Dear Children's Wish,
January 24th, 2011 was one of the most heart wrenching days of our family’s life; hearing the news that Ethan was diagnosed with leukemia was a life changing moment. As we tried to process the information in a sea of helplessness, we did the only thing we knew we could do, pray. After the initial shock we were faced with the daunting task of breaking the news to our 13 year old son. After a very brief session of tears and embrace, we quickly stood tall, prepared to face the road ahead and overcome any obstacle that would stand in our way. After being transferred to the IWK on the 24th, a bone marrow test on the 25th with confirmed diagnosis of the type of leukemia (APL), he was ready to start chemotherapy and our journey began.
During the first month of Ethan’s treatment, complications resulted in him having to stay in the hospital longer than anticipated and a portion of this time was spent in quarantine. Being a huge basketball fan, we spent time watching basketball and in particular can remember watching the NBA All Star weekend in Ethan’s hospital room. As Ethan’s birthday approached (February 26th), we prayed he would be released so that we could enjoy his birthday at home. The doctors did everything they could and with special thanks to Dr. Yapp and Dr. Crooks, he was released on February 25th. Despite the bumpy roads along this journey, there were many positive experiences. Our relationship with God is stronger. Our relationship with many of our family members and friends is stronger and the realization that there is such a vast number of people and organizations that exist to provide support and give of themselves selflessly is amazing. The Children’s Wish Foundation is absolutely no exception!
Let’s fast forward one year later. The NBA All Star game is taking place on Ethan’s birthday, February 26th. However this game got watched live, in person, at the Amway Center in Orlando Florida because the Children’s Wish Foundation granted Ethan’s wish to attend the NBA All Star Weekend! During our week in Florida, we visited the Islands of Adventure Hollywood Studios, we shopped, attended the NBA rookie practice, the NBA jam session, the NBA rookie game and the NBA All Star game. We were amazed at the amount of thought and the level of detail put into the planning of the trip and everything was executed flawlessly. The continuous giving didn’t end when our trip started. While enjoying some exciting family time at Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, we received emails from both of you, within ten minutes of each other, offering tickets to the NBA Jam Session at the OCCC. It amazed us that after receiving so much, the giving continued.
Our family is indebted to you and to your organization. It is our intent to support your cause and to do our part in “giving back” so that we can help others receive the same treatment we were so fortunate to have experienced.
With sincere gratitude,
Ethan's Family
