycles of chemo and likely radiation.  The bead we covet most, is the purple heart, which represents the successful completion of treatment.  The heart is purple, because these kids become our heroes, fighting hard battles everyday, often with more grace and humor than any adult could muster.  Until that day comes, we keep praying for the purple heart for the little boy who becomes a little more my hero everyday.