February 2021

10 years ago, on Feb 2nd, my sister Kelsey died while undergoing a stem cell transplant at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Maryland. Many of you all may remember Kelsey and her story and can skip the the last paragraph of this post.

For those who don't, she was born with an extremely rare disease which didn't have a name or a treatment. She was in and out of hospitals her whole life seeking a hope and a treatment. Her search for answers brought her to the NIH where she took part in a research program at the NIH for a large part of her life. Through that program doctor's discovered and named the disease DOCK8. She was at a point with her quickly deteriorating health where she needed to pursue an experimental, yet potentially life changing solution. She went forward with a stem cell transplant, the first to ever to attempt it with this disease. While not successful for Kelsey, the doctors were able to improve upon what they learned from her. Kelsey had dedicated her body to science and research. A few years later my sister Karly went through a stem cell transplant that has been a huge success for her. Since Kelsey, many others with the DOCK8 disease have gone on to have successful life changing transplants. Her sacrifice and struggle in life has lead to the healing of generations more to follow.

Before going into the transplant, Kelsey wanted to record the most important moment in her life. This is my big sister's testimony.

July 2019

"Today marks 5 years since my bone marrow transplant, and I can hardly believe the many changes that have happened since then. I finished my degree, passed the physical therapy board exam, moved to a new city to live on my own, got my first full time job in a rehab hospital which was my dream since I was 15 y.o., and I have made so many new friends. I am living a life I hardly deserve. Blessed beyond measure, but that is what my God does. He wants all of His children to live their best lives full of love, joy, peace, friends, family, and united with Him. I believe I am only alive today because this great God has plans for me that will build his kingdom, and I am determined to try my best to share his Good News! The trials I have faced I will share with others, and point out where God was the one carrying me. Praise the Lord for his infinite mercies, ever present love, and grace that has been poured out as many as the rain drops! His goodness knows no bounds, and He cares for His children as if they were a fragile, new born chick. Tell someone about how God has changed your life today!" Karly

January 2019

Hi to all who find this page again. I think an update is needed to hear the further miracles God has given Karly and life updates. I will start posts that she has shared from 2019: marked as Kelsey's 8 yr homegoing and Karly's 5 yr transplant birthday. 

"This has ALWAYS been true, but I usually figure this out as I reflect on the steps I've taken. For me 2018 represented transition, which leads this year into new beginnings. Finishing school, passing my board exam, finding a job, and then moving to a new city. I am settling into a new chapter of life that feels like it took forever to get to, but that is when I am reminded that life happens in the journey. Your lessons are learned on the way, and you can't just skip ahead. God has the plan step by step, and there is purpose to everything He does. Last year I challenged myself to live in the moments, which I was successful and non-successful at throughout the year. This year presents in the challenge of living on my own and figuring out the new aspects of life I have not navigated yet. But I am up to the challenge, I am ready to learn and fail, and get back up again! In the preparation of the journey, I am ready to go. With family and friends on my side, show me where to go, Lord!" Karly