Hello From Heeth’s Mom,

Heeth and I had a quick clinic visit this afternoon and it felt more like a celebration than a trip to Dana Farber.  We had our favorite CA draw labs and since she is also from Chicago Heeth got to talk sports and I… deep dish pizza of course!  Next our amazing BMT nurse that has been with Heeth since he was first at Jimmy Fund, swung by to give us both a big hug.  And finally, Heeth’s two lead doctors: Dr. Lehmann and Dr. Rosemarie got to come in and see how Heeth was doing.  

A year ago, Heeth received his boost from the original donor.  He grew critically ill, spending over a month in the ICU on breathing machines.  As many of you know the holidays were not as cheerful as we would have liked them to be.  Thanksgiving last year was spent with Heeth in the ICU and Todd staying overnight, Keene and I driving home late in the day to frozen pizza for our dinner.  The sadness and hard times just seemed to drag on without an end in sight.

When we prepared for Heeth’s final transplant and we met with Dr. Lehmann, she could see the fear in our eyes.  She looked me in the eye and said, “We are walking through a very dark forest, but I feel very strongly that we will get to the light together.”  Keene helped bring that light, along with Heeth’s incredible team.

So this year, as we start to slowly navigate back into fun routines we are so happy to get to spend it with some family in Maine!  Although our masks remain, huge smiles will be all across our faces!

One thing that Heeth’s team always asks when they see Heeth is “Heeth how are you feeling?”  This helps to monitor pain levels and symptoms with patients.  Today when Dr. Lehmann asked Heeth, Heeth responded with “I feel good!”  His doctors were thrilled and told Heeth he now does not need to return to clinic for ONE WHOLE MONTH!!!!!

When we starting seeing Heeth’s third transplant working from Keene, these two sweeties decided it was time to throw dance parties in his room (with my help to keep his lines straight.)  The song they most enjoyed, I thought was very fitting for today’s clinic visit so I figured I would share.  Perhaps your family can celebrate Feeling Good too:)

Pitbull Ft. Anthony Watts & DJWS – I Feel Good (Lyric Video) – YouTube

Enjoy every day you have together and try to keep those in your hearts that may not be able to be with family this holiday.  Our family will continue to send hopeful and well prayers to all these folks that they feel love and get to the brighter times too.

Happy Thanksgiving.

HUGE HUGS FROM HEETH!

With Love,

Heeth’s Mom

Amazing Dr. Lehmann and Dr. Rosemarie: Our Heros

Time for Silly Faces

Happy Thanksgiving!