It’s been a busy week of appointments as we get closer to transplant. Teddie’s heart and kidneys where evaluated and seem to function properly. Her heart has the same mild dilation which was  found before treatment. There doesn’t seem to be much change from her first scan. We were told it may be something she grows into but it will be monitored. We’re still waiting on more detailed bone marrow results. 

We head to St. Louis Sunday to meet the surgical team, with Teddie’s procedure scheduled for Tuesday. If she’s feeling okay and the weather cooperates, we hope to head home that day so she can rest in her own space. A destructive tornado went through St. Louis yesterday, hitting just north of our hospital and hotel. We’re thankful we chose to wait until Sunday to travel and we’re praying for those affected. If the zoo opens back up we’re hoping to be able to visit. 

Teddie will have a hemonc appointment and a procedure to place a PICC line this coming week. At first, it was difficult coming to terms with her needing both a port and a PICC, but we’re reminding ourselves this means fewer pokes for her and that’s what matters most.

Right now, Teddie is full of life—running, laughing, playing—and it’s tough to think that treatment may take some of that from her temporarily. We’re holding tight to these sweet moments and staying grateful for her donor, for a chance at healing, and for all of you walking this road with us.

We never imagined we’d be walking this road, but we are not walking it alone. Thank you for the love, support, prayers, and encouragement you’ve shared with our family. It means more than we can ever say.

To help keep everyone updated and to reach more of Teddie’s people, we’ve started a Facebook page dedicated to Teddie’s journey, her progress, and the reality of childhood cancer. “A Team for Teddie” is a space where we’ll share more frequent updates, raise awareness, and stay connected with all of you who have lifted us up along the way. We hope it helps make this difficult time a little more manageable, and we’d love for you to follow along and help build a team for Teddie by sharing. 

For those who are lifting us up, here’s what we’re praying for right now:

 • That Teddie remains in remission

 • For her donor—his strength, safety, and recovery

 • Safe travel and good news in St. Louis

 • That treatment is kind to her little body