Reese’s Road began after our daughter, Reese, was diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the brain and spinal cord known as Ependymoma.  Reese’s Road was initially created to document our journey of faith, hope, and healing as we navigated this difficult course along with Reese and to  inform our friends and family, and others as well, of Reese’s current condition and to give awareness to of the trials and tribulations, and also of the triumphs along the way.

Since Reese’s diagnosis in October 2010, she has been through more than any 6 year old child should ever have to go through. (you can read about her journey in our blog and past postings)  She underwent surgeries, tests, MRI’s, and eventually two months of intensive radiation therapy away from home in Northern Virginia all before she was accepted as a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Once there, she endured more hardships including chemotherapy, brain and back surgeries, wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.,  a list that would make the strongest adult cringe.

She endured all this while maintaining the same positive, light hearted attitude that she has always exhibited.  Never once during this ordeal has she ever asked “why am I sick?”, “why do I have cancer?”  She has never asked why her hair was falling out, or why she could no longer move and do the things she was once able to do.  She has approached her illness, and her treatments with a positive attitude that can only be described as unbelievable. 

As her parents, we have been overwhelmed by the way she has carried herself and we could not have more pride in our daughter.  She has taught us, through her positivity, that there is no use asking “why her?” and to collapse inward, rather we have learned through her that every day is a gift, and every day small miracles can happen and that in the face of insurmountable odds and opinions, a positive outlook can forestall the odds and simply amaze people.

Since our return home to our house in Virginia Beach, Reese has continued to display the strong and enthusiastic attitude and improved physical abilities that have amazed us, and her doctors, since she was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago.  She has defied what some of the best doctors have told us.  We were told last summer to plan our Make a Wish trip because it was likely the last opportunity we would have to do so.  Since returning home from Memphis, Reese has continued to defy the odds and amaze us almost daily with her determination and her positive attitude.  A great deal of this we credit to being at home.  Although the treatment and care she receives at St. Jude is second to none, and she has never considered it a place for sick kids, there is something to say about being able to be in your home.  To sleep in your own bed, play with your toys, cuddle with your dog and otherwise live a normal life.  The saying goes “Home is where the Heart is”, and indeed this is true, but it can also be said, at least in our case, that “Home is where the healing is”.