Away we go!

A few days after Lauren’s diagnosis our Neurologist called to let us know that a spot was available for Lauren in a Krabbe research study. The study was being conducted by a world leader in the research of rare neurological diseases. The doctor leading the study would be able to give us more information on the disease as well as a second opinion with regards to Lauren’s candidacy for a bone marrow transplant.

Steve and I were very excited to have the privilege to take part in the study and accepted the spot. So began a crazy week of obtaining passports, filling our forms, paperwork and running back and forth between the passport office and home. By Friday our adrenaline was pumped to the max, everything was in order and we were ready to go, we would just have to wait until Sunday for our flight.

Our Angel on Earth - Thanks Melanie!

On Saturday my friend Melanie who happens to be a very talented photographer came by to photograph Lauren. It turned out to be a very fun morning and thankfully Lauren was cooperative. Lauren decided that she preferred taking a serious photo shoot and didn’t lend many smiles, but in the end the pictures were absolutely beautiful. You can check out Melanie’s website at http://www.melanieWAND.com or on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/MelanieWAND-Photography/201759943187883

Now back to the research study…. Sunday arrived and we were packed and ready for our new adventure. We got in the car and headed to Burlington Vermont. Why Burlington, Vermont? Well, so that we could go to the Christmas Tree Shop of course! Just kidding, and although we did manage a quick visit to our favourite store we were flying out to Pittsburgh from the Burlington Airport.

I was a little fearful of flying with Lauren since I’ve witnessed babies crying their lungs out on planes before, but as it turns out Lauren is a great traveller and barely let out a whimper on any of the flights. We even had a few fellow travellers stop to tell us what a great baby she had been.

We arrived in Pittsburgh on Sunday night with a free schedule, we checked into our Hotel and relaxed a little. I have to say that Lauren seemed really excited about the trip and our hotel. Her eyes constantly scanning our surroundings, looking back to me every so often as if to see if I was appreciating it all as much as her.

Monday we woke up early for Lauren’s MRI appointment, and funny story – we actually slept in about ten minutes and missed our taxi ride to the hospital. Not so bad though, because as it turns out the hospital was only a 5 minute walk from the hotel. It was this first walk that made me realize that we had really come to the right place. As we pushed Lauren’s stroller up the steep hill to our appointment we couldn’t help but notice that we had walked by a several other clinics and hospitals, we were in a medical wonderland! Our hospital had marble floors and resembled a high end hotel.

The MRI went well and we were soon off to meet the Research Team (led by Dr. Escolar) who would evaluate Lauren. Although the day was packed with additional tests and observations the time flew by. We were getting more information and attention than we could have dreamed of, being a part of this study was truly a gift.

As good as the day was, it was also difficult because we were confirming that there really was no cure or treatment that could help Lauren beat this disease. Lauren was not a good candidate for a bone marrow or cord blood transplant – it would only stop the disease from progressing further. What that would mean for Lauren is preserving her vision and hearing, she would never regain any of her lost motor skills and would remain unable to communicate, move or care for herself. The transplant would also require chemotherapy and a long hospital stay for recovery.

On Tuesday, we had the opportunity to meet a beautiful family with two gorgeous sons Marshall and Michael who had been afflicted with the same form of the Krabbe’s disease that Lauren has. The youngest boy Michael had received a transplant pre-symptoms, but the road the recovery has not been easy, there were complications and at one point the family feared that they would lose their little boy. He is doing better lately and is working on catching up with other little ones that are his age.

Marshall like Lauren did not have the chance for a transplant. He is about two and a half and has unfortunately experienced the majority of symptoms that are listed for the disease. He has lost his vision and hearing, he doesn’t make sounds and keeps his eyes closed.

I felt like there was a tight ball in my throat as we visited with the boys parents. I wanted to break down into a mess of tears and hug them both. Lauren is still early in the progression of disease, and although I have already experienced a great deal of pain, sitting in the restaurant with this family made me realize that I still have no concept of the gravity of it all.

I pray for continued strength for this family – oh and I should mention that Michael and Marshall have three other siblings. I cant even begin to image how difficult it must be to stay strong and care for other children while having a child with this disease.

You can check our the links below to learn more about Michael and Marshall

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/marshallwilson09

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaelwilson2010

Visiting with Michael and Marshall's Parents

Lauren and Mommy - enjoying our first plane trip together

Super Friends Club!

Lauren and Mommy - Lounging in our Hotel Room

We love the fun green pillows at the Wyndham!

The Diagnosis

On Friday December 2nd Stephen and I headed to the Montreal Children’s Hospital, we were about to officially find out the name of Lauren’s disease. My adrenaline was pumping, for weeks I had been reading up on different forms of Leukodystrophy. I had my suspicions, but still hoped that there was some mistake made – a misunderstanding that would allow for a cure.

As we sat down with the Neurologist it was clear that no mistakes had been made, Lauren had been diagnosed with Krabbe Disease. Stephen and I had fully expected to hear this but it still brought a flood of tears to my eyes, this was really happening.

The rest of the visit went by in a haze, we discussed what we would need to think about and consider over the next few months. Some items on the list were easy to bear, like changing Lauren’s NG Tube to a G-tube (feeding directly into the stomach), while other items were far more complicated. It became clear tough decisions would need to be made as the disease progresses and Lauren’s quality of life deteriorates.

Our journey with Lauren and her disease has only begun, and the road ahead terrifies us. We have no control or ability to fight this, the disease will take it’s course and we will have to endure the struggle while savouring the precious moments.

We will cherish the time left with Lauren, appreciating every coo and smile. We will live in the moment, taking it all in one day, one hour, one minute at a time.

Lauren enjoying a well deserved nap