Justine before cancer
This is what Justine's parents felt when they found out that she has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia that fateful September 17th. She's the only child. She's only 12. So young...
"Tears, we've had plenty of that", Christine, her mother said as she look at her daughter sitting from a distance as she spoke to me.
"She's starting to lose her hairs...that's really very painful for me to watch" she added. I can feel the pain and sadness in her voice. I can't help but feel my own heart breaking to pieces.
I've known Justine since she was much younger. I practically saw her grow in front of my eyes. Not too long ago, she received her Junior Black Sash - highest belt ranking in the kid's program - which entailed extreme test on forms and stamina. She conquered that like a true kung fu warrior should be. And now, fate sadly wants to test her in a cruel way.
Brave smile in spite of the sadness
I had the chance to see her weeks after she was discharged from the hospital. Her and her mom came to visit the school. It was heartbreaking to see the physical trauma her young body had to take. Chemotherapy and multitude of procedures and tests done to her, has physically left her and her body weak and bruised. Her hands and arms bear the marks of these assaults. She lost 18 pounds and hardly have any strength. Her normal perky self now reflects a very tired, exhausted child that she is. A reflection of the battles she fought and is still fighting to regain her health.
Kids so young like her don't have to suffer this way but reality says otherwise. Justine and her family have a long way to go and they can use some of our help. Her Chemotherapy is still ongoing and her medical bills are piling up. I'm calling on to you for financial help in their behalf. Your donations will help save the life of a child. Justine's life... Will you please help?
To donate, just click on the donation button located in my sidebar. It will take you to the donation form via their paypal account. If you can't donate monetarily, your prayers are also appreciated... Her and her Mom and Dad sure needs a lot of it. You can also help by spreading the word and grabbing her button located at the side bar or you can tweet about it via the RT button above this post.
To get updates on Justine's journey and her fight, visit her page at CaringBridge. You can also submit your donations for her through that site.
Thank you Justine and Christine for letting me share your story...
We're fighting this fight with you.
ARE YOU LOCAL? PARTICIPATE!
Pumpkins for Justine - Pumpkin Patch sales on Friday, October 29th starting at 11am will benefit the Seibel Family. Location: 4558 South New Hope Road, Gastonia NC
Kick-A-Thon for Justine - A Fund-raising initiative by The Peaceful Dragon happening on Saturday, Nov 13th from 9am to 1pm. Wanna let out some steam? Come, do the kick!
Related Story:
Pumpkins for Justine - Pumpkin Patch sales on Friday, October 29th starting at 11am will benefit the Seibel Family. Location: 4558 South New Hope Road, Gastonia NC
Kick-A-Thon for Justine - A Fund-raising initiative by The Peaceful Dragon happening on Saturday, Nov 13th from 9am to 1pm. Wanna let out some steam? Come, do the kick!
Related Story:
What is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
What a moving story. I can't imagine the strength that Justine and her mom must have to endure this time but I'm going to keep them in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by LifeIsASpectrum.com. I'm so glad I found your blog! I'll be back :-)
I can't imagine. She is so young and has her whole life still ahead of her. My thoughts and prayers are definitely with her family. She is definitely not alone in this fight.
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