Shirley Temple Friday: Honoring Claire

I am so grateful to Claire's mommy, Stephanie, for taking the time to share their family's story. As you will read, Claire was recently diagnosed and so they've spent the past 3 months in and out of the hospital. I imagine that many things take a back-seat when you are knee-deep in a battle for your child's life. Thank you, Stephanie, for taking time from something else so that we can help raise awareness about the need for a cure for pediatric cancer. 

Claire was diagnosed with Stage III Wilm's Tumor December 17, 2013. The tumor was found in her L Kidney about the size of a grapefruit. Her pediatrician found it while she had a Urinary Tract Infection that was not getting better while on Bactrim. We are now at 79 days of treatment as of March 4, 2014. She has had 12 radiation therapy treatments. Our family is counting down the days till Mid -July Beginning of August when her chemo will be over. We call her chemo treatment "killing the dragon." The dragon is the cancer. Her chemo medicine helps to "kill the dragon." Cancer is a big concept for a 5 year old. Although she has lost her hair, she does not seem to mind it much. She is our little trooper. My husband and I are exhausted, but we are hoping she will regain her strength and someday have a normal life.

Claire had not had any broken bones, doctor visits, or any other unusual sicknesses up until now. Claire is a happy, playful child who loves the color pink, Disney princesses, riding her bicycle when the weather is warm, listening to the music soundtrack Frozen, and attending preschool with her friends. She loves to help her mommy in the kitchen especially when I am cooking. She has really missed her friends during all of her stays in the hospital. Her favorite song in the movie Frozen is "Let it go." It is freeing to her, because in some small way she is letting go of being scared in the hospital. So simple but so meaningful. We are looking forward to her next chapter in her life which we know will be bright.

This photo is of Claire at the Her Knight Dance 2014 during chemo treatment this year. She is and felt like such a princess there.

 The other two are of Claire at the beach in October 2013 pre cancer treatment.

What a beautiful smile on a precious little girl. I think Claire has a bright future, too, Stephanie! And the Miller Family is praying for you...for peace and strength during the difficult days and for Claire to always light up the room with her smile as she does in these pictures.

I know I've made it nearly impossible to comment on my blog, but if you have a few minutes and can figure it out, I would love to receive some words of encouragement and love for this family in the midst of their dark days.

Today marks the beginning of The Pixie Chicks' Facebook Auction to Benefit St. Baldrick's. There are nearly 50 items up for auction and they range from designer purses to fresh-baked cookies to handmade accessories...with so much more in between! Check the Facebook page for official rules of the auction. Bidding begins at 8 AM EST on Friday 7 March and ends at 9 PM EST on Sunday 9 March. 100% of the winning bids benefits St. Baldrick's Foundation. Thank you for looking, for bidding, and for honoring Claire today and everyday!