“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and you are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”~ Patrick Overton
Monday, October 27, 2008
"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" Hebrews 11:1
I do not know how to say this except to just say it. It looks as though Zoey is about to embark on her toughest battle yet. Today we found out that more than likely Zoey has Leukemia. I cannot believe I actually just wrote that. Beyond surreal. Zoey and I were at Children's Hospital of LA today for a check up with her hematologist/oncologist. After some routine blood work, the early indication is, that it is in fact, Leukemia. Wednesday she will be having a bone marrow biopsy and that will give us a clearer picture of what we are dealing with and what direction we progress. For any of you that have followed us for long, you know the obstacles that have been placed before her. One would only have to look at the side bar under her name and read her story, and I would find it hard to believe that most would not think she has had her fair share. More than her fair share. What we need right now are prayers. Prayers filled with strength and healing for this sweet child that has endured more than any child should ever have to. I will post more as we know more. I am at a loss of words tonight. The day has been long and my mind and body are weary. As for Zoey ..... she is her smiley, happy self. I wouldn't want it any other way
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33 comments:
My heart utterly and completely dropped as I read this.
Please know that we will be holding this precious spirit in our prayers as well as our hearts.
Heather, I can't believe you just wrote that. I have goosebumps, as I can say, I know exactly how you feel while writing those words. You're numb, you're in shock, and you have no idea what lies ahead. Except, I hope that through knowing Chelsea you do have a small idea. A ray of hope maybe, that while everything seems so completely bleak right now, it will be okay. It might not be okay next week, or next month, or anytime soon, but you will get through this. You always do. Please, please email or call me, anytime. Seriously. I've been there. Oh, and make sure that ativan is refilled! ;)
I'm so sorry - we'll be thinking good thoughts for Zoey - and her family.
Oh Heather....I am so sorry. I so was not expecting to read that, after all that sweet Zoey has gone through. I really thought she was on the upswing and that the last few weeks would be chalked up to a virus. I am sad tonight, sitting here with an ache in my heart. I wish this cup could be taken from you, from Zoey, and from your family who have endured so much already. Prayers??? Absolutely, you have them from us. Your friends over here in Long Beach will literally be on our knees for Zoey and the Needhams.
Zoey is a fighter... just remind yourself of that, and that she will fight through this battle victoriously as she has the others!
Hugs to you and Zoey!
Cheri
Heather-I am speechless and so sad that Zoey has to fight yet another battle and that your family has to endure another obstacle. Please know that prayers and posititve thoughts will be coming your way from me and my family. Zoey is a fighter and I am sure that she can overcome this as well. God Bless your sweet princess Zoey and the Needham family!!
I am Sophie's Grandma. I have been following your blog for many months now. It is strange how much you can care and love someone you have never met and so easy to add them to your thoughts and prayers. There is not a day goes by that I do not think of your family. Hugs and butterfly kisses to Zoey!
You will get through it. I promise. You will.
I have been reading here for a while now, I came over from Larkin's Place. I am praying for extra strength for all of you! Zoey is a fighter and your family is a wonderful team, you have much to be proud of. Zoey has had more than her fair share of difficulties to overcome...I feel sure that she will overcome this hurdle as well.
Ami G.
Im not a blogger, but read yours each day, I hadnt gotten to yours but read on another about a Zoey and hoped it wasnt your precious one, but read that it is. I feel a connection with each person that has a child with that extra special chromosome and will send prayers your way. You are soo right that Zoey has already been thru her fair share, its just not fair!!!! I have a daughter, Courtney with angel wings and will send her your way to watch over you:)
Denise
NE Indiana
www.caringbridge.org/in/sydneylynne
Heather,
I have no doubt that Zoey is going to beat this...with flying colors! She's already conquered so many other obstacles. She's a fighter. I just hate it that she has to endure yet another thing (and that you have to endure another thing). It's so frustrating to me! Enough already! Haven't these people had enough?!?!? Hang in there...we're all praying for you and your precious little warrior!! Please, if you need anything, don't hesitate to call!
Tera
Heather,
your call last night broke my heart. I wish I could do something to help you as your family embarks on another step into the darkness. Zoey has taught you all how to fly with her and this journey will be no different than the rest. You will get through this and Zoey will show that she truly is a fighter.
As always the Needhams are in my prayers.
Kathleen
There are no adequate words in a situation like this, but I'm so very sorry. This is just not fair.
I know Zoey will rise to meet this challenge. I just wish she didn't have to.
Prayers, of course.
Maureen Kelley
Heather, this is heartbreaking news. :(
I hope first of all it turns out to be an incorrect suspicion on the doctors part...
And if not I am sending many good thoughts and prayers for your wonderful family and that amazing little girl.
Carey sent me over to pray for your girl. And I will.
Many hugs!
I've been following your blog for a few months now, I feel like I know Zoey, just from your posts. She's absolutely a beautiful person, her smile makes me smile. When I opened the blog this morning I had a feeling that something was off, just do to the length of the post, it was a lot shorter than most. Then I read why, I am so sad for Zoey and your family. It's just not fair. I truly believe that Zoey will rise above this just like she has with the previous obstacles. She is strong, she is a fighter and she has so many people praying for her. I will keep her in my daily prayers. She will prove once again just how strong she is.
Mareesa
I came over after reading about you and your Zoey at Dream Big and just wanted to send Prayers of strength and Healing for your beautiful Zoey.
When Matt called me last night with news of Zoey, I felt completely devastated! Prayers? Absolutely! For Zoey, for the doctors, and for the Needhams. There was a time in my life when I felt I just could not pray. A friend told me that during those times, others would do that for me. And so...I hope you can feel enveloped in the armloads of prayers that are being lifted for Zoey and your family every day even as you are adjusting to this new challenge.
We all know Zoey's fighting spirit.
We pray for a speedy victory!
*Sigh* I can`t believe that. I am so sorry, so endlessly sorry. Heather, tonight I send all my strength and love and thoughts to you and your family. I pray for you and Zoey.
Heather,
My heart was so sad to read that post. That beautiful girl has been through the ringer. I am saying a special prayer for sweet little Zoey and your family.
Molli
H, I hope as often as we talk and will be talking, I am able to express how much I love you and Z and YOU KNOW I am and will be here for all of you. Just too hard to put much more of the personal stuff we share in person, out here for everyone to read.
H, SHE.WILL.BEAT.THIS!!
And I will say this, 'let us carry you now...' You have carried so many in their time of despair, let us return the favor. I am praying for you and Z every hour. I have printed 5 pics and are putting them ALL OVER OUR HOUSE! We are PRAYING HOURLY!!! I LOVE YOU H.
I will call you tonight.
Heather - I just returned from Pittsburgh yesterday- I confess I had not read your blog for a few days. When I picked up the phone a few minutes ago and heard Mark's voice in the middle of the afternoon here on the East Coast, I had an uneasy feeling. Then he broke the sad, sad news about little Zoey. My heart goes out to all of you -please know that all of you are in my prayers.
Love,
Bluebelle (Aunt)
Hi Heather, I read this post this morning I could not believe it, I just had to come back this afternoon to see if I really read what I read. As Nick and I ran errands today, I kept thinking of you and Zoey. My Ipod has been out of commission for awhile but for whatever reason it started working today in the car. The first song I heard was the Natalie Merchant song "Wonders." The words in that song touched my heart as I was thinking and praying for Zoey and your family.....I will keep praying, Heather.
Hi Zoey, My mom is telling me that you are going to need some extra prayers. Be strong my little friend and keep smiling.
Dear Heather and Family,
I've never posted here before, but I check in on Zoey's site from time to time through the link on Sophie's Blog. I just wanted you to know that my heart goes out to your entire family, and Zoey will be in my prayers daily.
Zoey is such a beautiful, precious little girl who seems to have overcome soo many obstacles. She is on my heart often and we will continue to lift her up in prayer.
Heather, I read the post this morning and was at a loss for words. I was upset and wept for you and Zoey. I went through the why her, hasn't she been through enough stage, then...I prayed. I wept and prayed for your little girl and you and your family. We are not meant to understand sometimes why these things happen but it is always for a reason, His reason. Zoey is a fighter and will overcome this obstacle as well. She is a survivor!!! We will continue to lift Miss Zoey up in prayer.
((hugs))
Allison
Heather...We have been on the road and I haven't checked in lately. Tera told me the news today when I was driving into Houston...and it broke my heart! I am so sorry! However, I know that Zoey will pull through this too with her incredible strength and that infectious smile. I just wish she did not have to "battle" this after all she has been through in her young life. I will be saying extra prayers for Zoey, you and your family during this time. love, meghan
I have been reading your blog for about 6 months now, and I pray for strength for you and your family. Tears streamed down my face as I read your last post. Zoey and the rest of your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You.
My heart is breaking for you and your family. You always talk about Zoey's smile. Focus on that. It amazes me at how much strength I draw from Sophie. How her innocent little smile can get me through so much. My prayers are always with you and Zoey.
I also found your blog through Carey. My heart, prayers and thoughts are with Zoey and your family.
Hugs and Kisses from all of us....
Hi Heather I found your blog through Carey. My heart goes out to little Zoey and your family as you embark on this new journey. I also have a daughter with Down syndrome and is a Leukemia survivor. I will be keeping Zoey and your family in my prayers.
Carey told me about your beautiful little Zoey. I just finished reading her story and your post about the new battle she will have to fight. Your child is an amazing inspiration to us all. I will put you all in my prayers. Please keep us posted as you can so we can follow how your little one is doing.
Try to take some strength in knowing that their are many of us out here now praying for you all.
I read your blog every day and left a few comments before. As I read your post I tears began dropping out of my eyes. ……I just can't believe after all that Zoey already went; she has to battle leukemia too. My heart goes to you and all the family. We’ll keep you on our prayers and specially Zoey for a fast recovery. Just keep your faith.
Luciana
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