The title of this post is on a coffee mug that was given to me a while after Jolee was born. I never knew a grandchild could bring so much joy, love, and happiness until she was born three years ago on a snowy January day. This child is the love of my life.
If you have followed me on Instagram or Facebook, you know that our sweet Jojo was diagnosed with brain cancer last June. Since then she has had surgery, chemo, countless tests, transfusions, dealt with severe infections, and spent five months in the hospital. She still has physical limitations, but she is getting stronger every day.
Despite all she has endured, Jolee's spirit has not been broken. She is a happy, spunky, determined little girl who makes the best of her situation. We all could learn from her and be so much better for it.
Jolee's MRI earlier this month didn't have the results we'd hoped for. Jolee will begin proton radiation therapy soon and her mama and daddy are both staying at home with her while her treatments continue. I have never heard Jolee's parents (my son and daughter-in-law) ask for anything except prayers for Jolee. But we all know that financial responsibilities still continue, even when our lives are put on hold. They still have travel expenses, medical expenses, health insurance premiums, household bills, etc. If you feel led to bless them financially, there is a GoFundMe account set up in Jolee's name.
Here is a recent GoFundMe update: "Jolee has remained so strong throughout her journey but she doesn't do anything simple. During her third round of chemo in August 2018, she developed a severe infection that left her unable to get chemo for 3 months. In November, she was started on an outpatient regimen of chemo. It was so nice to be able to go home after treatment and not stay overnight. Unfortunately, her MRI on Feb 6th revealed that the chemo was not working as well as hoped. She has new enhancements in her brain and two new places in her cervical spine. All of her doctors agreed that radiation would be the best course of action. She is so young and radiation was avoided as long as possible. She will be receiving proton therapy at a location fairly close to home. She will get 31 treatments and going 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Radiation is set start by the first of March. Mom and Dad are both off work to be able to be with her and help her get through this next phase to get this thing beat! Help is appreciated but most of all, we desire prayers! God bless!!"
As her parents mentioned, we do ask for your prayers, always.
Take care and God bless,
Lana (Jolee's Nana)
https://www.gofundme.com/JoleeManis