1.To keep the Family Informed

April 4, 2005 –

This journal has just been created to help friends and family stay informed about Jennifer’s ongoing fight with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

In September of 2002, Jennifer was diagnosed and began treatment for AML. She completed 6 rounds of treatment in May of 2003. In August of 2003, Jennifer relapsed for the first time and after achieving a second remission, was sent to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston for an all0genic bone marrow transplant.

Last week, in March of 2004, Jennifer was found to have relapsed a second time and is currently in Houston preparing for more treatment.

Please pray with us for Jennifer’s total recovery and absolute restoration to health.

Lovingly,
Laurie Randel(family friend)

2.Finding a Donor for Jennifer

April 5, 2005 –

On Monday we went to Houston and the whole family was tested to find out which one of us will be the donor for Jennifer. We will find out this Friday.

This weekend the family is going to the Florida Keys to relax in the sun, ride the big waves and do a little snorkeling before we get started. (Thanks Bert, Robert and Jim)

Next Wednesday we are going back to Houston for more testing with Jennifer. And Friday the donor (????) will start getting the shoots and get ready for the stem cell transplant. On the 18th they will start taking the stem cells and spent the week in Houston. On the 25th, Jennifer will go back to Houston and start the transplant.

I will keep you updated.

Tim Wilks

3.Radiation & Chemo Schedule

April 13, 2005 –

Hello Everyone,

We are back in Texas and we had a GREAT trip. It was the perfect vacation. The kids went parasailing, yes parasailing, it was the highlight of their trip. They also went snorkeling twice, did some shopping and had some great dinners by the ocean. Jennifer paced herself well and kept up. She slept well at night and was READY for the next day.

It’s good to be home but it looks like things are going to move fast in the next week. We went to Houston today and confirmed that I’m going to be the donor and Jennifer and I went through a lot of tests.

Here’s the plan (as of today).
Saturday, I start the shoots for the Stem Cell Transplant.
Sunday night, we travel to Houston.
Monday, Jennifer sees the radiation doctor to see if she can withstand a round of radiation treatment. If so, she will get her central line put in on Tuesday and start Wednesday with 1 day of radiation and then 4 days of chemo. If she can’t do radiation then they are going to give 2 rounds of heavy chemo and 4 more regular chemo treatments. Then 1 day rest and then she gets the stem cells.

It looks like 4 weeks in the hospital and 4 to 8 weeks after that in Houston. (Mary is packing!)

I will keep you posted and I will be adding some pictures of the trip later.

Thanks for all your prayers
Tim

4.Dad a Donor for Jennifer

April 19, 2005 –

Laurie Randel here – pinch updating since Jennifer, Mary and Tim are in Houston beginning this next treatment.

On Monday, Jennifer was fitted for protective molds for her radiation treatment to shield her kidneys and lungs.

Tim has been taking neupogen shots for the past three days trying to get his white cells elevated to an acceptable level for the stem cell harvest. He almost got there today, so they gave him one more injection and tomorrow they will harvest the cells. The side effects of the neupogen are dizziness, headaches, and some pain. Although, I’m sure it’s tough for Jennifer to see her daddy in some discomfort, he is in an enviable position to all of us who love Jennifer.

Then on Thursday, Jennifer’s central line will be surgically implanted and she will be admitted to the hospital on Thursday evening. Friday, she will undergo one day of radiation followed by four days of chemo. Wednesday will be a rest day and next Thursday will be transplant day.

Thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. They mean so much to the whole family!

Keep checking for new updates!
Laurie Randel

5. Central Line Surgery

April 22, 2005 –

Another update from Laurie –

Mary called and said that the last couple of days have been eventful. On Wednesday, Tim went in for the stem cell harvest which involved 6 hours of keeping both his arms very still. In the middle of that, there was a problem with the line which resulted in not enough cells being harvested. So Tim had to get one more neupogen shot and had to go back on Thursday for another 3 hour blood draw.

On Thursday morning, Jennifer and Mary got up early and went in for Jennifer’s surgery. Her central line was implanted and she is sore, but is doing well. Jennifer was admitted to Texas Children’s last night and this morning, they came to get her sometime between 5:30 and 6:00 am to take her to MD Anderson for her radiation treatment. Tomorrow begins her first chemo treatment. You can send Jennifer an email greeting which will be printed and hand delivered to her by hospital staff by going to the following website:
www.texaschildrenshospital.org/parents/patientgreeting/default.aspx
and clicking “Create Message.” You do not need to have the room number, but do use Jennifer’s first and last name.

Mary said it is all very overwhelming and way too real. They had the preliminary discussion with the doctor AGAIN about what to expect and it saddens Mary that Jennifer has to go through all this again. After the first couple of weeks in the hospital, she will stay in Houston for a couple of months so that any problems can be quickly addressed. Jennifer’s immune system will, like last time, take a long time to recover. Please pray fervently that this be Jennifer’s miracle.

Lovingly,
Laurie Randel

6.Total Body Radiation

April 24, 2005 –

Hello everyone, Jennifer is doing well today. On Friday she received the Radiation treatment and she was sick to her stomach in the morning but did better in the afternoon treatment. The treatment was a total body radiation and they had her set up on bike looking seat so they could place blocks on her to protect her kidneys and lungs. Its was hard to but she did it…. That’s my girl!

Her Saturday morning counts looks good, her white cells dropped from 4.3 to 1.5. The radiation worked.

Now comes the Chemo. She started it Saturday morning and she doing OK with it. She’s having some high fevers, chills and body aches with it but that’s to be expected. She had a good Sunday, they gave her some pre-meds to help and they did.

Her white cells are still dropping today and her kidney counts are going up a little. They are giving her 2 units of blood tonight to help some of her other counts.

Mary and I would like to say THANKS for all your thoughts and prayers, keep them coming, they mean a lot to Jennifer and us. Also, thanks to the Randel’s!!!!!!

You can send Jennifer an email greeting which will be printed and hand delivered to her by hospital staff by going to the following website:
www.texaschildrenshospital.org/parents/patientgreeting/default.aspx
and clicking “Create Message.” You do not need to have the room number, but do use Jennifer’s first and last name.

We will keep you updated.

Tim

7.Jennifer getting platelets today

April 27, 2005 –

Hello everyone, Mary and I are both in Houston today, Jennifer had a sad day yesterday she was thinking of things that might happen to her so we are both her to pump her up!

I sent Mary last night to the hotel to get a good night sleep and she did.

Jennifer received 2 units of blood yesterday and she is getting platelets as I type. Her headaches are getting worst and the morphine is not helping so the doctors are putting her on Dilaudid pump so she can control the pain as it comes on.

Today is the rest day and tomorrow at 10am she gets the transplant (Timcells)!!!!!!!

Elaine and Timmy are coming down this weekend to visit and she is looking forward to seeing them.

Please keep the thoughts, prayers and cards coming from the hospital (we really enjoy them).

Tim

8.Transplant Day!

April 28, 2005 –

Good afternoon everyone, Jennifer now has the Timcells in her!!!! She is not craving to play golf yet or do any public speaking but give her time.

She had a rough afternoon and night yesterday. The Doctors are having a tough time in figuring out the right amount of Dilaudid to give her to control the headaches. The pump did not work fast enough and they are giving her boost to help. Its taking 1 to 2 hours to get them under control. There is a fine line in giving her too much and controlling the pain.

Today the morning went well but she had a bad attack at 1pm. We have it under control and we feel that we know how much Dilaudid to give.

Jennifer is being so strong and we are proud of her.

Please keep the prayers coming. She really likes the getting the cards that you are sending from the hospital. She is covering the wall with them. Here’s the web site again:www.texaschildrenshospital.org/parents/patientgreeting/default.aspx. Her room number is 8039

I will keep you updated

Tim

9.Timmy comes to visit

April 30, 2005 –

Hello Friends and Family

Its Saturday and things are about the same. She is still having the headaches but we have the right mix of medicines and we have them under control most of the time. Her white cells are at .05 so the chemo is working and we just have to wait and rebuild. She received platelets yesterday and the other counts look good.

It’s a nice day outside and she still does not want to play golf but she did watch part of a basketball game with me. So, the Timcells are working!!!!! Or was it the drugs?

Timmy came down last night and stayed with her while Mary and I went out to eat, not hospital food. She loved seeing Timmy! I went and picked up Elaine this morning (Bert met me half way) THANKS BERT and ROBERT! Mary and Elaine went off shopping for a little while. Elaine and I will be going back to Austin tomorrow and Grandma Rita is coming to town on Tuesday to help in Austin

Mary and I would like to say thanks for the comments and notes on the web pages and keep the prayers coming. Its GREAT to have good friends and family!

Tim

10.Please donate blood

May 2, 2005 –

Hello,

Jennifer had a good Sunday and feels even better today. Her headaches are still happening but not as often. We had a good talk with the Doctor and Jennifer is on schedule with her transplant. It looks like 3 more weeks in the hospital. Sounds like a long time but we are taking one day at a time. Life is good!

She received platelets on Sunday and it looks like she will need blood tomorrow. Mary and I would like you to go your local blood bank and give blood or platelets this week. It may not go to Jennifer but you will help someone! So please give!

They have asked me to come in this Thursday so they can get some more white cells for Jennifer as a boost for a later date. As her body accepts my cells they have to give her these boosts to help the transplant. And to help her golf game!

So, that’s all for now. Thanks and keep the prayers coming.

Tim

PS… more pictures are coming on the web pages later today (Thanks Tony)

11.Jennifer has a good Sunday

May 2, 2005 –

Hello, Jennifer had a good Sunday and feels even better today. Her headaches are still happening but not as often. We had a good talk with the Doctor and Jennifer is on schedule with her transplant. It looks like 3 more weeks in the hospital. Sounds like a long time but we are taking one day at a time. Life is good!

She received platelets on Sunday and it looks like she will need blood tomorrow. Mary and I would like you to go your local blood bank and give blood or platelets this week. It may not go to Jennifer but you will help someone! So please give!

They have asked me to come in this Thursday so they can get some more white cells for Jennifer as a boost for a later date. As her body accepts my cells they have to give her these boosts to help the transplant. And to help her golf game!

So, that’s all for now. Thanks and keep the prayers coming.

Tim

PS… more pictures are coming on the web pages later today (Thanks Tony)

12.Jennifer excited to see Grandma Rita

May 4, 2005 –

Good Morning everyone, Jennifer had a tough day yesterday. Her blood pressure went way up after receiving platelets. She was running 180 over 110 for most of the afternoon and night. The Doctors gave her medicine and it’s helping. This morning her blood pressure was 148 over 90. I will keep you posted. Her headaches are still strong and the medicine is not working as well. We will be talking to the Doctor to get this under control. She also received 2 units of blood yesterday. And she still smiling!

Grandma Rita is in town!!!! Elaine is happy. Rita says to go give blood this week! If you smell something good in Leander TX, its Rita make cinnamon rolls, red apples and banana bread.

Grandma is going to Houston Saturday and Jennifer is mad that she can’t eat her cooking but she is so excited to see her. Grandma will be in Texas for the whole month of May and Grandpa is coming in on the 19th.

I will update you tomorrow on Jennifer’s blood pressure and headaches. Keep the prayers coming!

Tim

13.Jennifer gives us a smile

May 4, 2005 –

Afternoon update,

Jennifer is having OK day, they have her on a new high blood pressure medicine and seems to be working. They still don’t know why it went up but they are running several tests to find out why.

She has came down with an infection in her intestines called C-DIFF. She is not allowed to leave the room and the Doctors and Nurses have to wear a mask and glues so they do not spread the germs They have her on a strong antibiotic and she should be better in 2 to 3 days.

This morning they noticed a red streak going to her central line and it was sore to touch. The Surgeon came in and looked at it and took some cultures. We will find out tomorrow if they will replace it. If so, they will do the surgery on Thursday and put in a pic line in her upper arm.

One more thing, her hair is really started to come out. She has been upset about it and we will probably shave her head tomorrow.

Tough day, but she still gives us a SMILE!!! We love her!!!!!

Thanks and I will update you tomorrow.

14.Central Line Replaced

May 7, 2005 –

Sorry for not updating sooner but here’s the latest.

Late Thursday evening, they finally decided that her central line did need to come out because of the red streaks coming from where the line entry was. They told her not to eat after midnight because of the surgery would be early Friday morning. In the morning they said it would be a little late and they should start at noon. Noon passed and they where still behind. At 4:30 she was getting hungry by now. Will after a looooooong day of waiting they took her down at 8pm.

The surgery went well, they put in a temporary central line, which will last for a couple of weeks. By then her white cells will be going up and the infected area on her chest will have a chance to heal. She will also get at PIC line next week.

We got her back to the room, and about 12:30 AM we got her headaches and chest pain under control. Then she was VERY hungry and she was not tired. Mary and her stay up until 2am watching TV. So they slept in this morning.

Her headaches are about the same and we are controlling them with the medicine. She has received 2 units of platelets in the pass 2 days (please go and give). Her white cells are still at .02 and her other counts look good. We are still fighting the high blood pressure. It comes and goes. About every 12 hours in goes up to 160 or 170 over 110.
The doctors put her on a new medicine and it should start helping

Elaine has a deep cough, so Grandma and her are not coming down, but they will next weekend.

Keep the prayers coming and THANKS!

Tim and Mary

15.Jennifer cuts Timmy’s hair

May 8, 2005 –

Happy Mothers Day!

Jen had a good Saturday night and Sunday. Timmy came down and surprised Mary for Mothers Day / Birthday. Timmy stayed with Jen so I could take Mary out to Dinner. While we where out, Jennifer cut Timmy’s hair!!!!! (See page 3 on the picture web site). They had a lot of fun and later that night, we shaved it.

She’s still having headaches and they come on fast. We hope and pray that they will go away soon. Her redness is going away from her old central line!!! Her blood pressure is doing a lot better but it still going up at times.

Today is day 10 on the transplant and her white cell counts should start going up on day 13 to 15. Then we start building the Timcells.

You would be very proud of Jennifer, she is being so brave and strong and you have to love her smile!

Keep the cards coming from the hospital, she love to read them everyday and the walls are filling up.

Thanks
Tim

16.Counts going up!

May 12, 2005 –

Good Morning everyone.

It’s a beautiful Thursday and things are going OK in Houston. Jennifer is still fighting the headaches but we are controlling them must of the time. Her blood pressure is still very high and they are changing the medicine again. We are watching the blood pressure very close.

They are starting to take her off some of the medicines. Her counts are starting to go up. White cells/Timcells are at .35, her ANC is at 3.6 (Doctor is happy) they want her at 5.0 on the ANC, her platelets are at 38 (she received platelets yesterday) and her HGB is at 9.8 (she had 2 units of blood on Tuesday). Please go out and give.

Doctors feel that we have 10 to 14 more days in the hospital. We just have to keep the blood pressure and headaches under control and keep building the counts up.

Thanks for all the comments on the web page, cards from the hospital and most of all, the PRAYERS!!!

Tim

PS…. Mary has her new cell phone….. same number.

17.Jennifer’s ANC hits 570!

May 14, 2005 –

Good morning family and friends,

Things are about the same with the headaches and blood pressure. They have been running tests on the kidneys and they are coming back good. They have one more test to do on Monday on the kidneys to see if there is something causing the high blood pressure. Headaches are coming on 2 or 3 times a day but they are a little better.

Some good news, her ANC hit 570!!!!!!!! They want it over 500 and if it stays over 500 for 3 days they know that the grafting is working. So, we need 2 more days over 500! Her white cells are at .63 (going up), her HGB is at 10.4 and they went up on their own! She did receive platelets yesterday.

So, it’s a weekend to rest and keep rebuilding.

Her Aunt Julie and Uncle Ron are here today to visit and Grandpa Buzz is coming to Austin on Wednesday and they will be down next weekend. Jennifer can’t wait.

Timmy is out of school, 1st year done, 3 more to go. He’s going to work at Just for Fun this summer (dockman) what a job.

Keep the prayers coming.

Tim

18.Grandpa coming to Austin today

May 18, 2005 –

Hello Friends and Family

Its Wednesday and things are OK. Sorry is been so long to updated the web page but with her counts dropping we been focusing on her. But today is a better day.

She is still having the headaches but the blood pressure is under control. Her counts are up and down. Her ANC was 590 on Sunday, Monday was 500, Tuesday was 280 and today it went up to 340. We need this above 500 and the Doctors are watching this very close and we are too. Keep the prayers coming.

She is receiving blood and platelets today.

Grandpa is coming to Austin today and they are looking forward to this weekend to see Jennifer. Grandma is making red apples and cinnamon rolls for Jennifer.

I will keep you updated and again keep the prayers coming!

Tim

19.Counts are good today!

May 19, 2005 –

Hello ALL!

Well, its been a good Thursday, Jennifer ANC was 550 this morning,,, YES 550. We need 2 more days over 500. She can do it! She had a headache at 9 this morning and went all day (until 6pm) with out one.

She is resting now and we will keep them away. She is ready for Grandma and Grandpa to come down this weekend and we will add pictures to the web site.

This was a quick update but we wanted to tell you about her counts. Did I say that they where 550!

I will update you tomorrow and KEEP THE PRAYERS COMING!

Tim

20.ANC drops to 340

May 20, 2005 –

Hello, Family and Friends,

The ANC dropped to 340 this morning but one of her other counts went up and this may bring up the ANC this weekend. (It’s a waiting game)

We need 500!

Go Jenn GO!

Everything else is about the same and we will get more counts tomorrow.

I will update the page before we leave Austin with Grandma, Grandpa and Elaine in the morning.

Pray for 500 tonight!

Tim

21.Up and Down

May 22, 2005 –

Hello everyone,

Jennifer’s counts are still going up and down. Her ANC on Saturday was at 460 and Sunday morning it’s at 330. So, we are meeting with Dr. Krance tomorrow to find out what we need to do get them up.

The headaches are still very strong and they are changing some of her medicines to help get them under control. She’s having a very tough time with them.

Grandma and Grandpa are here today and we will be adding some pictures to the site later today or tomorrow. They had a good visit with her yesterday and we are trying to get the headaches under control so they can visit later today.

PLEASE keep the prayers coming and THANKS!

Tim

PS… she did eat 4 cinnamon rolls!!!! Got to love Grandma!

22.More stem cells needed

May 25, 2005 –

Hello everyone,

Here’s the latest. Jennifer’s ANC is staying about the same. Monday it was 340, Tuesday was 350 and today was 340. Her white cells are at .67 today and she is receiving 2 units of blood today.

They have switched all her headache medicines and she is having withdraws symptoms, which are not good. But the new headache medicine is WORKING! Thank GOD!

Now, for some really good news, they took a test and the stem cells (Timcells) transplant is working. There are 2 levels they look at, one level is at 100% and the other is at 30%. So, they are going to take more stem cells from me early next week and give Jennifer a boost.

Now for the really, really good news. With the headaches going away we may, may get Jennifer out of the hospital next week and get to go to the apartment. ļ

So, the PRAYERS are working keep them coming.

Tim

23.Out of the hospital!

June 1, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Sorry it has been awhile since I updated, things have been busy with all the changes.

Jennifer’s headaches were under control enough that she got out of the hospital on Friday. SHE IS OUT! We are now staying in an apartment close to the hospital because her blood counts are still very low. She will have to go to the clinic almost daily for blood or platelets, and then next week she will be receiving more stemcells. She has been running a low fever at night and anything over 100.5 we have to go back to the hospital. They have been between 99 and100.4, by midmorning they go away.

On Saturday I started getting the neupagin injections to get my body to produce more white blood cells. I will receive them for 3 to 4 days. Today I was tested and I was not ready to give, they will take them tomorrow. I’m having some discomfort with them, so they gave me different medicines to help this time.

They had changed Jennifer’s headache medicines before she left the hospital, which helped for a few days. Now they are coming more frequent again. She probable will keep having them till her counts go up, they dropped more today (ANC was 80,white cells at .14). They gave her some neupagin to bust them up.

Although she is feeling weak, when the headaches are gone her sprits are high!

Thanks
Tim

PS… Mary’s cell phone is up and running
PSS… Grandma and Grandpa pictures with Jennifer are on page 3 on the web site

24.More ‘Tim cells’

June 1, 2005 –

UPDATE!
Please read the earlier comments placed this morning. Here’s what happen today!

Today the collecting of Tim’s cells went well, but they did not get enough. He received another injection this afternoon so he will be ready for collection tomorrow morning.

They want to give the StemCells (TimCells) to Jennifer as soon as they are ready, the fresher the better! The cells they collected today will be ready around 11am tomorrow and the ones they will collect in the morning will be ready at 10pm. Thursday morning she will be admitted to the hospital, where she will receive them hot off the press. If all goes well she will be able to go back to the apartment Friday afternoon.

Mary

25.Jennifer makes me a birthday cake

June 5, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Here’s the latest from Houston. On Thursday Jennifer received Stemcells (Timcells) at 2pm and 7pm and everything went well. They kept her overnight and she received 2 units of blood Friday morning and she was able to go home (apartment) later that day. She is having trouble with her port lines in her chest and it’s causing her a lot of pain.

Saturday she had a good day, we all sat down and had breakfast together, she wanted to make me a birthday cake and she did! AND IT WAS GOOD! Mary, Elaine and her also made a special dinner for me. She only had 1 headache for the day and her smile was the best present I could ask for and I got it!

Jennifer went to the Doctor today and she needed platelets. Her counts went up a little, her ANC was 115 (that’s up from 70 on Friday) WE NEED 500! Her white cells are at .25 and that’s up from .14 from Friday, we need 3.0. She has been fighting headaches all day today.

She is still having a lot of trouble/pain with her lines and we will see what the Doctors want to do tomorrow to help. She will also need blood on Monday.

Keep praying for her counts to go up. We are!

Thanks
Tim

26.Fighting an Infection

June 7, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Jennifer started running a fever Monday morning and by the afternoon it reach 101.1, so now she is back in the hospital. They feel that she is fighting an infection in her line so she is now scheduled for surgery today to take the line out and put in a PIC line. This will hopefully give her relief from her chest pain.

Her counts also dropped on Monday, her ANC is at 60 and white cells are at .14. Her body is fighting the infection and the Doctors feel’s that this is why her counts dropped.

I will give you an update tonight.

Tim

27.Counts low, but infection join away

June 8, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Jennifer had her surgery yesterday afternoon to remove the port line and it went well. The pain in her chest is a lot better but she is still having some pain. It should get even better today. They are going to put the new PIC line in tomorrow. Her headaches are a lot better, she getting only 1 or 2 of them a day.

Her counts are still very very low but with the infection going away, its time to get her counts up. Her ANC today was 90 and her white cells count is at .24. So keep praying for big numbers!

She received 2 units of blood and 1 unit of platelets yesterday. Please go give blood in your area. (HELP SOMEONE)

Timmy came down last night and will be staying until tomorrow morning. Jennifer is happy to see her brother. Elaine is babysitting in Austin.

So, it’s rebuilding time. Go Jennifer Go!

Tim

28.ANC 220 (need 500)

June 9, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Jennifer had her surgery this morning to put in her PIC line and everything went well. She is resting right now. The pain in her chest is still a lot better. She has not had a headaches in 2 days!!!!

Her counts are still very low but they are up a little. Her ANC today was 220 (we need 500) and her white cells count is at .29. So keep praying for the big 500!

It looks like she will need platelets today. If all goes well, we will get out of the hospital tomorrow and go back to the apartment.

Timmy is leaving later today and Jennifer was so happy to see her big brother.

So that’s all for now, keep the prayers coming!!!!!

Thanks
Tim

29.Keep the prayers coming!

June 10, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Jennifer’s pain in her chest is getter better but she still having trouble about every 6 hours with the pain and we hope it will go away soon. She has not had a headache in 3 days. Go Jenn! She was up and walking around the floor today and looking good.

Her counts are going UP! Her ANC today was 400 (we need 500, 3 days in a row) and her white cells count is at .50. We need a good weekend.

If all goes well, she will be getting out of the hospital tomorrow afternoon and go back to the apartment.

Keep the prayers coming!!!!!

Tim

30.Back in the Hospital

June 15, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Sorry for taking so long to update the web page but it’s been a busy week. Here’s the latest.

Jennifer is back in the hospital as of today. She started running a fever this morning and it’s still over 100.5 and it’s been as high as 103.1 today so, we will spend a few days in the hospital.

But the good news is her counts have been going up for the past 4 days. It’s growing slow, but UP! Her ANC today was at 330 and her white cells are at 1.12. This is the highest that her white cells have been in a long long time. In looking at the other counts, it looks like tomorrow numbers will go higher.

The doctors are very happy with things, they like seeing the slow steady growth. We need to get the fever to go away, so they have Jennifer on medication to bring it down.
She received 2 units of platelets today and blood yesterday. Please go and give blood.

Keep the prayers coming!

Tim

31.Receiving more platelets today

June 17, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Here’s the latest from Houston.

Jennifer is still in the hospital and it looks like it will be Sunday or Monday before we get out. Her fever is down but her blood culture came back positive so we have 48 hours more on the medicine.

Her counts are up and down. Yesterday her ANC was 610 but today is 280. White cells are at 1.28 today and yesterday was 1.79. Her Mono’s is at 67% today and with it being this high, usually will drive up the counts tomorrow. So we wait until tomorrow. We need 3 days in a row over 500.

She will be receiving 2 units of platelets today.

The medicine that they are giving her to boost the white cells up is causing severe muscle cramps and pains. She is having a tough time walking and setting up. She is being tough but it’s hard.

Keep praying for Jennifer and high counts!

Thanks
Tim

32.Waiting for test results

June 20, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Jennifer is still in the hospital and her counts are still up and down. They are going up but not as fast as the doctors would like. They ran a blood test on Friday and we are waiting to see what the results are so we can figure out our next step.

Yesterday her ANC was 590 but today is 550. White cells are at 2.3 today and yesterday was 1.97. Her Mono’s is at 40% today..

So, we wait and pray for the test’s results today.

Thanks
Tim

33.More chemo needed

June 21, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Mary and I met with the Doctors last night and her body is producing her white cells instead of mine. Of the cells they checked, 83% are Jennifer’s and 17% are mine. My cells should have been a lot higher, so we are now moving to the next plan.

Mary will be tested today and tomorrow and will start receiving shots to boost her white cells starting Thursday. She will get these shots for 4 days so they can use her stemcells. Jennifer will start next Tuesday with more chemo. She will receive the chemo for 5 days, 1 day rest and receive Mary’s cells the following Monday.

This was not the news we wanted to hear but we must keep fighting and fight hard!

We talked with Jennifer last night and she was very upset but she knows that we have to keep fighting and her family is with her 100%.

Yesterday was the last day she received her shot to boost her counts, so in the next 24 hours she should start feeling better and the muscles pains will go away.

It looks like she will be in the hospital for a while so please keep sending her the e-cards from the hospital. (she love’s to read them). Please keep the prayers coming.

God Bless to all of you that are in Jennifer corner.

Tim

34.Mary receives shots today

June 24, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends, here’s the latest from Houston.

Jennifer had surgery today for a bone marrow test. The Doctors wanted to check her counts before chemo. Surgery went well. Jennifer’s muscle pain is almost gone and she is able to sit up in bed and she is getting better in standing and she is walking a little (with our help). She is running a fever again, last night it went up to 103.4 and its back down tonight and we are watching it very close. They sent off blood work to check if there is a problem with it and we had a check x-ray tonight. The Doctors will keep testing until we find out what is causing the fevers. She is also fighting stomach problems, she is getting sick to her stomach every 6 to 8 hours.

Mary received her first round of shots today and she is feeling OK tonight. She has 2 more days of shots to go and she will be tested on Monday for the transplant. Timmy came to town today to take care of Mom while I take care of Jennifer in the hospital. If all goes well, Jennifer will start chemo on Tuesday. Elaine goes to Kansas City tomorrow for 10 days to stay with Grandma & Grandpa, Rhonda & Gary and Marcia & Tom. .

Mary and I would to thank “TEAM IN TRAINING”. Jennifer received over 230 cards from the Hospital web site!!!!! Most of them were from TMT. We spent a few hours reading them and laughing at most of the jokes!!!! Keep them coming. We are now posting them on all the walls in the room again. This will keep me busy for awhile. Thanks again.

Pat (Jennifer homebound Teacher) came down this week and spent 2 days with Jennifer and Mary. Jennifer was so glad to see Pat and talking with her. (No homework was given) THANKS PAT, WE LOVE YOU!

Mary and I can’t believe how many people are looking on the web site, writing notes of encouragement and all the LOVE out there for Jennifer! THANKS!

Keep the PRAYERS coming and GODBLESS!

Tim

35.Starts Chemo again today

June 29, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Sorry for the long delay in updating the web page but it’s been a long week.

Jennifer started Chemo today and she will receive 5 days of Chemo, 1 day of rest and she will get Mary’s stem cells next Tuesday. Jennifer’s fever is better, it hit 101.4 yesterday and it’s been at 99’s most of the day. She is still having stomach problems 2 or 3 times a day but the medicine is helping.

Mary has had a tough week, she started having stomach problem on Sunday. She was having bad headaches and muscles pains. Her cells where not ready to be collected on Monday but she had to spend most of the day getting fluids because of the stomach problems. Tuesday counts looked good and they pulled the cells from her but they had a lot of trouble with her vain collapsing. It took 7 hours to collect the cells. We went back today for one more round and things went a lot better today. Mary is feeling better tonight.

They pulled 5 million cells from Mary in the past 2 days; the Doctors wanted 10 million. We talked with Dr. Krance tonight and he feels the 5 million is enough to get Jennifer engrafted and in a few weeks we will go back and get more cells from Mary.

So now we wait and pray and help Jennifer get through the chemo.

Thanks to all and GODBLESS.

Tim

36.Jennifer having a good day, Mary is better

July 2, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Jennifer gets chemo today and tomorrow and that is it!!!! So far, Jennifer is doing very well. She has been doing a lot of sleeping and her strength is a lot better. Her fever is still at 99 to 100 but they feel its from the chemo. She still getting a upset stomach at times but NO HEADACHES!

Mary is feeling better and back to normal. She just went to Starbucks.

So, Jennifer is having a good day, Mary is better, SO IT’S A GREAT DAY!

Happy 4th of July and may your family have a safe and happy 4th.

Please keep the prayers coming.

Tim

37.Jennifer receives Mary’s stem cells

July 6, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Jennifer received Mary’s stem cells yesterday and everything went OK. Now we wait and let the cells rebuild. Jennifer is feeling pretty good, still having a slight fever, stomach problems are about the same and her blood pressure is going up at times. They are giving her medicine when it gets over 150/100 and its working.

We should see some growth in her cells between day 8 to 15. Let’s all pray for good strong cells! She is still receiving blood or platelets almost everyday. So please keep giving blood in your area. Help save a life.

I had to put Jenn’s picture with Lance on the web page, Lance is WINNING and so is JENNIFER!!! We also put some new pictures from last week (see page 4). (Thanks Tony)

That’s all for now, keep the e-cards coming from the hospital (we are now putting them on the ceiling).

Thanks
Tim

38. Jennifer loves her iPod

July 9, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Everything is going as planned. Jennifer is doing OK, she’s still having the high blood pressure at times, she’s running a slight fever at times and her stomach gets upset 3 to 5 times a day. But we are controlling them with medicine. We are just hanging out at the hospital and wanting for Mary’s cells to kick in.

Jennifer’s friend Katy came down on Friday and they are catching up on girl talk. She’s going back to Austin today and Elaine is coming down today. Aunt Ann (Mary’s sister) came down from Baltimore on Thursday and is staying till Monday. She gave Jennifer an iPod for her up coming birthday and Jennifer LOVES IT!

Jenn is receiving more platelets today and again we wait and pray for good strong cells!!!!!

Thanks
Tim

39.Mouth Sores

July 14, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Here’s the latest from Houston. Jennifer is fighting the mouth sores from the chemo. Her whole mouth and throat is full of the sores. She’s not able to eat or drink anything and all her medicine is now by IV. The put her on morphine and it did not help so she now gone to a stronger medicine and they put her back on the continuous pump to control the pain. She’s being strong but she’s in a lot of pain.

Good news is that her blood pressure is under control!!!!!!! Her fever is still going up over 101.5 about every 12 to 18 hours. They take a culture every time it goes up and so far the tests are coming back good.

The mouth sores will be around for 14 to 21 days longer. She had them before and she will get through them again. Her counts are still down and they should start coming up next week. Please pray for good strong Mary cells.

Timmy downloaded 350 songs to Jennifer’s new mini I-pod and I’m taking it down later today. That will pump her up. (Thanks Aunt Ann)

Thanks for all the prayers!

Tim

40.Hard Times for Jennifer

July 16, 2005 –

Good morning everyone,

It been a tough few days, Jennifer’s sores in her mouth and throat are still very bad and some of them are breaking open and bleeding. Jennifer has to suck the blood out and it’s really painful for her. She has a very hard time talking and she still can’t eat or drink anything. These sores just take time to heal and with no white cells it just takes longer. She’s still fighting a fever and stomach problems and the Doctors has changed some of her medicines to help.

Please keep praying for her!

Later today you should find some new pictures on the web site. Jennifer’s friend Katy came down for and visit. Aunt Ann Marie was here also and they had fun with Jen’s new wig and putting on a little makeup.

That’s all for now.

Tim

41.Need Strong Mary cells!

July 19, 2005 –

Good morning everyone,

Here’s the latest from Houston. Jennifer’s sores in her mouth are getting better but the sores in her throat are still very bad. With the white cells going up they should get better in a few days. She’s still fighting the fever and having stomach problems. Her face is puffed up real bad and she can barely open her eyes. The Doctors felt it would be better today but it’s not. We are hoping that they will have an answer for us to get this under control.

We do have some good news, her counts are starting to go up. Her white cells on Sunday was at 100, Monday they went to 340 and today they are at 260. Her ANC was at 260 yesterday and it’s the same today. We need the ANC over 500 and the white cells to get over1500. So, they are going up and we need them to keep going up and be STRONG MARY CELLS!

Keep the PRAYERS coming!

Tim

42.Highest ANC day!

July 21, 2005 –

Good morning everyone,

Jennifer’s sores in her mouth and throat are getting better. The mouth sores are gone and the throat is almost gone!!! She is talking again!!!!!. She’s still fighting the fever and having stomach problems. Her face is still puffed up real bad and she can barely open her eyes. They are a little better today but she still having problems opening her eyes and seeing. She is also getting some swelling in her neck and back also. The Doctors don’t know why this is happening but they are doing some more testing today.

Her counts are going up. On Wednesday her white cells was at 340 and the ANC was at 340 also. They started the GCSF shoots yesterday and her white cells went to 1010 and the ANC went to 930,,,, YES 1010 and 930!!!. This is the highest the ANC has been on both transplants. We need 2 more days over 500 and keep the MARY cells growing.

They also did a graftment test earlier this morning to see how Mary’s cells are taking over. It will take 2 to 3 days to get the results back. (I will keep you posted)

We just need to get swelling down, get her up and walking around, keep the cells growing and maybe Jennifer can get out of the hospital for her birthday next Sunday. Or if not out of the hospital, just feeling GOOD for her sweet 17th birthday.

Your PRAYERS are working and keep them coming!

Tim

PS. The new pictures are up on the web site (thanks Tony) and you will see the most beautiful girl in the world!

43.The Mountain

July 23, 2005 –

The Mountain

When the task at hand is a mountain in front of you, it may seem too hard to climb. But you don’t have to climb it all at once — just one step at a time. Take one small step…and one small step…then another…and you find…the task at hand that was a mountain in front of you … is a mountain you have climbed……..

Good Morning Everyone,

Jennifer received a book from Sheila and Doug Dierking called “Girls Rule”. She asked me if I would put this poem she liked, “The Mountain” on her web site, so she could share it with EVERYONE!

Are you ready for this? Jennifer’s white cells are at 2050 and the ANC is at 1480 today. Yesterday the white cells were at 1700 and the ANC was at 1460. THAT’S 3 DAYS OVER 500 on the ANC and she is now ENGRAFTED. Mary’s cells are kicking butt. There’s dancing in the streets in Houston TX!!!!!!

Her mouth and throat sores are GONE! Her fever is almost GONE! She still fighting the stomach problems and she still has the swelling on her neck, back and shoulders which is causing her a lot of pain. She is still very weak and can’t walk yet but she will get there. She’s getting the headaches from the GCSF shots but yesterday was the last day for the shots for now.

You would be VERY PROUD of Jennifer and how she is handling things. Please keep the PRAYERS coming because it’s working.

Thanks

Tim

44.Good News

July 26, 2005 –

Good morning everyone,

Are you ready for some good news?

They stopped Jennifer’s GCSF shoots on Saturday and we knew that her counts would drop and they did on Sunday. The white cells dropped to 1540 and the ANC went to 740. (ANC still above 500) On Monday, her white cells went to 1610 and the ANC went UP to 840. WOW!!! Today the white cells are at 1430 and the ANC went UP to 920!!!! DOUBLE WOW!!!!! Go Mary cells, GO!!!

We are now waiting on the DNA tests to show how many cells are Mary’s vs Jennifer’s. We should get this info tomorrow.

Jennifer is still fighting the stomach problems and she still has the swelling on her face, neck, back and shoulders which is causing her a lot of pain. They are doing tests to find out why and what is causing this. But, she did get up yesterday and walk to the family room. GO JENNIFER!

Jennifer has a long fight in front of her, but she’s DOING IT ONE STEP AT A TIME!

Thanks
Tim

45.Surprise Birthday Party planned

July 28, 2005 –

Good morning everyone,

Counts are STILL GOING UP AND UP!!!

On Wednesday Jennifer’s white cells went up to 1740 and the ANC was at 1310,,,, It gets even better, today the white cells are at 1910 and the ANC is at 1470.. Words can not describe how we feel about this, we can only thank GOD for this.

We are still waiting on the DNA tests to show how many cells are Mary’s vs Jennifer’s. We should get this info today. This will really tell us what’s going on and how well she’s doing.

Jennifer having surgery today to remove her PIC line and put a new one in. They feel that this may be causing some of the swelling on her right side of her body, which is causing her a lot of pain. She’s still fighting the stomach problems also.

She has 3 more days until she hits the big 17 and if all goes well, we are going to have a surprise Birthday party for her in the hospital. We are going to bring down several of her friends from Austin and have a PARTY!!!!

Keep the PRAYERS coming and THANKS!

Tim

46.Mary’s cells 100% grafted with Jennifer’s

July 30, 2005 –

It’s a GREAT day and prayers have been answered.

Late last night the doctors came in and had the results on the Engraftment/DNA test. Are you ready for this? It showed that Mary’s cells are 100% grafted with Jennifer. All cells look at are Mary’s cells. THE STEM CELL TRANSPLANT WORK!!!!! 100% Mary cells!!!!! Jennifer and Mary did it!!!! Thank you GOD!!!!!!

There’s dancing in the streets and rooftops in Houston TX.

Jennifer’s counts are still very strong. On Friday her white cells went up to 2650 and the ANC was at 2180. WOW! Today counts went down a little but still very good. The white cells are at 2240 and the ANC is at 1630. Her Mono is at 10% today and this means that her counts will go up tomorrow. They have to go up tomorrow,,,,, IT’S HER BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

Everything is still a go for her surprise PARTY tomorrow. Dave and Judy are bringing down some of Jennifer’s friends and we are going to use the Doctors lounge for the party. Mary is out today getting things for the room and the party. I’m going to make Jennifer a homemade apple pie tonight. The cake is already done and we are just waiting for tomorrow. It’s going to be a GREAT DAY!

The PIC line is out and Jennifer’s right side is feeling better. She still very sore but the swelling is going away. Her stomach is still giving her a lot of trouble. Now we just need to it her up and moving, eating on her own, have the swelling go away and her will be able to get out of the hospital and get into the apartment.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for all the prayers, e-cards, notes and strength you have given Jennifer, Mary and the whole family. Jennifer IS climbing the mountain and she has a lot of support (YOU) to help her. Keep them coming!

Thanks
Tim

47.’Sweet 17′ Birthday party a success

August 5, 2005 –

Sorry for the long delay on the update but no news is good news.

Jennifer had a great birthday party and everything went well. Jennifer had fun just talking to her girlfriends and catching up on stuff (boys and stuff) There are some new pictures from the party on the web site. Mary and I would like to say thanks to Dave and Judy for bringing down the girls.

Jennifer has had an OK week. Her counts are staying about the same. White cells are at 1890 and her ANC is at 1240 today. She has been fighting the shoulder and arm pain all week. Last night they finally put a pain patch on her shoulder. This has really helped today!!!! It’s helped so much that they have started dropping the medication. If we can get off the pump, we can get her to the apartment. It will take 5 to 7 days to get her off all the medicines.

They did a bone marrow test on Wednesday and we are waiting for the results on this…. Pray for good news.

Again, sorry for the delay on the update.

Tim

48.REMISSION!!!

August 7, 2005 –

We have some GREAT news from Houston TX and it can be summed up in one word,,,,,,,,,,,,,, REMISSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jennifer says “HUGS FOR EVERYONE”!

The Doctors received the first report from the bone marrow test taken last Wednesday and everything is clear, no blasts, all cells are Mary cells and NO LEUKEMIA!!!!! As Tony the Tiger would say “That’s GRRRRRRRREEEEEAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTT! (pictures will explain this comment)

We still have a long way to go, but God is looking upon Jennifer!

Jennifer’s counts have dropped a little in the past few days. Her white cells are at 1550 and the ANC is at 920. This is up from yesterday. Her shoulder pain is a little better (the patch is working) The are still cutting back on the pain medicines but they have to do it slow. If they do it to fast she will have withdraws and we don’t want that. The stomach is still giving her trouble but its getting better also.

So, If all goes well, we should be out of the hospital by the end of the week and get back into the apartment. Her 100th day is Oct.13 and that is the going home to Austin date.

We also have visitors in Houston, Grandpa Clapp, Uncle Tom, and THOMAS are in town!!!!! They came in Friday night and are staying until Monday. Jennifer has been so happy to see Thomas. She has been reading books to him and watching movies with him in bed. (pictures are coming) Grandma Rita sent down homemade bread with them and Jennifer has been eating it. (We have too) Grandpa looks great and she so happy to see her PA PA!

This is one more step up the mountain. Please keep the PRAYERS coming, they are working!

Tim

49.Memory Quilt for Jennifer

August 14, 2005 –

It’s a beautiful Sunday in Houston TX. Jennifer is out of the Hospital!!!!!!!!

Late Friday afternoon, Jennifer left the hospital and went to the apartment. Most of her pain is gone and she’s still fighting some stomach problems but that’s not enough to keep her in the hospital. Her ANC is right around 1000, they would like it to be higher. They are going to give Jennifer a boost of Mary’s stem cells. Mary started taking the shoots on Friday and she’s starting to feel bad today. They will test her tomorrow and see if she is ready. If she’s not ready, she will get one more shoot and they will pull the cells on Tuesday. Timmy is coming down to help this week.

As you all know, Jennifer went into the hospital on April 21 and she has only been out of the hospital for 7 days. We plan on staying out until her 100th day from the last transplant. October 13 is the 100th day! Then we can GO HOME TO AUSTIN! GO JENNIFER GO!

So things are going very good, we just need to keep building up her strength up. She will go and see the doctors 3 days a week for a while. (Check counts and receive blood or platelets)

Jennifer also received a very special present on Friday. GREAT Aunt Debbie made Jennifer a beautiful memory quilt. It has most of the pictures from the web page printed on it and Jennifer’s poem. Around each picture there is a theme frame around it and it’s just beautiful. When Jennifer opened it up and started crying. Thanks Aunt Debbie and Uncle Bob, Grandma Rita and Grandpa Buzz, Aunt Lou and Aunt Karen for putting this together!

Thanks
Tim

50.I Love Mary! 2005 08/17

August 17, 2005 –

Hello everyone!!!

It’s been a busy week but a GOOD week so far. Jennifer’s counts are going up and UP! Today’s counts looked like this. White Cells @ 4150 and the ANC was @ 3250,,,, YES 3250. This is up from Monday’s 3150. Just think, we wanted 500 and look at Jennifer GO!!!!!!

Jennifer is feeling OK. She still fighting the stomach problems and still very weak but she is walking everyday and the swelling is starting to go down on her face and body..

Mary gave her stem cells yesterday and today. Jennifer received Mary cells that was collected yesterday and she will get more tomorrow. Mary is feeling better tonight. She has had a tough few days but all she has to do is look into Jennifer’s eyes and she keeps on going.
I LOVE MARY!

So, apartment life is going good and we are counting down the days to October 13.

Keep the prayers coming and THANKS!!!!!

Tim

51.Oct 13-Going Home Target Date

August 28, 2005 –

Hello everyone!

Sorry it’s taken me so long to update the site, but things are going good and work has been busy.

Jennifer counts are very strong, her white cells count has been at 4500 plus for the week and her ANC is at 3600. Great numbers!!! She still fighting the headaches 2 or 3 times a days and her stomach getting upset at times. Blood pressure is very good and they are still dropping or taking her off some of the medicines.

She is still very weak and gets tried very easy. But she’s walking around the apartment once or twice a day. It will just take time to rebuild.

October 13 is still the target date in going home,,,, yes home!!!! She is having a bone marrow test tomorrow so say a prayer for her tonight.

I will update the page after we get the results from the test (Wednesday or Thursday).

Thanks for all the prayers.

Tim

52.Fainting Spells

September 4, 2005 –

Hello everyone, here’s the latest from Houston.

Jennifer had her bone marrow test last Monday and the results came in on Friday. She is still 100% clear of all Leukemia cells. No blasts, 100% in remission!!!!!!!!!!!! Mary has some STRONG CELLS!!!!

But, Jennifer is having headaches, stomach problems and she is now fainting 4 to 6 times a day. She started the fainting last Sunday and they have been getting worse in the past few days. The Doctors started to run some tests to find out what could be causing this. They did an EEG test of the brain and they are going to MRI of the head on Wednesday. So far, they have not found out what’s causing them. They have changed her medicines around thinking that it may help (but it has not). We are lucky that Mary has not dropped her yet, HA HA!!! We have now received a wheelchair to help Mary transport her to and from the hospital.

Back to GREAT news!…. Jennifer is rebuilding her platelets on her own. August 26th she received platelets and she been rebuilding since then. THIS IS HUGE on her path of recovery. Her white cells have been at 4800 to 5300 this week and the ANC is at 3600 to 4300. The numbers are great, we just have to stop the fainting!!!

Mary’s family in New Orleans are all OK!!!!! As most of you know the apartment that we are staying in is 1000 yards from the Astrodome. The apartment complex is a gated area and they upped security 24 hours a days and there are 500 extra police officers in the area. We feel safe in the apartment and Mary knows not to go out at night.

Thanks for all the prayers,,, THEY ARE WORKING!!! And GOD BLESS

53.Back in the hospital

September 7, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Here’s the latest from Houston. We had to put Jennifer in the hospital today. She’s fainting more and more and the doctors can’t figure out why. It was going to take several days and weeks to her to see the right doctors so they made the call to put her in the hospital to speed up the process.

So, we hope that they can figure out what’s causing the fainting in the next few days and get her back to the apartment.

Her counts are still strong we just need to get over this.

Keep the prayers coming and THANKS!

Tim

PS… you can send her a e-card. She’s in room 8037.

54.Fainting has stopped

September 13, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Here’s the latest from Houston. JENNIFER IS OUT OF THE HOSPITAL!!!!!!!! She got to go home about 5pm today. The fainting stopped about 36 hours ago and the doctors don’t know what was causing the fainting but they changed up her medicines and they finally cleared out her ears. They found dead skin and they removed a lot of wax from both ears. We are still waiting on the heart doctors to give us the results from the tests they took over the weekend. We should find out tomorrow on that test.

So, life is GOOOOOD. Counts are good, white cells are at 3000 to 3400 and the ANC is 1900 to 2500. And she is out of the hospital and in the apartment.

Thanks for all the PRAYERS.

Tim

55.Jennifer back Home in Austin!

September 26, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Here’s the latest from……….. AUSTIN,,,,,,, YES AUSTIN!!!!!!! Jennifer is home. Jennifer and Mary made it back to Austin last Wednesday night. It took 6 hours to get home because of “Rita” not Grandma Rita but the Hurricane Rita. She is home but she’s having a tough time with her stomach. Mary took her to the doctor today, she had to receive IV fluids and they put her on a new medicine. The Doctors think that she has C-DIF infection again but we will find out tomorrow.

She still needs to be seen twice a week, once in Austin and the other in Houston. (This beats staying in Houston) We will make the day trip every Thursday or Friday for the next several weeks.

WE ARE HOME. It took 5 months, 10 days and a lot of prayers to get them home but Jennifer and Mary are HOME!!!!!!!

Thanks for all YOUR prayers and HELP!
Tim

56.She just wants to feel better…

October 4, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

It’s GREAT to have the family all under one roof in Austin TX. Jennifer is doing OK, we went to Houston last week and the counts all look good but she is still fighting the C-DIF and the medicine they put her on is very hard on the stomach and it makes her sick. She has to take this 3 times a day.

They had to put her on fluids every night to keep her from dehydrating. They are slowing cutting back on her morphine. Mary has to give her the morphine at 9 and 3 every morning and night. We have to do this for 2 more weeks.

Jennifer just wants to feel better and start doing things with her friends. Hopefully by the end of the week she will start feeling better. She is being very strong and she just wants to feel better.

This is just another step up the mountain.

Jennifer Poem’s “The Mountain”

When the task at hand is a mountain in front of you, it may seem too hard to climb. But you don’t have to climb it all at once — just one step at a time. Take one small step…and one small step…then another…and you find…the task at hand that was a mountain in front of you … is a mountain you have climbed……..

Thanks
Tim

57.Varisela Voster

October 29, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Sorry it has taken me so long to write but things have been frustrating. When we first got home Jennifer had C-Diff, the medicine she was on was hard on her stomach, she was sick for 10 days while taking it. On October 13th she started fainting again, for about 5 days, then they stopped some of her high blood pressure meds. The same day she started throwing up and had loose stools, this kept up for about 6 days. On Sunday the 16th her blood pressure was getting real high and the sores that she had on her shoulder were blistering up. Mary called the doctor and he said to bring her in the hospital to be admitted because it sounds like the shingles. They started her on antibiotics for them. She got out of the hospital on Wednesday afternoon and we headed for Houston for a few appointments for the next morning.

Dr Krance thought her sores weren’t shingles and he biopsy a spot and it end up being Varisela Voster (same family as the chicken pox and shingles). He had us stay one more day so he could run some more tests to find out what might be causing the stomach to be so upset. That same day she started fainting again. Still today she can’t be on her feet for more than 4 or 5 minutes without fainting, sometime with just taking a few steps.

This week we saw several different doctors, we go back to the Cardio doctor on Monday, hopefully he will find some answers on why she is fainting.

We also had to have her central line removed last Tuesday because it was clogged and was not drawing fluids. They put a new central line that same day.

Nurse Mary has to give Jennifer IV fluids and IV antibiotics every 8 hours around the clock for the Varisela Voster. We have to do this for 21 days and the last day is November 5 (we hope).

So, we have been busy and I will try to keep you updated more often.
Thanks
Tim

58.Jennifer won 1st place in Halloween costume contest

November 6, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Here’s the latest from Austin TX. Jennifer went back to the heart doctor last Monday and all the tests came back OK. They still have her cut back on some of her high blood pressure meds and it seems to be helping on the fainting. She has only fainted 5 times in the past three days. But her blood pressure is still high at times and we are waiting to see what the doctors will do next.

The Varisela Vostor (form of shingles) started to come back on Thursday and they put her back on the fluids. Nurse Mary has to give Jennifer IV fluids and IV antibiotics every 8 hours around the clock for the next 7 days or so. We are going back to the doctors tomorrow and see if we can get something stronger for Jennifer.

Here’s some good news, Jennifer went to a Halloween party and won 1st place with her costume (she was a LOVE child from the 70’s) and won 1st place for the best decorated pumpkin. We signed her up for an art class and she had a great time last week and she went out to the movies last night with some friends.

She still gets tired very easy, the itching from the Varisela Voster is driving her up the wall but she is taking one day at a time and that’s a good thing.

It’s so nice to have the family home and someday we will be a normal family again.

Wait, 2 high school teenagers, a wife with a credit card, a son off to college and a hyper dog……. I don’t think there is such a thing as a “NORMAL household”!!!!!

Thanks for all the prayers and GODBLESS.

Tim

59.Back in the hospital

November 12, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

On Thursday we had to put Jennifer back into the hospital (in Austin). Her legs and ankles are swelling up and she is having a tough time to stand and walk. The doctors don’t know what’s causing this and felt that she needs to be in the hospital.

They have taken her off the high blood pressure medicine thinking that this may be causing the swelling and they have to take her blood pressure every 2 hours. They are also giving her a new medicine for her nerve endings. One doctors feels the chemo may have caused nerve damage in her legs. As of today her legs are still swollen.

The Varisela Vostor (form of shingles) is still giving her problems. They had to change the medicine again to help. She is still fainting and it seems to be getting worst. She passed out 6 times yesterday.

They have her on a lot of painkillers and her oxygen level dropped and they started giving her oxygen yesterday afternoon.

We are hoping and praying that things get better in the next few days.

Thanks
Tim

***Update Sunday, November 13th

Laurie Randel here. Mary just asked me to post an update to let you know that Jennifer was admitted to the PICU late last night and has been intubated to help her breathe. She has been sedated to help her feel more comfortable.

Prayers and words of encouragement in the guestbook I’m sure would be appreciated.

60.Please show your support for the Family

November 14, 2005 –

It’s Laurie again.

Jennifer is still on the ventilator and sedated. The x-rays have shown some improvement in the pneumonia that has invaded her lungs, but not enough to lower the level of the ventilator just yet. She is hanging in there and being the amazing fighter that she is. Thank you so much for the prayers and words of encouragement in the guestbook.

Jennifer’s brother, Timmy arrived this evening, so the whole family is with her now. Tim and Mary have been taking shifts sleeping and someone is with Jennifer all the time.

This morning, Tim and Mary went to donate blood. Jennifer is A+ and while there is lots of A+ blood in the bank, Jennifer needs specific antibodies to be present, so they are having trouble finding blood that is just right for her. They have had to use 0- blood as a substitute. If you are A+ and in the Austin area, you may want to consider donating. You don’t have to donate directly to Jennifer, you can just make a regular donation.

Thank you again for the amazing show of support in the guestbook! I know it helps the entire family feel the support and concern that we all want so much for them to feel right now.

We’ll keep you posted. Keep the prayers and healing thoughts coming!!

Laurie Randel

61.The family appreciates your Support for the Family

November 14, 2005 –

Laurie here.

I just got off the phone with Tim. Jennifer is about the same. She is on a less powerful ventilator, but at the highest settings. The pneumonia has not shown real improvement and they are still trying to discover what kind of pneumonia so that they can target the medication.

She has woken up several times, enough to open her eyes once or twice and squeeze fingers and hear messages of love from her family. She’s in lots of pain and very uncomfortable when she does wake, so they are keeping her as comfortable as possible.

The family really appreciates the support and prayers. They need lots and lots of prayers.

Laurie Randel

62.Dialysis

November 16, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

Here’s the latest from Austin, Jennifer is still on the regular ventilator but they have to keep her on her stomach to keep her breathing level / states up. When they move her on her back they dropped fast. So for now, they must keep her on stomach. We may have to go to the stronger pump.

The pneumonia is still about the same and they still don’t know what kind it is but they have her on about 8 different medicines. It may be next week before they find out what type it is and we hope that the medicines will help by then. She has 13 I V pumps hooked up to her and they had to add three new lines to get all the fluids in. They have one in each arm and one in her neck. She still has the central line also.

With all the fluids going in, her output is not keeping up. This is causing her whole body to swell up bad. Her feet, hands, face and body is really bad and they are giving her new medicines to try and flush it out. Her creatine level (kidney functions) is at 1.4 today. Anything over 1.2 is high and the doctors have to keep a close eye on it. But with all the medicines, it will probably go higher.

So, its been a long day and Jennifer is hanging tough.

Mary and I would like to thank everyone for the comments on the web page and ALL THE PRAYERS!!!!!! It’s POWERFUL to see the support TEAM for Jennifer.

Thanks
Tim

PS…….Jennifer Poem “The Mountain”

When the task at hand is a mountain in front of you, it may seem too hard to climb. But you don’t have to climb it all at once — just one step at a time. Take one small step…and one small step…then another…and you find…the task at hand that was a mountain in front of you … is a mountain you have climbed……..

****Thursday, November 17th, 10:30 am
Laurie Randel here. I just spoke with Mary and she told me that due to the severe water retention and swelling, Jennifer is going to need dialysis. Her kidneys are showing signs of stress with the higher than normal creatine levels, but are hanging in there and aren’t functioning as poorly as they were before (I think that was after the 1st transplant, if I remember right). The dialysis is meant to help reduce the severe swelling. They don’t know how long she will need to be on it yet; it will be a take it as it comes kind of thing.

Also, Mary found out that the cause of the pneumonia may be due to the shingles/chicken pox virus hanging around too long. Apparently when kids have trouble getting rid of that, pneumonia can develop.

So again, the family is under tremendous stress and can really use all the prayers and support possible. They are climbing the mountain one step at a time.

Lovingly,
Laurie

63.One tough Mountain to climb

November 18, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

It’s been a long day. Jennifer just gave us a scare. During a breathing treatment at 10:30pm her blood pressure dropped very low and she had a hard time breathing. They had to bag her for over 45 minutes. They got the breathing under control and her blood pressure went back up. God was looking over her and keep the prayers coming. She is OK now and she is resting well.

The first round of dialysis went great. They pulled 3 liters (yes, 3 liters) of water out of her system and the swelling went down some. They are planing to do it again on Friday and also on Saturday. Keep in mind that she has gained 15 pounds in the pass 6 days. The treatment lasted 3 hours and again, she did great.

Her creatine is at 1.7 and her white cells are strong at 6200. They are going to give her Mary’s blood here in a little bit. If you are here in Austin TX, go and give blood. They are having a tough time in matching her blood. Call your friends and your family in Austin and go give blood!

Mary just went to go to sleep and get ready for later today. I’m keeping watch and praying for Jennifer tonight here in ICU. Please keep your prayers coming. Father LeeMen is coming later today to see Jennifer and pray.

Thanks for all your PRAYERS…………..

Tim

Friday, November 18, 11:15 am
Laurie Randel here.
Mary just called to let me know the plan for the day so I could update the website.

Jennifer just started dialysis again, and they will plan to have her on it for three hours or as long as she can tolerate it. Mary said the swelling in Jennifer’s face improved after the treatment yesterday and they will try to get another 3 liters of fluid off today.

After that, the infection doctor wants to get more sample tissue from the lungs. Nothing has grown on the previous samples to show what kind of pneumonia Jennifer has so that the treatment can be targeted. The pneumonia is not really improving, so they need to do another lab test to find out what’s happening. Mary wasn’t sure if they would need to do that procedure in the OR or not.
Also, they need to put Jennifer back on the more powerful ventilator.

The whole family is really feeling the stress and they sincerely appreciate all the prayers and support that people have lavished upon them. This is a very tough mountain and they continue to need our prayers and words of encouragement.

Lovingly,
Laurie

64.More Dialysis…surgery

November 16, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends,

It’s been a better day today. The dialysis went for 3 hours again today and they pulled 3 more liters of water from her body. Her face and body is getting back to a normal look. They may do the dialysis on Saturday, they will make that call in the morning.

Jennifer had surgery at 3pm today to remove a sample of her lung tissue from the left lung. She now has a drain tube on her left side to drain any fluid around the lungs. Again, everything went well and we should get some answers on Saturday and next week on what type of pneumonia she has.

They took a chest x-ray at 6pm and it looked better. Things are moving in the right direction today. God is looking after her!!!! They put her back on the more powerful ventilator at 7pm tonight (Friday). They feel that it will expand her lungs more and let them get better, faster.

Her creatine is at 1.4 tonight and the white cells are at 6000.

We keep praying for Jennifer and thanks for all your prayers!

Thanks
Tim

PS…. Mary and I want to say “GOOD LUCK” to all the TNT friends for the Motive ½ marathon this Sunday, here in Austin. Mary and I plan to be back for next years run. Mary wanted to say…………….. GO TEAM GO!!!!!!!! Remember to read Jennifer’s poem before the race.

“The Mountain”

When the task at hand is a mountain in front of you, it may seem too hard to climb. But you don’t have to climb it all at once — just one step at a time. Take one small step…and one small step…then another…and you find…the task at hand that was a mountain in front of you … is a mountain you have climbed……..

65.ARDS

November 19, 2005 –

Hi, folks – we have some late-breaking news from the Wilks camp.

After the x-rays and biopsy that Tim mentioned in yesterday’s journal entry, their doctor has determined that Jennifer is suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

This is a very serious affliction.

The doctors are attempting a surfactant treatment that will, hopefully, prevent Jennifer’s alveoli from collapsing and allow them to inflate more easily.

The Wilks ask that everyone ardently pray for their daughter – especially over the next few days as the effectiveness of the surfactant treatment becomes known.

ARDS FAQ
More on ARDS

T.Randel

**Saturday, November 19, 2005 11:55 pm

Hello all. Laurie here.
Jennifer has so far received two surfactant treatments. Her lungs have improved functioning slightly. The final surfactant treatment will be Sunday morning at 6:00 am.

Please continue praying for Jennifer and her family.

Laurie

66.A Roller Coaster Ride

November 20, 2005 –

Laurie here.

Mary called and said that Jennifer is hanging in there.

The dialysis did not go very well today. Jennifer’s blood pressure dropped as they were removing the fluid, so they had to give some fluid back to her. The net result was about even.

The x-rays, however, looked a little better today. The doctors are considering putting her back on the regular ventilator.

The third surfactant treatment was performed at 7:30 this morning. The doctors have told Tim and Mary that the next couple of weeks will be like a roller coaster, with some days being good and some not so good.

Please continue to pray for the complete healing of Jennifer’s lungs and that she be very comfortable throughout this process. Pray for peace, strength and endurance for the entire family as they continue fighting this terrible battle.

Thank you again for your continued support and expressions of love for Jennifer and her family. They read the guestbook entries regularly and are encouraged by the barrage of prayers being lifted up on Jennifer’s behalf.

Lovingly,
Laurie Randel

67.Situation Remains Critical

November 21, 2005 –

Here’s the latest report from Tim and Mary:

Jennifer’s situation remains very critical. The doctors have been able to reduce the strength of the ventilator as the medicine (surfactant) that she received is improving her oxygen absorption. They won’t, however, know if it has been effective on improving the functioning of her lungs for a few more days. This treatment is more like a marathon than a sprint, and the family needs prayers for endurance and continued strength.

Jennifer will receive dialysis today, Wednesday, and Friday. Please continue to pray for her restoration to complete health.

Jennifer’s brother, Tim, arrived home from college and will be able to stay through the Thanksgiving holidays.

Tim and Mary wanted to communicate their thanks for all of the prayers and support. Please continue to check up on them, sign the guestbook, and pray diligently as they will need all the strength, endurance, and support they can get over the next couple of weeks.

68.Still Critical

November 21, 2005 –

Laurie Randel here.

Tim called to give me the update for tonight.

Today was an emotional roller coaster for all of them. The medicine that they had given Jennifer for her lungs is helping some, but not as much as they had hoped. They have turned down the ventilator a little more, but she is still reliant on it.

An x-ray taken mid-morning showed that the lower lobe of Jennifer’s right lung had closed. Doctors then ventilated her by bag for 20 minutes and a second x-ray then showed that the right lower lobe had re-opened slightly.

The next 3 to 5 days will offer Jennifer’s lungs the best opportunity to heal. Tim said it’s really a “wait and see” until that point.

Jennifer also developed her third bedsore today which creates a concern regarding risk of infection. The hospital purchased a state of the art bed for Jennifer that totally encloses her and can adjust her position electronically. This will make it much easier for them to turn her from her back to her stomach and is intended to improve her circulation and respiration and to reduce the chance of her developing more bedsores.

The hardest aspect of the new bed for Jennifer’s family is that it totally encloses her with only a viewing window for her eyes. Jennifer continues to be totally sedated, so it won’t be upsetting to her, but it is hard on the family to be physically separated from her in this way. As I understand it, they will be able to open up a panel on either side so that Tim and Mary can rub her back and talk to her, and they will be able to hold her hand.

Tim, Mary, Timmy and Elaine again want to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support. They have been receiving meals from their church and have felt surrounded by love through this ordeal.

Please continue to pray for Jennifer’s lungs to heal completely. Pray that she remain free from infection and any further complications. Pray for strength, endurance, peace, and comfort for Jennifer and her family.

Lovingly,
Laurie Randel

69.Getting used to the new bed

November 22, 2005 –

There’s not much news to report from today.

The x-ray of Jennifer’s lung today showed a little bit more improvement. Jennifer is still on the ventilator and other than a high blood pressure reading which was controlled through medication, things were relatively quiet.

The family is getting more comfortable with the new bed. When Jennifer is on her back, they can see her face and talk to her, and her head is supported on the sides. Her face is really only covered when Jennifer is on her stomach. The bed gently rocks her from side to side constantly. Jennifer continues to be under full sedation and is being kept comfortable and being watched very closely.

Mary and Elaine got some fresh air today and were able to leave the hospital for about 30 minutes. All four of them (Tim, Mary, Timmy and Elaine) are able to be at the hospital in Jennifer’s room and in the waiting room now during the day and seem glad to be able to provide support to each other.

The Wilks have really appreciated the meals that they have been receiving, as that is just one less thing for them to have to worry about. The physical support and nourishment seems to be feeding not only their bodies but also their spirits. It is impossible to imagine what they are going through, and yet they unwaveringly climb this mountain with Jennifer step by step.

The family is planning on having Thanksgiving dinner, which will be provided to them by friends, in a room there at the hospital. Please continue to pray with them for Jennifer’s health and for their continued strength and endurance.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Laurie Randel

70.Thanksgiving at the hospital

November 24, 2005 –

The Wilks just called and wanted me to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Yesterday was an extremely difficult day. Tim and Mary had a meeting with the doctors in the afternoon. They were told that the surfactant treatment did not work as well as the doctors had hoped and that Jennifer’s lungs did not appear to be responding well. The doctors here have begun to run out of ideas of how to help Jennifer. They decided to call Jennifer’s transplant doctor in Houston, Dr. Krance, to ask his opinion.

Dr. Krance said that there is a chance that she might have severe Graft-vs-Host disease of the intestines. If so, that is a treatable condition. Within 15 minutes of that call, Children’s Hospital had a surgical team in Jennifer’s room (so that Jennifer would not have to be moved) to biopsy Jennifer’s intestines. Those lab results should be back on Friday.

In the midst of this terrible time, the Wilks talked of some of the things they are thankful for. They appreciate so much the care that Jennifer is getting from her doctors and nurses. They told me about the feast that is being prepared for them for Thanksgiving dinner today – two deep fried turkeys, six pies, and all the trimmings. They talked about the visits and messages of love they have continued to receive. They told me that yesterday, their church held a special mass and rosary for Jennifer. They told me about the people at the art studio that Jennifer was able to attend only twice who fell in love with Jennifer and have painted a portrait of her for the family to have.

When I visit the Wilks in the hospital, their love for each other and for Jennifer is palpable. It radiates through each one of them. Their strength and faith humble me. They are constantly thinking of others and they always have smiles and hugs and kindness to share. On this Thanksgiving day, as I concentrate on the things for which I am thankful, one of the things I cherish most is my friendship with this amazing family.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Laurie Randel

71.Godspeed Jennifer

November 25, 2005 –

The results from the abdominal biopsy are in. The slim hope that a treatable graft-vs-host disease was contributing to Jennifer’s condition has been eliminated.

So, with the progressive failure of Jennifer’s lungs, liver, and kidneys, the very difficult decision has been made to take her off the respirator. This will happen today, within the next hour.

While the strength that this kind, quiet young lady displayed could not overcome her illness, the strength of her spirit and her story will continue to strengthen and inspire those whom she touched.

Our hearts go out to the Wilks today and in the difficult days to come.

Update (2:00 P.M.): Jennifer passed away peacefully just a few moments ago, surrounded by her loving family, friends, nurses and doctors. Jennifer definitely fought the good fight. She can rest in peace now, with no pain, no worry, no tears. Godspeed, Jennifer – we are all better for having known you.

T.Randel

72.Jennifer’s Funeral Arrangements

Wed. Nov 30, 2005 –
Rosary and visitation: 6:00 -8:00P
Note: Rosary begins promptly at 6PM
Come when you are able. All faiths are welcome

Thurs. Dec 1, 2005 –
Funeral at 10:00 AM

St. Margaret Mary Church
1101 W. New Hope Drive
Cedar Park, Tx

Procession to Bagdad Cemetery to follow funeral service
Reception at St. Margaret mary Church following graveside service.

The Wilks Family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the following five charities in Jennifer’s name:

(Click on the charity name to be directed to their website.)

St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church – (512) 259-3126
This is the Wilks’ home parish and they have supported Jennifer and her family throughout her illness.

His Grace Foundation – (281) 620-4511
This foundation supported the Wilks during their time in Houston. They paid for parking at Texas Children’s, provided dinner to the families in the hospital every other week, and each week would buy for Jennifer whatever she wanted up to $25.

American Cancer Society – (800) ACS-2345
Jennifer enjoyed attending Camp Discoveries, run by ACS, each summer that she could. The American Cancer Society also organizes information seminars helpful to patients and their caregivers.

Candlelighters / Any Baby Can – (512) 454-3743 or (800) 672-0238
Candlelighters provided counseling for the Wilks while in Austin and runs a camp for siblings that Elaine was able to attend for 3 years.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – (512) 491-6610 or (866) 814-8113 (Toll Free) (When requested, please specify Central Texas Chapter.)
The LLS supported the Wilks financially and through information and education. Also the LLS funds research and clinical trials for the treatment of AML. Team in Training is an extra outlet for fundraising for LLS, which Mary and Tim were involved in and they both walk a half marathon to raise money for the cure. Jennifer was the honor patient for many of the cycling and running events in the past 2 years.

Please give what you can to help other children that are going through this and their families and to help find a cure so that no one has to endure what Jennifer went through.

73.The Services were Beautiful (Jennifers’s video)

Dec 04, 2005 –

Both services were beautiful.

Wednesday night following the rosary service. People took turns talking about Jennifer and sharing memories of her. People talked about her quiet grace, her beautiful smile, and her amazing courage facing her illness. They spoke of her natural ability with children and of her sweet and playful spirit. The pictures, video, and quilt were displayed and people were able to spend some time just talking with the family and supporting each other.

The mass on Thursday morning was also beautiful. The songs and readings were poignant and emitted a spirit of peace and hope. At the graveside service, what struck me most was the peacefulness in the air. There was a nice crisp breeze, warm sunshine, and not a cloud in the sky. The coolness was countered by the warmth of the people gathering around the Wilks family. Afterwards, friends from the church provided lunch for all who wanted to attend.

The Wilks would like to express their sincere thanks for all the people that worked so hard on these services, for those that travelled so far, and for all of the love and support that they have received throughout this most trying time.

They would like to continue to encourage people to donate to the charities listed below that were so helpful to them. Also, Caringbridge is a non-profit organization that hosts web pages at no charge to families and is funded primarily through donations.

Please continue to check up on the Wilks and offer words of encouragment and support to them in the guestbook. Even though there may not be new updates in the journal, be assured that they will be reading the guestbook.

Please share your memories of Jennifer in the guestbook and help the Wilks to rest assured knowing that even though Jennifer’s physical presence is no longer with us, the light of her spirit shines in each of us that were fortunate enough to experience it.

With love,
L. Randel

(Click on the charity name to be directed to their website.)

St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church – (512) 259-3126
This is the Wilks’ home parish and they have supported Jennifer and her family throughout her illness.

His Grace Foundation – (281) 620-4511
P.O.Box 722
Tomball, Texas 77377-0722
Att: Val

This foundation supported the Wilks during their time in Houston. They paid for parking at Texas Children’s, provided dinner to the families in the hospital every other week, and each week would buy for Jennifer whatever she wanted up to $25.

American Cancer Society – (800) ACS-2345
Jennifer enjoyed attending Camp Discoveries, run by ACS, each summer that she could. The American Cancer Society also organizes information seminars helpful to patients and their caregivers.

Candlelighters / Any Baby Can – (512) 454-3743 or (800) 672-0238
Candlelighters provided counseling for the Wilks while in Austin and runs a camp for siblings that Elaine was able to attend for 3 years.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – (512) 491-6610 or (866) 814-8113 (Toll Free) (When requested, please specify Central Texas Chapter.)
The LLS supported the Wilks financially and through information and education. Also the LLS funds research and clinical trials for the treatment of AML. Team in Training is an extra outlet for fundraising for LLS, which Mary and Tim were involved in and they both walk a half marathon to raise money for the cure. Jennifer was the honor patient for many of the cycling and running events in the past 2 years.

Please give what you can to help other children that are going through this and their families and to help find a cure so that no one has to endure what Jennifer went through.

74.The Family thanks you ALL!

January 29, 2005 –

Hello Family and Friends

It’s been just over 2 months since we lost Jennifer. Mary and I would like to thank each of you for all the cards, phone calls, comments on the web page and the love that you had for Jennifer.

Each day we think and pray about Jennifer and think of all the fun times that we had together as a family. Jennifer brought so much life to us and her million dollar SMILE will never be forgotten!

Here’s an update on the rest of the family. Mary is keeping busy and has her good days and bad days. She’s going to start subbing back with the pre-school at church. Elaine is still cheerleading and came in 4th place in the national cheerleading tournament in December. Little Tim is back in collage and playing Rugby and doing well. I’m just working and helping with church on Spring Fest.

To celebrate her life and to help others we are putting on a Golf tournament in Jennifer’s name. This tournament will raise funds for the charities that helped Jennifer and our family in the past years. We want to help them so they can keep helping other kids and their family going through cancer.

Tony is going to put a link on the site so you can get signed up and come have some FUN and celebrate Jennifer’s life and help others. Mark your calendars for May 15, 2006. Hurry, it’s filling up fast and see you on the GREEN!

Again thanks for being there for Jennifer and the Family

Tim

75.Our Very First Tournament!

May 22, 2006 –

Well, Mary and I would like to thank all those at helped out, played and sponsored the 1st Annual FIGHTING CHILDHOOD CANCER golf tournament in memory of Jennifer Wilks on May 15, 2006.

Because of YOU we raised just over $16,500….. WOW!!!! This money will go straight to the 5 charities that helped put a smile on Jennifer face during her battle with leukemia. Those charities are: His Grace Foundation, Make a Wish, American Cancer Society, Candlelighters (Any Baby Can) and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

We had 88 golfers that played and we had a clear and beautiful weather all day. We will soon have pictures on this site of all the golfers and the fun that they had.

We would like to thank Advance Auto Parts, FLOOR KING, RG TATE & Associates, and AT&T for being the main sponsors of the event. THANKS!

We also had 15 hole sponsors that help make the event a special day. THANKS AGAIN!

We are looking forward to next year and it will be BIGGER and BETTER. So get READY everyone and tell your friends.

Here’s an update on the family. Mary is back to work part time and is doing OK. Timmy is out of school and home for the summer. He is going to take some summer classes at ACC and work full time. Elaine is working 2 part time jobs (just like her Dad growing up) and is driving. School is out this week and she is looking forward to summer and working at camp. That’s 3 jobs!!!! That’s my girl! We all have our good day and bad days. We just have to think of the great times that we all had together as a family.

Thanks and God Bless
Tim

76.Almost a year

Nov 19, 2006 –

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since Jennifer became an angel. There is not a day that goes by that we don’t think about her. I can close my eyes and see her smile and I hope that you can too. We know that she is in heaven looking down on all of us. She does not want us to be sad but she is waiting for us in heaven.

This next week will be a tough week for the Wilks family but it’s nice to have great friends and the support of kind words from YOU! We have the gravesite looking nice and we will be there often the next couple of weeks. Tim II is coming home for Thanksgiving and it will be great to see him and have the family together during this tough time. Mary and I are taking pies down to the PICU on Thursday to say thanks to the Doctors and Nurses for all their help last year and just say thanks for what they do each and everyday, helping kids.

We are very proud of Tim and Elaine, Tim is doing well in college and has a part-time internship with ESPN radio in Lufkin TX. He’s playing rugby and is looking forward to getting into a good internship at the end of the school year. He also has a very nice girlfriend and her name is Tiffany. She will be going to Kansas City with us over the Christmas holiday. Elaine is working 2 jobs and doing well in school. She is taking some classes next semester that will count as college credits. She has not decided on what college yet (she still has time) but with the classes she’s taking she will have 12 college credit hours before she starts college. She’s still thinking of becoming a nurse and helping kids! She has been volunteering with a Miracle League baseball team for children with special needs.

Mary and I just want to help make it a little easier for families and with the new children’s hospital opening next year we are going to find a way to help cancer kids while they’re in the hospital. Again, I would like to thank everyone that helped out in the golf tournament back in May. We raised just over $16,000 for the charities that are helping children and their families while they are battling their fight with cancer. I hope that you are ready for a bigger and better tournament next April.

Well, from Mary and I we would like to wish you and your family a great Thanksgiving and thanks for all you thoughts and prayers.

God bless

Tim