12/19/2023
From The GoFund Me Page, Most recent update:
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. This is John, reaching out with an update on Danielle's journey.
First, I want to truly thank you all for the overwhelming support and kindness that has surrounded us. Your thoughts, well-wishes, and gestures of support have been a source of comfort and strength during a challenging time.
Danielle's battle with cancer has opened our eyes to the incredible warmth of the community around us. We've experienced moments of difficulty you can't put words to, and it's been your collective kindness that has helped see us through. We're not used to sharing our private lives so openly, but the love and support we've received have inspired us to embrace this newfound sense of connection.
Medical Update:
I'm thrilled to share some encouraging news regarding Danielle's health. The treatments have been showing promising results, and Danielle's resilience has been truly remarkable. Despite the expected challenges, her determination has allowed her moments of joy and normalcy. Overall Danielle is doing great, and uses the good days the best she can.
Danielle has been able to spend quality time playing with the kids and even just shopping in the store is a big step from where we started. These seemingly ordinary activities are significant milestones compared to when we found out she had cancer. Witnessing her strength and the smiles she shares with the kids is a testament to her incredible spirit.
She resumed chemotherapy in October after the completion of radiation, at the Cancer Center in Alpena, alternating every three weeks between there and Henry Ford. While we expected some familiar side effects, such as fatigue, her immune system has presented unforeseen challenges. Battling various infections from pneumonia to sepsis, has led to multiple hospital stays since October. What we were not prepared for is the paralisis she experiences about a week after chemo, or the neurological episode she had a few weeks ago. The tumor decreasing in size results in the rest of her nervous system trying to return to their original positions. That seems to cause her whole nervous system to enter a fight or flight mode causing her body to lock up for a few hours, and is incredibly painful. We are learning to navigate the signs and symptoms together as they present themselves. The medical team is closely monitoring and adjusting the treatment plan, and we remain hopeful for continued progress.
Family Moments:
Since the end of October, I've been at home with Danielle and the kids, providing the support she needs. I have been here to do the things that are harder now, help more with the kids, make sure she can sleep when shes tired or eat what ever sounds good. Despite the challenges, we've managed to create special moments together. John Matthew is in school and doing an amazing job, and we couldn't be more proud. Charlotte is growing in to her own little personality, and eager to help mommy whenever she can. We're taking things in stride, and focusing on adapting to the changes as a family. We took the kids to Aunt Jessica's Halloween celebration, shared Thanksgiving with family, and enjoyed a Christmas concert at John Matthew's school (He was AMAZING). We are grateful that the treatment plan allowed us to be together for these significant holidays.
Your support has made a real difference in our lives, and we want you to know that every act of kindness, no matter how small, has not gone unnoticed. More than once, we have leaned on someone for comfort, something we haven't really done before. You have all been amazing people to us, truly. despite the challenges of this cancer battle, and the challenges of not working, we've managed to create special moments together.. The Alpena EMS, E.R. and Cancer Center have been beyond awesome when we have needed them, they truly have gone above and beyond. As we navigate this journey, your continued thoughts and support mean the world to us.
Wishing you all a joyous and peaceful holiday season.
With gratitude,
John Lawrence
Hello! My name is Jessica Hatch, and I am starting this GoFundMe to benefit D… GoneToThe SnowDogs needs your support for The Lawrence Family Needs Your Help