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Click here for the most recent update on Brady's Progress ::::
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Dear Friends and Family:
I wish I had better news to share with you all as this new year just begins...but I don't.
Jeff & I took Brady to his 19th EUA yesterday. We were going there expecting to hear that Brady was "stable" and were prepared for him to have this new treatment (local interocular chemotherapy) injected in his left eye as a "preventative measure". We were not prepared for what we are now faced with. |
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For the first time in over a year, Dr. Murray looked worried. He came out to tell us that Brady has taken a turn for the worse. Both of his eyes are again engulfed with tumors. This was not to be expected and isn't typically seen 2 months after the completion of aggressive radiation therapy. He told us that we're basically running out of options. Instead of just injecting the left eye with Carboplatin (the chemo drug) - he injected BOTH eyes. This will be followed by 3 more dual injections and 4 more rounds of aggressive systemic chemotherapy.
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We will be admitted for the first round of chemo on Monday - and then again on February 2nd....and thereafter. I cannot begin to communicate the devastion that has taken over this family. We have fought too hard for too long now to give up; however, this interocular chemo is a new treatment.....and Dr. Murray has seen more success with it than any other hospital in the U.S. but Brady's retinoblastoma is far worse than any other children. Brady's oncologist basicaly told us that IF this works, it would be a miracle. Moving forward, we're going to give this next 4 months a go....but if it doesn't work, Jeff & I have decided to exhaust one last option. Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, Canada and Dr. Brenda Gallie specialize in recurrent retinoblastoma. Children that have been at risk for losing their eyes have gone to this hospital and this doctor and whatever they have done up there has been documented that those children have not lost their eyes. Although our insurance will not cover anything outside the domestic United States, Jeff & I feel very strongly that we must as least seek out the second opinion of Dr. Brenda Gallie. If at some point Brady's eyes HAVE TO be removed, Jeff & I want to be able to tell Brady when he is older that we did EVERYTHING possible to prevent that from happening.
If our family ever needed prayers and miracles, the time is now. I am also compelled to share with you that our family already has a couple of angels. Some very dear friends of ours, Scott Tinkler & Billy Ingersoll have taken it upon themselves to have a "Second Annual Fundraiser" in Brady's honor. Scott Tinkler will be running the ING 28k Miami Marathon on January 28th. Scott has been training for this race for quite some time and has written Brady's name on his shoes and said that Brady is his inspiration. Scott & Billy have already circulated a Pledge Sheet for which they are asking people to donate money on a per mile basis or in one lump sum. The money raised in its totality will be donated to Brady. I have established a Non Profit Organization for Brady called "Through My Baby's Eyes - The Brady Simmer Retinoblastoma Awareness Foundation". We are a 501(c)(3) corporation and any person or company that donates will be issued a receipt and a Letter of Tax Exemption. Originally we were planning to hold the money for Brady and use it to enhance his future as his needs grow.....but now we'll be leaning on this in part to get Brady up to Toronto. If, God willing, the doctors up there feel they can treat his disease and save his eyes, Brady and I will be relocating to Toronto (and living at the Ronald McDonald House) while he undergoes treatment....however long it takes. Of course our hope is to not have to go there...but it's looking more and more like a probability. I am attaching a copy of this pledge sheet. I am asking you all as my friends and family.....that if you are able....will you please support this cause? This fundraiser is being handled by Scott & Billy and their contact information is on the cover letter and pledge sheet. Please forward this email to anyone that you think may be interested in participating. I had originally promised Scott that Brady would be on the finish line waiting for him to finish the race....but unfortunately Brady will be in the hospital getting chemo at that time. It broke my heart to have to break that promise; but Scott assured me that Brady would be with him every step of the way. Jeff & I are so incredibly lucky to have these guys as friends....and as I see it, Scott & Billy are "Brady's Angels". If you are unable to donate, we completely understand, but please forward this email and keep our family in your prayers.
I'll send out an email as we continue on this new journey and keep everyone updated. We are trying to remain positive and optimistic; however, the thought has crossed our minds that we just may be fighting a losing battle. One way or the other - we will still have Brady's life - and with or without eyes, he is still our hero and we will still give him the best life. Thank you all for your continued support.
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