Love For Clara

***PLEASE READ***

I don't even know where to start. The last few days have been rough, to say the least...

 

On Monday my brother's daughter was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer. Clara is 2 years old. It's very serious, she is now considered a high-risk stage 4 patient with such a long road ahead of her. If this doesn't sound bad enough, when their son was 18 months old (about 6 years ago) he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This is their second child with a tumor! 

This has been incredibly heart breaking for our family as the bad news seems to never end. With each text I read or new post on Facebook I keep searching to find any bit of good news, only to discover something even worse. 

 Status updates from my brother:

"I don't normally do this, but I don't usually have anything all that interesting to say. Natasha is driving our two-year old, Clara up to the children's hospital in Spokane. She has had strep (maybe) for 2+ weeks and is getting worse. She can't walk normally anymore and is in constant pain. Her breathing is labored and erratic and she needs to see a specialist. Please keep her in your prayers."

 "Now I'm begging. Natasha just called. Clara has cancer. I can't believe I just typed that. Please pray for her. I can barely breathe."

 "Neuroblastoma on her kidney. bone scan in a few hours. minimum 10 days in the hospital. 2 or 3 days of tests, followed by chemo."

These updates were followed with news of the tumor being small but in a very dangerous area, the tumor being inoperable, spots found in her leg and spine, tumor linked to both kidneys through blood vessels, spots behind sinuses and eyes, very worried about vision loss, chemo, radiation, surgery... and finally, what we've just now learned, the cancer has spread throughout her bones.

I write this, not to bring you down, but to ask for your help. Your love, your support, your donations, and most importantly, your prayers. It's been amazing to me to see the generosity and sincerity that's been shown to them by so many friends and others whom they don't even know. It brings me to tears even thinking about how many of you have shown so much love to this sweet little girl. I cannot begin to tell you how much faith Brian and Natasha have. Their example has strengthened me sooo much it's unreal. I ask myself about 10 times a day, "how in the world are they handling this?" Natasha's blog is a true testament that our Heavenly Father is lovingly guiding them through this.

A fund has been set up to help Clara's mommy and daddy through this difficult time in their lives. Please, if you can help in ANY way, they would be so grateful. They live 2 hours from the hospital where Clara is and most likely will be there solid for 3 months, just to start off with. No amount of money can change their situation, but we hope it can make their burden a little lighter.

"We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support. Every comment I read, every message I get, every visit makes me emotional. I'm touched that there are so many people who care, even people we don't even know. I certainly wish I could reply to everyone, but you all know that is impossible. Please know that your thoughts are appreciated and that you are loved." - Brian (facebook status)

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**If you wish to read more about Clara's story, our friend has written a beautiful post about her HERE.

**If you would like to donate to their family, click HERE

 Thank you in advance, this truly means the world to me and my family.