The Kids of 2003

Dan

Nicole

Three weeks before Nicole was diagnosed, she had blue lips and fingernail beds. I took her to the pediatrician. He didn't give me much of a reason for the blue lips so I made an appointment with a cardiologist. On Nov. 7th, we went to the cardiologist and he immediately sent us to get blood work at the hospital. Once Nicole got the blue lips, she became very, very pale; she tired easily, complaining about walking to the bus stop. I had to carry her backpack.

At her visit with the cardio, she had this "rash" like thing on her back. We later found out it is like broken blood vessels under the skin, which is indicative of leukemia. The cardiologist saw this and knew the severity of the situation.

The blood test came back positive for blasts in the cells. We admitted Nicole into the hospital by 5 PM on Wed. Nov. 7. The next day they did a bone marrow aspiration to confirm the blood test. It showed 9% of blasts in her marrow. It was conclusive she had Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Nicole is undergoing treatment at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey. We are confident and prayerful she will be in remission after her last treatment and after five years she will be cured.

Nicole is a wonderful 10-year-old girl. She enjoys horseback riding, cheerleading, and being with her friends and cousins. Nicole is a great big sister to her seven-year-old sister, Samantha. Nicole is infatuated with Corbin Bleu, Chad from High School Musical. Before her diagnosis her personality was a bit shy, reserved and timid. During her treatments she has become feisty, more outgoing and has attained a strong sense of herself.

Although this has been an extremely difficult time for our family, we have received many blessings. Our church community and our neighbors have been fine examples of Christ’s hands, feet and heart here on earth. People have been generous with their time, their gifts, their kindness and their compassion. We have been overwhelmed by the goodness of some many people, a lot of who we do not know. Sometimes it takes a trauma to realize the power of prayer. Time and time again God has had his hand in our ordeal by showing us his provincial care and love for our family. Please pray for our daughter Nicole and our family. May God bless you and keep you in his loving arms. The Ramsden Family