Prayers for Adie.... | Friday, September 30, 2011

It is with a profound sadness that I bring the story of this precious little girl. Only God knows what His plan is for her....but we at The Oldham Project ask selfishly for your prayers for peace for this family and comfort for this beautiful, Kourageous Kid.
Here is her story, as told by her mother, Tammy.

"The photo shoot opportunity came that the perfect time! This experience made her feel so beautiful, fashionable and in control of her day. It also reminded her that even in tough times, her beautiful spirit and SMILE shines so brightly.

She has the word "DREAM" above her bed. On the letter "M" their is a small list that asks to list three of your dreams. Here are her top three: 1.) Become a black belt in Karate, 2.) Become a fashion designer and 3.) Be famous. Thank YOU and ALL the wonderful people at Oldham Project for literally making her dreams come true! Please mention in the bio how she had all of her outfits organized as well as accessories and make-up:)

Adie's journey:

In March of 2008, at the age of 5 and a half, Adalin discovered a bump about the size of a golf ball in her right groin. We went to Sparrow and discovered that she did indeed have cancer in her pelvis. The biopsy done at U of M stated it was either a triton tumor (nerve sheath tumor) or high level rhabdomysosarcoma (soft tissue tumor). Very aggressive and rare in children and difficult to treat due to a lack of information on how and what medicines can be helpful. The location and size of the tumor did not all the doctors to resect at that time.

We began a six month chemo protocol at the start of April in Lansing with the amazing MSU Oncology team. God Bless, she handled the chemo with very little side effects. In May she started six weeks of external radiation. Adalin embraced her faith, spunky spirit and take charge attitude every single day. It became very clear to all that cared for Adalin, that they would have to explain in full detail what they intended to do for her and then get her approval. Whether it was drawing blood, positioning her for scans, what size gown fit her best and where and when they could check her vitals. (Terri, now that you got a chance to get to know Adie, I hope that last part made you chuckle).

When it came time for surgery we discovered the tumors had not shrunk as much as all would hope. The doctors at MSU and U of M thought a hemi pelvictomy (removal of the right pelvis and leg). Though the news was devastating to James and I we didn't share that part with Adalin at the time. We kept praying that someway, somehow, we would have other options before having to put her through such a difficult and life changing surgery.

Our beloved doctors at MSU helped us with referrals to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and St. Judes in Tennessee. Mayo agreed with U of M that it the surgery was the best chance to get all the tumor out. We hadn't heard from St. Judes at that time so decided to finish out her chemo schedule and get ready for surgery in September. About three weeks before the scheduled surgery at Mayo, scans looked very promising and we got the call from St. Judes. They believed they could resect the tumor and save the leg and pelvis. Many prayers were answered that day and so many times after!

Adalin had a resection surgery and also interal radiation to the tumor sight at St. Judes in late August. At the time is was very successful. She finished her chemo protocal in in October and got the chance to be "in remission" for about 14 months. We would do follow up scan here in. Lansing and at St. Judes about every 3 months.

In November of 2009, scans showed reoccurance in the upper right high. We immediately stared the same chemo/radiation/surgery protocol. They were encouraged that because of how well Adalin had handled this experience the first time, medically they could repeat the entire process. In May of 2010 she completed another chemo cycle and another resection surgery. The tumors were then considered stable and she was off treatment for 8 months.

In January of 2011 the tumors began to grow again and we decided to two experimental drugs from St. Judes. The first drug worked for about 3 months and we discovered the 2nd and final drug was not effective in July.

Since July of 2011, Adalin has progessed in need for our MSU palitative care team to manage her pain from tumor growth.

This final update brings us to our current situation.

From day one she has had God "giving her a piggy back ride" Since her final return, with God's love and grace she has enjoyed many high quality days and that is what we will focus on!"

Adie is currently hospitalized on high powered pain medication, but does have periods of lucidity and is still in full control of her treatment, as she was of her photo shoot. She painstakingly chose just the right outfits, with all the matching jewelry and accessories, AND makeup to coordiate with each... must be the budding fashion designer! She chose the poses and declined one if she didn't like my suggestion. She is a child who wants to be in control, and the end of her life is no different. Just yesterday, after my visit with her, she woke long enough to choose the images she wanted on a billboard that will be going up in Lansing in the next couple weeks, to show the community what a Kourageous Kid looks like! Adie is my HERO!

Keep this family in your continuous thoughts and prayers as Adie spends her final moments here with us.

Labels: cancer, childhood cancer, Kourageous Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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Heather's final story..... | Wednesday, September 7, 2011

CLICK HERE to read Heather's final story from the Lansing State Journal:

Also read more in her Obituary HERE.

Labels: bald woman, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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We grieve with Heather's family.... | Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Heather was a powerful force to be reckoned with. She fought cancer with everything she had, with grace, dignity, courage and BOLDNESS. She fought a vicious leukemia for a couple years, undergoing a much needed bone marrow transplant from her brother. But, this weekend, she entered the gates of Heaven with the boldness and courage she lived. She was only 27 years old and leaves behind a small son, age 6 and a devoted fiance, Tommy. She had big dreams and goals, but her son was the most important thing in her life. She so wanted to watch him grow up. Even after her transplant, she fought to secure an early release to watch him get on the bus for the first time, going off to kindergarten.
She attended our Gala this past winter, having a great time, meeting other BOLD women, having photos taken with our celebrity guest, TJ Duckett and having a great time with friends. She was full of life and exuded positive attitude.She was a huge advocate of The Oldham Project and what we're trying to accomplish!
We now grieve with her family, mother, son and fiance. She was much loved and touched so many lives. She will be missed, but her legacy, attitude and love will live on.

Labels: bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, cancer, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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Help The Oldham Project obtain a much needed Grant from Pepsi! | Friday, September 2, 2011

The Oldham Project has applied for and has successfully gotten into the finalists for a $10K grant to continue our Be Bold, Feel Beautiful program for another year! Please help us gain votes to get this funding! Vote via the website or text your vote!

Labels: Be Bold Feel Beautiful, The Oldham Project

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