Karla’s Korner: My Little Hero

My Little Hero….

December 6, 2010 was just an ordinary day for me; it was a Friday. I woke that morning, muddled through my normal weekday routine which included checking Facebook and email. I noticed a friend had posted a prayer request for her little three year old granddaughter Sophie. She had been taken to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. As I whispered a little prayer I was sure it was something simple; after all she was three and in perfect health. By the end of the day the news came that Sophie didn’t have a simple tummy ache. Sophie had CANCER! I wondered how this could happen to such a vibrant, energetic little girl. Reports began to pour through Facebook, church emails and phone calls that this cancer, a Wilms’ tumor (kidney cancer) was quite possibly in stage three and the tumor and kidney must be removed immediately. There was even discussion between the doctors and Sophie’s parents that the tumor had ruptured which would make it even more severe. Sweet Sophie was in the fight of her life and as our community began to rally around her she underwent surgery the next day. How could it be that in the blink of an eye Sophie’s life would go from normal little three year old girl to battling an awful disease that could quite possibly take it all away? My heart ached for Sophie and her family as they began a journey into uncertainty.

As our community stayed in prayer and hovered over her momma’s Facebook page for updates it seemed that time stood still. Finally, late that evening Sophie’s mom Marie posted that the surgery had gone well, the kidney and tumor were both removed because they were intertwined and could not be separated. Sophie was doing well and they were attempting to manage her pain; prayers were welcome. As the updates about Sophie’s cancer came in the doctors were pleased to announce that the tumor had not ruptured and that miraculously the stage three diagnoses was lowered to stage one and chemotherapy would begin the next day. As I read Sophie’s mom, Marie’s Facebook update on December 10, I prayed for Sophie as she would face an 18 week battle with chemotherapy treatments and all of the side effects that could follow. How in the world is this tiny little girl going to endure 18 weeks of chemo?

As our church gathered together to celebrate our annual Christmas play and potluck supper on Sunday, December 19, 2010 my heart jumped for joy as Sophie walked through door smiling that sweet Sophie smile; she ran to give me a hug. As I held her gently and asked her how she was doing, her answer was simple “I’m great”. This tiny little girl who just had her body invaded with cancer surgery and the start of chemotherapy treatments just twelve days earlier proclaimed that she was great. As I stood there weeping tears of joy and thanksgiving for this Christmas miracle I told Sophie that she was my hero. Without missing a beat she said “thanks” and bounced off to join her siblings and friends for dinner.

Sophie completed her 18 weekly chemo treatments with grace, determination and a profound sense of confidence. She continued on with her regular blood checks never complaining about the needles or any of the procedural stuff that made life uncomfortable. As the new school year began a few weeks ago Sophie achieved another great milestone in her life; she became a kindergartner! With her backpack nearly as big as she is she entered the doors of her elementary school as her parents watched her take steps that quite possibly could never have happened. Sophie has beaten cancer and is now a happy little girl starting her elementary school career with that same sweet smile she has never let go. Even in the face of great sickness, she never lost her smile or her determination to fight.

Recently Sophie shared with her mother that she wanted to raise money for childhood cancer research. Knowing that childhood cancer research is one of the least funded diseases and wanting to give other children a chance at a cancer free life, Sophie and her parents have created a donation page in Sophie’s name for the CureSearch Walk in our area. Sophie is determined to make a difference and has set a goal of $500. As a friend and supporter of Sophie and her desire to make a difference in childhood cancer research, I believe that those who follow my writing and Madame Deals can help Sophie surpass her goal and make a huge difference in her name. I encourage you to click on the link below and make a donation in honor of Sweet Sophie and all of the other children whose lives have been affected by cancer. Sophie’s story is one of victory and while we celebrate that victory every day and thank God for answered prayers we know that there are many whose battle ended way too soon.

Quite often when we think of a hero we think of a caped crusader zipping through the air or whizzing by in the bat mobile fighting crime and saving damsels in distress. Those heroes may be appealing to watch on television in make believe land but my hero is a five year old little girl who battled a nasty disease with a fierce determination, a strong will and a faith that never wavered. She is my inspiration to face life’s battles with faith, hope and dignity. She is a blessing. She is a joy. She is my friend. She is my hero. She is Sophie and she is a cancer survivor!

Please consider donating to CureSearch and help make a difference in childhood cancer research by clicking the link below:

Donate to CureSearch

Peace,

Karla

I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Check out all of Karla’s Korner articles for more thought for the week here. Also, please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

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