We are so fortunate to live in such a generous and supportive community!  Our family can not find the most accurate words to describe our feelings in being so blessed by your kindness and prayers!  We are overwhelmed by the monetary gifts from private citizens, businesses and local service clubs.  Thank-you, thank-you.  Although hospital and accommodations are covered, other expenses abound.  Neither Jon nor Gina have been able to work, except for a few weeks, since April.  They feel forever indebted to all for being enabled to remain together as a family so they can lean on each other.

Chloe is starting to have side effects from both the chemo and radiation therapies. She has sores all through her mouth and although she is still able to eat and drink, Jon and Gina have been told that as soon as she reaches a predetermined weight, she will have a feeding tube placed.  Chloe will likely be hospitalized within the next two weeks.  Jon and Gina have now been told that they will have to stay in Seattle at least a week longer than expected and maybe more.  Chloe would be sent back to Vancouver as soon as she is well enough.

Presently, they are staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Seattle.  Here they share a communal kitchen, only two stoves, with twenty other families.  They are not permitted to have food in their ‘room’.  Still they are grateful to have free accommodations so that the four of them can be together.

Chloe has radiation daily from Monday to Friday.  They have early morning appointments each day at the radiation centre.  As of today, August 3rd, Chloe has completed 18 of 28 treatments.  Each day she must be sedated in order to be still for the radiation.  Brother Lucas is a real trooper, but he is 5 and would rather not be pulled out of bed so early every morning just to sit around waiting for Chloe to ‘wake up’.  Both Jon and Gina are being remarkable parents!  A very good friend of mine helped me put my feelings into words: I do not think that I could have dealt with the same challenges with such Grace!  We have not heard them complain in any way about what they are having to do.  It is heartwarming to see the joy they continue to share as a family whenever you see them.  Smiles are abundant and Chloe has the biggest one of all!  At only 3, she still looks at the world with joy and awe.

They met another family that has a six year old girl who completed treatment for the same cancer as Chloe.  She has been cancer free for one year.  This was a huge blessing! It made Jon and Gina far more comfortable with what they have to put their little girl through.

They are beginning to feel home sick.  It is not easy for them to be so far away from their family and friends.  They are, however, very supportive of each other.  Your kind words are forwarded on to them and have been extremely helpful in lifting their spirits.  Again, Thank-you.

Sincerely, Shirley Van Vianen