Reaching out

Carter's self-portrait

When Carter was diagnosed in April, Matt and I immediately went into research and survival mode. Initially, we spoke with other families whose children had cancer and were treated at CHOC. We were able to learn from them and get their perspective on having a child with cancer. As we moved along in the process, it was then great to talk to a couple families with children who were diagnosed with hepatoblastoma. Since it is a rare disease, we only had an opportunity to get in touch with a few people initially. It was still encouraging and comforting hearing other’s stories. We can learn so much from one another. Then, as we went down the path of Carter getting a liver transplant, it was so helpful to talk to other people and families that have been through it as well…and at UCLA. I think all of this is so important in one’s own research. And many of these people have been instrumental in helping Matt and I cope, learn and hope through this journey. Thank you.

Coincidentally, we were contacted by two different families today. One family has a son waiting for a liver transplant at UCLA. And the other family has a son who was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma and just finished his second round of chemo at CHOC. It’s great for Matt and me to talk to these parents and give our perspective. We know how invaluable it was for us and how many of these families we reached out to with questions had found peace in where they were in the process. Matt and I can only hope to “pay-it-forward” in a sense and that other families find comfort in our state of mind at this time. After hearing both families’ stories today, we have no doubt their sons will be past this and have bright futures ahead. Our hearts ache for them as they go through the journey though, as we know it all too well. It is nice to be at the point where we feel like we have come so far, and for a purpose too…they also will feel this way sometime soon!