Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The After

Although I have many more pictures and stories to share about our recent time with Nathan, today is Sarah’s day.

Today marks Sarah’s ninth anniversary of being a survivor of Stage IV Neuroblastoma, the cancer with one of the lowest survival rates of all pediatric cancers. I’ve posted a photo retrospective over on her site today, so be sure to stop by there to help her celebrate.

Sarah is a young lady who has gone through some truly horrific experiences in her young life. One which comes quickly to mind is the preparation process for her bone marrow transplant when she was given doses of chemo strong enough to have killed an adult. (Her doctor said that children’s bodies can handle more chemo than adults can.)

When the (miraculous, poisonous) chemo killed off her immune system, she developed horrible open sores-from her mouth all the way down through her entire digestive system. She went for several weeks without being able to take anything by mouth because the pain was so intense.

Slide17

But she endured with grace.

She found a core of strength inside that frail seven year old body that surprised us all.

And she lived to become the “after” in this before and after photo.

before and after Picnic

We are so very, very thankful that our child survived, so grateful that she has been given the chance to blossom into loveliness--loveliness of face and loveliness of heart.

Happy anniversary, baby girl.

sarah tues collage

22 Had Something To Say (Just click here!):

Robin said...

Amazing...this is such a good anniversary to celebrate. She's come so far and I love reading posts like these.

Lyndsay said...

Yay Sarah!!!
One day you'll be an *old* 19-year survivor like me.
You go girl.

Ann said...

So glad to be witnessing the Happily Ever After!!! You go, girl!!!

Anonymous said...

What an awesome anniversary. The Smith Family did a great job of fighting to get where you are today.

Prayers and hugs!
Connie F-G

Sheri Hawley said...

To God be the Glory! Amen and amen!! Love you, Sarah!

Anonymous said...

Wow! To God be all the glory!

Cindy in Tennessee

MaryH said...

Happy, Happy, Anniversary, indeed! I have said it at least a hundred times, I am still amazed and in awe of the journey and the strength and the faith and the brilliance of the result - you will always be an inspiration and means of peace to me. Thank you for sharing your life. GO CELEBRATE - do it BIG - smile large!

leeanne said...

Happy Anniversary Sarah! Our God is so good!! I look forward to reading about you long into the future!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary and many many more! God bless you all.

Dana H, Greenville SC

Anonymous said...

The happiest of anniversaries, ever! What a miracle! God bless you Sarah. L in Alaska

Anonymous said...

What a glorious day... :<) I "met" Sarah in 2006... five years ago. God is all over your family in so many ways, and it's been a real privilege to be a witness....

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary Sarah!! My son Tanner is at the 6 year mark.

brooke r. said...

WHOOO HOOOO!!!!!!! That is AWESOME!!! My prayers in seeing your beautiful daughter surviving this horrible cancer are with the researchers and the doctors searching for ways to stop neuroblastoma, and treating those with it. We need more Sarah's. My prayers are also that Sarah lives a long healthy life, that she is content in her life, that it has spices of both joy and sorrows (because I believe we enjoy the joys more when there are sorrows), and that when she dies (because we all do die) it is because she is really really really really old, like 90 or 100.

Linda R. said...

Anniversaries like this are made for celebration! Congratulations Sarah!

Love, hugs and ladybugs....

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful celebration for a wonderful young lady!

Cindy from Sonoma

Marysienka said...

Happy anniversary Sarah!! You are one amazing young lady!
Best wishes sent your way,

R.

The Pennington Point said...

Hooray!!!!!!

Those pictures speak volumes. Poor darlin'. What a great anniversary to celebrate. Lisa~

lesley said...

Such an accomplishment~ many, many more happy years to come Sarah!

Michelle said...

Good morning, Becky. Greetings from chilly Cincinnati! Yep, upper 80's last week, upper 40's this week. Ewww.

Anyway, I'm sure you don't need to be reminded how blessed you all are. I mean, Sarah is healed (congratulations on another anniversary!). Her mom has overcome serious health issues, including cancer. Nathan and his father have had their share of scares, as well. Even Snowy proved the doctors wrong! Goodness, this Smith Family is doing something right! ;)

You all are living proof in the power of prayer, and I feel blessed just knowing your story, and witnessing the miracles that seem to follow you. :)

Your blog is inspiring, uplifting, and fun. Thanks, Smith Family, for sharing your strength, love, and faith. It is people (and pups) like you that make someone's day a little brighter.

jenny said...

Hooray for Sarah and hooray for God. Congratulations on your anniversary. God bless.

Dianna in Louisiana said...

What a blessing it has been to witness Sarah's Journey, Your Family's Journey. Truly a blessing.

Anne said...

Happy Anniversary Sarah!!! Wishing you and your family God's richest blessings :)