A VERY SPECIAL and URGENT REQUEST...

Dyre Straits · Jul 20, 2003, 07:48 PM

I realize that this is highly unusual, but, I just got an email from a friend in FL. I'm going to quote/edit the email so you'll get the entire importance of the matter:

".......can I ask a favor? My Russian girlfriend Bella (that I spent last week in Atlanta with) called last night. Her 6-yr-old granddaughter, who is her life, was just diagnosed with ALL-Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. She was in Kazakhstan with her dad for the summer when she became so ill he flew her home yesterday to Houston and she was admitted last night to Texas Children's Hospital. She will have to undergo chemo and radiation and Bella says she looks awful. She is such a bright and beautiful child and is so scared. I can't stop crying. We are all like family. My son first met them when Bella and Julie were still living in Moscow in 1989. Bella's daughter is a lawyer now in Houston and her firm is being wonderful about this. Tom, the dad, is also on leave with his firm in Europe and they will all be by her side. I am so sick about this I don't know what else to say.

Please say prayers for Sasha Dvorak. This is she, dancing at my son's wedding in Chicago last fall. I think she was twirling on the dance floor for 4 hours. She is simply darling.

Thanks, [Name Omitted by Dyre]"

Thank you for letting me share this with you. We will all appreciate your thoughts and prayers on their behalf.

Falstaff · Jul 20, 2003, 07:52 PM

It is in Gods hands now my friend, children shine like a jewel in eyes of God, my thoughts are with you..

toddsmack2k · Jul 20, 2003, 07:58 PM

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your friends family

I know what it is like to have a child with a disease but were as my daughter only has diabetes I still know the suffering all to well of seeing a child in pain. I know diabetes is nothing compared to luekemia but tell them I will pray for them to make it thru this time and hope for nothing but the best.

~~HawK~~ · Jul 20, 2003, 08:00 PM

If i'd send a card with her name to the hospital you named,
would it get to her or her family?

Zardon · Jul 20, 2003, 08:03 PM

my thoughts are with her and the family. god bless.

Dyre Straits · Jul 20, 2003, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HawK
If i'd send a card with her name to the hospital you named,
would it get to her or her family?

I would assume so. All the factual information is included as I received it.

To add a little more, from a more recent email, I've found that the girl's grandmother and mother virtually have no family here in the States. The father is the mother's ex-husband, but is a devoted father and is there with them.

So, other than close friends, the 'women' are quite 'alone' in all of this.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers and replies so far.

tek · Jul 20, 2003, 08:24 PM

I will do my part. God bless.

Midnight Blue · Jul 20, 2003, 08:26 PM

ill give her a big kiss in my prayers.

Dyre Straits · Jul 20, 2003, 08:46 PM

For those who wish to send cards, here's the latest information:

Miss Alexandra "Sasha" Dvorak, patient
Texas Children's Hospital
6621 Fannin St.
Houston, TX 77030-2303

When sending cards, please keep in mind that Sasha CAN read. So, please make your message very positive and avoid any use of the words 'cancer' or 'leukemia'. I know that should be very apparent, but, I just want to make sure that she gets the most positive responses possible.

Thanks everyone!

kinetic · Jul 20, 2003, 08:55 PM

I pray she makes a full and speedy recovery. My thoughts are with everyone concerned.

Necrosis · Jul 20, 2003, 09:06 PM

My thoughts and prays are with her!

digerati · Jul 20, 2003, 09:30 PM

I do my best to not pray...But I'll make an exception tonight.

Dyre Straits · Jul 21, 2003, 03:41 AM

I just discovered that Texas Children's Hospital accepts e-mailed messages for their patients.

The link to use is:

http://www.texaschildrenshospital.or...g/default.aspx

Her name again is:

Miss Alexandra "Sasha" Dvorak

Thank you, Everyone!

EDIT: I just received an update on Sasha's condition after going through a day of tests:

"I just called [Sasha's grandma] and now they are saying that Sasha likely has the
worse kind of leukemia, the acute myeloid leukemia, as her blood
count is really bad and she is quite lethargic and swollen. Tomorrow
bone marrow, spinal tap and all kinds of horrid tests on the poor
kid. The AML survival rate is lower than ALL, so please pray even
louder!

Thanks,"

Falstaff · Jul 21, 2003, 04:13 AM

they promptly replied with thanx...wish I could do more....
I see kids with AML in our clinic as well, usually on the second stage of chemo, they are special and I draw them animals and make balloon animals too. we put them casts if they breat bones and we give them gene therapy too. it is very complicated an no one case is just like another...Most of my patients have lived two years after diagnosis and still they thrive in spite of the illness...getttin in quick and starting chemo is the thing...god bless her man...I know what she is going through, and I hope she can thrive...

Patricia · Jul 21, 2003, 05:15 AM

She will be in my thoughts and prayers and so will her family and friends. My brother won his battle against cancer, but that year was hell. Also, if her doctors have not yet done so, have make sure she gets referred to the Make A Wish foundation, they are AWESOME they sent my entire family (two brothers, sister, mom, grandparents and myself) to DisneyWorld for 7 Days, they paid for everything, and it was amazing, if you want to get some more info go to their website wish.org or you can instant message me or PM me, if you need to talk, or want more information.
I will also get a card out to her, and I pray for her recovery

Stormy · Jul 21, 2003, 07:55 AM

Man, that really puts me down man. And I had a great day today. This is the worst thing that can happen to someone. *assumes praying postion* Our Lord Odin in Valhalla, I pry to thee that they child Alexandra "Sasha" Dvorak has a quick and complete recovery from they dreadful disease that the demons have placed apon her, and that she has a wonderful life.

Dyre Straits · Jul 22, 2003, 04:25 AM

I just received an email from my FL friend:

"Oh, my - you really rolled the ball, didn't you?! I just talked to
Bella and she said that Sasha got oodles of wonderful messages today
on the e-mail. The hospital volunteers print them out on decorated
paper, and Bella said some were so sweet and caring they made her
cry. Thanks for doing that. Friends of theirs have filled the
room with balloons and animals and such, and Julia's law firm is
organizing blood donors while Julie and Tom begin searching for
marrow donors in case they are needed.

It was a really rough day for Sasha: spinal tap, bone marrow
extraction, and shunts inserted for them to begin chemo. They
confirmed AML (acute myelogenous leukemia) which is bad news, but
aggressive treatment starts tomorrow and Bella says she feels like
instead of being lost in a dark tunnel, they have found a road and
can start down it. If all goes as planned, Sasha will have 7-8 days
of chemo in the hospital, then get to go home and come back for like
weekly treatments for several months. The results of all the other
tests will be known tomorrow.

Sasha is so weak and Bella says she is so distorted with swelling and
bleeding that she is almost unrecognizable. Her other grandmother
arrives tomorrow, and although she is an RN, Bella is concerned how
she will react when she sees this sick child.

Again, thank you for caring and helping me with this project to put a
smile back on Sasha's face. If God and science work their miracles,
she will be one of the lucky ones: a survivor.

Your continued prayers are welcomed and appreciated.
Gratefully, [Name omitted]"

Thanks again for all your help and the emails you've sent.

evergreen · Jul 22, 2003, 07:05 PM

She is in my prayers, which is one of my first actions in all situations that are out of my control. I pray to Jesus, my God, my strength in whom I trust. May there be peace and comfort for her and her family.

shortstuff · Jul 22, 2003, 07:09 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with them Dyre.

Dyre Straits · Jul 22, 2003, 10:29 PM

Thanks everyone!

My FL friend is in Chicago today and for a few days, I believe. I won't get anymore updates until at least tomorrow (Wednesday).

shortstuff · Jul 22, 2003, 10:32 PM

Your welcome Dyre. That's what friends are for.

Dyre Straits · Jul 25, 2003, 09:15 PM

UPDATE -- Not Good News

I just got a reply from my friend.

Sasha had a very bad day yesterday (Thursday) and the hospital now says that she has pneumonia in addition to the leukemia. So, they are battling a lot more now and she's already pretty frail.

Just keep praying.

AND, if you haven't done so, please send an encouraging word via email to the address listed in a previous post.

Thanks!

kinetic · Jul 25, 2003, 09:35 PM

That's terrible news Dyre.

I've just sent a message, it's the least I can do!

Dyre Straits · Jul 28, 2003, 04:53 AM

UPDATE: 7-27-03

....I just got this e-mail [from my FL Friend] and it speaks for itself:
==============
Hi guys, just wanted to let you know that starting from yesterday Sasha is
feeling way much better, and she has her appetite back (she has not eaten
anything for a week), and she EATS A LOT! They are doing the chemo and
anti-biotics to fight her pneumonia, and it looks like it works.

Thanks a lot for your prayers, cards, gifts, everything. We love you.
Bella
===============
I just called Bella and she says Sasha ate half a jar of pickles and several
other things today. They let her out of ICU last night and Bella said she
never
thought she would be so glad to get back to the oncology ward. Sasha walked a
little today. The doctor warned it will be a roller coaster for a while, but
yesterday and today were relatively good days and we are all so grateful for
that.

I went to my daughter-in-law's family picnic today and met a cousin of hers who
is an attractive and healthy 32-yr-old. At age 17 he, too, was diagnosed with
AML, underwent chemo and a bone marrow transplant, and has been going strong
ever since. What a joy to be able to share that with Bella. Sasha's blood count
is improving and so are our spirits.

Thanks again to you and all who pray for her and please keep up the good work!

_________________________________
So, as you can tell, this is really great news!!! Thanks to all on DH who've had a part in praying, thinking, and sendind cards and emails. I'll keep you all posted as quickly as I get new information.

Falstaff · Jul 28, 2003, 05:03 AM

I have been praying this little flower has a chance to grow and reach for the sun....
Good news mate, after this weekend, it is the most wonderful thing I have heard...
God bless her...
The good lord taketh....but sometimes, just sometimes....he giveth as well....my heart is warmed.

shortstuff · Jul 28, 2003, 05:31 AM

That is great news Dyre. Glad to hear that she is doing better. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

Dyre Straits · Jul 29, 2003, 04:15 AM

UPDATE: Monday, 7-28-03

Here's the latest from my friend in FL -- who just returned home from Chicago:

<<I just got off the phone with [Bella] and she said today was the best so
far. Sasha had no anger, and got out of bed to play "waitress" in
the play room, bringing her family little plastic foods and laughing.
She should definitely be home this week, maybe as early as tomorrow.
Her blood counts are improving and much of the really hideous
swelling (gums, face) is gone. Tonight she ate her Baba's homemade
meat patties and is expressing a real interest in food again. The
chemo is really helping and she MIGHT not even lose her hair, but if
so she has a hat collection (gift from my daughter) on standby.

Bella said today they brought home a Santa-sized sack of stuffed
animals, and that she is still getting wonderful cards and messages.
The worst is over. Bad days and more treatments to come, but they
see glorious light in the tunnel. I can only pray it continues.

Thank you for believing and helping and being there.>>

shortstuff · Jul 29, 2003, 04:20 AM

That is great news Dyre. Glad to hear that she is feeling better everyday. Thanks for the updates.

Dyre Straits · Jul 30, 2003, 06:07 AM

G R E A T N E W S ! ! !

From my friend -- sent just before midnight:

<<<Sasha came home tonight! Bella says she is leaping around pulling
out toys, gleefully just BEING there and asked for broccoli-cheese
soup for dinner. She was scared about taking a bath because of the
chemo shunt, but she was so happy to see her cat and tomorrow two
puppies are going to visit her. She also has new blood tests
tomorrow, so they have to go back to TCH for a couple hours. That
will be intimidating I am sure. Her dad will likely leave Thursday
for Khazakstan and his mom will stay on til Sunday. The doctors have
warned that Sasha may have to come back to TCH for a stay, but for
now we are just so grateful for her to be out of there. Bella says
she has tons of new toys and hundreds of cards and thinks it is all
simply incredible.>>>

Incredible is an understatement! Thanks to all of DH for your concern and prayers.

mbeeston · Jul 30, 2003, 06:25 AM

*kneels and prays for her recovery*

Jul 20, 2003, 07:52 PM	#2
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 19,048 Rep Power: 207	I will say prayer for her It is in Gods hands now my friend, children shine like a jewel in eyes of God, my thoughts are with you.. __________________ "Inspiration is always a surprising visitor."

Jul 20, 2003, 07:58 PM	#3
toddsmack2k It Never..... Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,173 Rep Power: 0	My prayers and thoughts are with you and your friends family I know what it is like to have a child with a disease but were as my daughter only has diabetes I still know the suffering all to well of seeing a child in pain. I know diabetes is nothing compared to luekemia but tell them I will pray for them to make it thru this time and hope for nothing but the best. __________________ [color=blue]*Bleeding From the Inside Pouring Out, The* *DriverHeaven* Spiral, We Shall Never Let Go Of.[/color]

Jul 20, 2003, 08:24 PM	#7
tek DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boston, US Posts: 2,103 Rep Power: 0	I will do my part. God bless. __________________ [COLOR=White][/COLOR]

Jul 20, 2003, 08:26 PM	#8
Midnight Blue Spirit Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 65 Rep Power: 0	ill give her a big kiss in my prayers. __________________

Jul 21, 2003, 04:13 AM	#14
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 19,048 Rep Power: 207	just sent an email to the hospital they promptly replied with thanx...wish I could do more.... I see kids with AML in our clinic as well, usually on the second stage of chemo, they are special and I draw them animals and make balloon animals too. we put them casts if they breat bones and we give them gene therapy too. it is very complicated an no one case is just like another...Most of my patients have lived two years after diagnosis and still they thrive in spite of the illness...getttin in quick and starting chemo is the thing...god bless her man...I know what she is going through, and I hope she can thrive... __________________ "Inspiration is always a surprising visitor."

Jul 20, 2003, 08:00 PM	#4
~~HawK~~ Banned Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 2,092 Rep Power: 0	If i'd send a card with her name to the hospital you named, would it get to her or her family?

Jul 20, 2003, 08:03 PM	#5
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	my thoughts are with her and the family. god bless.

Jul 20, 2003, 08:55 PM	#10
kinetic DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Manchester England Posts: 2,559 Rep Power: 0	I pray she makes a full and speedy recovery. My thoughts are with everyone concerned.

Jul 20, 2003, 09:06 PM	#11
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	My thoughts and prays are with her!

Jul 20, 2003, 09:30 PM	#12
digerati Everyones life has worth Join Date: May 2003 Location: My Yellow Bug Posts: 3,779 Rep Power: 0	I do my best to not pray...But I'll make an exception tonight.

Jul 21, 2003, 05:15 AM	#15
Patricia DriverHeaven's Angel Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 216 Rep Power: 0	She will be in my thoughts and prayers and so will her family and friends. My brother won his battle against cancer, but that year was hell. Also, if her doctors have not yet done so, have make sure she gets referred to the Make A Wish foundation, they are AWESOME they sent my entire family (two brothers, sister, mom, grandparents and myself) to DisneyWorld for 7 Days, they paid for everything, and it was amazing, if you want to get some more info go to their website wish.org or you can instant message me or PM me, if you need to talk, or want more information. I will also get a card out to her, and I pray for her recovery

Jul 21, 2003, 07:55 AM	#16
Stormy DH Mafia Don Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: DH Mafia Manor Posts: 296 Rep Power: 0	Man, that really puts me down man. And I had a great day today. This is the worst thing that can happen to someone. assumes praying postion Our Lord Odin in Valhalla, I pry to thee that they child Alexandra "Sasha" Dvorak has a quick and complete recovery from they dreadful disease that the demons have placed apon her, and that she has a wonderful life. __________________ AMD Barton 2500+ Gigabyte 7NNXP ATI All-In-Wonder Radeon 8500DV 64mB w/ Catalyst 4.10 Windows XP Home Service Pack 2 Onboard Nvidia Audio Toshiba 16x DVD-ROM 32x10x40x CD-RW Drive 2x 512mb DDR Sticks

Jul 22, 2003, 07:05 PM	#18
evergreen DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: West Virginia Posts: 148 Rep Power: 0	She is in my prayers, which is one of my first actions in all situations that are out of my control. I pray to Jesus, my God, my strength in whom I trust. May there be peace and comfort for her and her family.

Jul 22, 2003, 07:09 PM	#19
shortstuff Sweetness Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 1,835 Rep Power: 0	My thoughts and prayers are with them Dyre. __________________ [color=Indigo]Joe "Roadee" Dawson R.I.P my friend. You will be missed [/color] If we keep doing what we've always done, we'll keep getting what we've always got.

Jul 22, 2003, 10:32 PM	#21
shortstuff Sweetness Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 1,835 Rep Power: 0	Your welcome Dyre. That's what friends are for. __________________ [color=Indigo]Joe "Roadee" Dawson R.I.P my friend. You will be missed [/color] If we keep doing what we've always done, we'll keep getting what we've always got.

Jul 25, 2003, 09:35 PM	#23
kinetic DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Manchester England Posts: 2,559 Rep Power: 0	That's terrible news Dyre. I've just sent a message, it's the least I can do!

Jul 28, 2003, 05:03 AM	#25
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 19,048 Rep Power: 207	ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS I have been praying this little flower has a chance to grow and reach for the sun.... Good news mate, after this weekend, it is the most wonderful thing I have heard... God bless her... The good lord taketh....but sometimes, just sometimes....he giveth as well....my heart is warmed. __________________ "Inspiration is always a surprising visitor."

Jul 28, 2003, 05:31 AM	#26
shortstuff Sweetness Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 1,835 Rep Power: 0	That is great news Dyre. Glad to hear that she is doing better. Thanks for keeping us up to date. __________________ [color=Indigo]Joe "Roadee" Dawson R.I.P my friend. You will be missed [/color] If we keep doing what we've always done, we'll keep getting what we've always got.

Jul 29, 2003, 04:20 AM	#28
shortstuff Sweetness Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 1,835 Rep Power: 0	That is great news Dyre. Glad to hear that she is feeling better everyday. Thanks for the updates. __________________ [color=Indigo]Joe "Roadee" Dawson R.I.P my friend. You will be missed [/color] If we keep doing what we've always done, we'll keep getting what we've always got.

Jul 30, 2003, 06:25 AM	#30
mbeeston HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: alberta, canada (thats north of the usa people) Posts: 1,037 Rep Power: 68 System Specs	kneels and prays for her recovery __________________ R.I.P Roadee - you will be missed T_T peace,love, and war... 3 things people look for... "if your going off the deep end, show off, do a cannon ball!" - me