1 Transfusion Over With! - June 6

Medical update from Brianna's Mom Jennifer:

Thank you for all your prayers…they were definitely answered! The platelet transfusion went great! If Brianna was nervous she didn’t show it, she was a real trooper! I felt my anxiety level increasing once they started giving her the platelets. I found myself constantly looking at my watch to see if she could make it past the 5-10 minutes when she reacted last time. They gave her plenty of medication and although it shouldn’t matter with platelet transfusions, they made sure that the blood type was an exact match just to be safe. We will check her numbers again on Monday to determine whether or not she will need another transfusion on Tuesday. We will push through to finish the last two weeks of radiation and support her with platelets whenever needed.We left Children’s around 1:30 and Brianna slept in the car the entire ride home then immediately went back to sleep when we arrived home. Her nice long nap allowed her to be energized enough to attend the Relay for Life event. We arrived at 5 PM and she went until 9:30 PM when she finally hit a brick wall. I thought we would be lucky to get 2 hours out of her and pictured her sitting in a chair or hiding in a tent, but she enjoyed having friends and family push her around the track in her wheelchair!

The weather was perfect, but what made the day even better was the fact we were able to meet so many people who have been supporting us in this journey. We saw people who we did not recognize wearing Brianna’s Brigade t-shirts. We were so overwhelmed by the number of people introducing themselves and are thrilled that they took the time so we can put names to faces. Thank you to everyone who came out to support Brianna and the American Cancer Society. Brianna (and her entire family) were so excited to see the number of people come out to support her… all gathered in one place wearing Brianna’s Brigade shirts.

A huge highlight of the day was seeing “Little Dude,” Max Lacewell himself, along with his parents David and Leanne, and sister Addie. This was the first time we were all gathered in one place at one time! Max Lacewell’s “Little Dude’s DIPG Warriors” rocked in fundraising and overall support. Brianna and Max have only met a few times but they have a unique bond in battling a devastating disease. I recall the first time I met Leanne and in the course of our conversation we learned that we already had the answer as to “Why?” Max and Brianna. They are two of the most loving, caring children who shine above all others in their ability to connect with people. Whether it is their smile, laugh, charm, or their unique ability to show compassion and empathy at such a young age…we realized that is precisely why they are chosen to endure such a difficult journey. Seeing the number of people supporting Max and Brianna proves they have touched more hearts than anyone can imagine. We are all God’s children first and as parents we are given the privilege of raising these beautiful children. How blessed are we to have Max and Brianna because through them we have come to know so many extraordinary people who display the deepest love and compassion. The communities that support Max and Brianna reach far and wide and we will forever be grateful for their willingness to share in our journey. Please say a prayer for all who have been affected by cancer (past and/or present) especially young children and their families! Thank You & God Bless!

Love,
Brianna's Family