Love For Luca

Luca on the Swings

Talk at the Interaction Design Conference (video)

Growing Up Fast

Luca has been keeping us so busy that it's been tough to find the time to write! He's growing up fast, and has developed a real passion for life. His enthusiasm for the simple things is contagious.

Luca only goes to the MSK once month for a check-up, and pretty soon this will turn to once every two months. He's no longer receiving any treatment, or any medications of any kind. He loves running around the pediatric day hospital, and everyone there is always so inspired and happy to see him doing so well.

As always, we are eternally grateful for your continued prayers and support, and ask that you remember all the brave kids who continue their long battles every day.

Excuse Me Chicken (video)

Brooklyn Children's Museum (video)

Quick Summer Update

We've been meaning to send out an update for a long time now, but we've been so busy enjoying the summer with Luca that it's been hard to find the time. We are a universe away from where we were last summer, and have been blessed with many opportunities to visit our family in Syracuse, take Luca to the beach, music classes, church, parks, playgrounds, museums, and even our first family vacation to Cape May. It's been a slow adjustment from the alternate reality of pediatric cancer, but we've done our best to embrace and appreciate every minute of it. We'll post some pictures from Luca's summer vacation soon.

Luca is doing incredibly well, and remains cancer free. When we now run into doctors or nurses who haven't seen Luca in months, they often tearfully admit that they didn't recognize him. He's been slowly weaned off most of his medications and has no tubes or IV lines. Last week his out-patient checkups were reduced to once a month, and we will soon have our first appointment with the physician in charge of the pediatric survivor-ship program. None of this would have been possible without all of the tremendous love and support we've received from everyone, and we continue to be immensely grateful for all that we've been blessed with. Thank you for continuing to include Luca in your prayers.

While Luca has been lucky enough to travel so far away from the disease, there are many other children we've met who have ended their struggle, and others who continue to battle each day. Please pray for all of the warriors and their families. We keep them all close to our hearts and hope that they can find peace.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Check out curesearch.org to learn more about ways you can help raise awareness of childhood cancer and make sure that finding a cure is a national public policy priority.

Upcoming Event: Relay For Life 2009

It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since last year's Relay For Life in Syracuse. We were incredibly moved when we saw the pictures last year, and they helped get us through a really tough spot. And this year, God willing, Luca is going to attend, and will walk the first survivor's lap.

It's this Friday, June12, starting at 7pm, at Solvay High School. Stop by if you're going to be around. More details here. Many thanks to everyone who's put so much time and effort into organizing Luca's team. We can't wait to see you all!