I’m writing tonight asking for prayers for a sweet little girl named Macy. We met Macy and her parents while Ashley was going through radiation. She’s a beautiful little girl whose smile lights up a room.  Macy was diagnosed in March 2008 with Stage 4 Clear Cell Sarcoma of the Kidney.She underwent 30 weeks of Chemo and Radiation.  Upon completing treatment, a lesion was found on her brain which required more chemo, more surgery and more radiation.  Earlier this month, Macy was diagnosed with AML a form of Leukemia.   I’d like to ask that you keep Macy, her brother Ethan and and her parents Michelle and Chris in your prayers.  Macy is an amazing little girl and your prayers will give her strength.

I would also like to strongly urge anyone who is in the Chicago area to get tested to be a bone marrow donor.  The following info on becoming a donor is from Macy’s website ( http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macybellaganz ):

BECOME A DONOR!
Many of you have asked what you can do to be tested to be a match…it is simple!  You must be between 18-60 years old and in overall good health.  Young males tend to be more favorable matches.  So boys, get your butts out there!!

If you are local, the Lemont Fire Protection District is hosting a Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Drive in honor of Macy on October 4th.  The test is a simple, painless cheek swab and answer a few questions.  If you are not interested or do not meet the criteria, donations to the National Marrow Donor Program will also be accepted.  Information for the drive is as follows:

Sunday, October 4, 2009
8am – 12noon

Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Drive in Honor of Macy Ganz
Lemont Fire Protection District
15900 New Avenue
Lemont, IL 60439

Bring the kids!  The fire department is also hosting their Open House that day from 11am – 2pm (during & after the drive).  The kids can sit in the fire trucks and witness fire and extrication demonstrations.

If you are unable to attend, or are not local, you can register at www.bethematch.org.  You will order a registration package with instructions on how to perform the cheek swab and where to send it to.  For further information or any questions, please visit www.bethematch.org.

We encourage everyone to do this!  You could save someone’s life – Someone like Macy!!  We hope to see you there!

I remember walking through Target sometime in July and seeing the school supply aisle set up. Out of nowhere it hit me and I got teary-eyed at the realization that Ashley’s first day of preschool was soon approaching. 

Well that first day came and Ashley proved once again that she can handle anything.   I walked her into her classroom and she immediately joined her class and never looked back. I guess it makes sense. Given all that she’s been through in the past year, preschool really is a walk in the park for her.  

When it was time to pick her up, her teacher said she had a great day and that she was very active and happy the whole time. She didn’t cry or miss us at all.  We couldn’t be more proud of her!

She’ll miss a lot of school for chemo and when she is immuno-compromised, but overall we’re looking forward to a great school year.