Updates

June 24, 2010 - Elizabeth had an MRI today and the results were good. As always, thanks to all the doctors, nurses and support staff at Hackensack Hospital. Elizabeth's next MRI will be in October. Elizabeth is excited to spend the summer doing all kinds of fun things with her family and friends.

June 18, 2010 - Elizabeth graduated preschool today. There was a wonderful ceremony for her and her classmates at Sullivan Center in Washington Township. Her parents, her uncle (me), her aunt and all of her grandparents were there to celebrate with her.

May 19, 2010 - Happy Birthday Elizabeth - Today is Elizabeth's 5th birthday. She is doing great and she is looking forward to enjoying her summer with her sister Mary and the rest of her family. That is as soon as school is over.

February, 2010 -- Elizabeth had an MRI on the 18th and the results were great. She is truly enjoying being a big sister and showing Mary all the ropes. Thanks to all the wonderful efforts of Elizabeth's team of physicians, therapists and teachers she is growing and learning. Her next MRI will be in 4 months

January 1, 2010 - Happy New Year - Elizabeth very much enjoyed sharing Christmas this year with her sister and her family. Thanks to all those involved in Elizabeth's care she continues to flourish and grow with all the zeal of a 4.5 year old girl. She is very loving and caring towards her sister and everyone she meets. Elizabeth wishes all a happy and healthy new year and as always thanks to everyone for everything.

October 31, 2009 - Happy Halloween - Elizabeth dressed as "DJ Lance Rock" of "Yo Gabba Gabba" fame. An of course in her very persuasive manner she got some of us to dress as the characters of the show, so Daddy and I spent 2 weeks making costumes. We visited Hackensack and Valley Hospital as well as made several other appearances at Elizabeth's request.

October 22, 2009 - Elizabeth had an MRI today and the results were good! All is stable and she is doing fantastic. Thank you to Dr Thompson and the doctors, nurses an supporting staff at Hackensack Hospital. She celebrated her good results with her family with her request of pizza and root beer. Also, the frequency of MRI's has been changed from every 3 months to every 4 months! Please continue to pray for Elizabeth and others who may be facing challenges as well.

August 1, 2009 - Elizabeth had an MRI on 7/30/2009 with great results. Everything is stable, which is wonderful. She is continuing to advance and grow. She truly enjoyed school and making new friends. She is looking forward to spending time with her sister. Elizabeth is doing a super job helping Mommy with Mary. We all hope that everyone is doing well and is enjoying the summer. Thanks again for all the prayers.

June 29, 2009 - All is well with Elizabeth she enjoyed her birthday party this year - she shared the day with her sister Mary who celebrated her first birthday. The party was a carnival therm and everyone had lots of fun playing games and running around. There will be an MRI sometime in late July, please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

April 17, 2009 -- MRI results were wonderful. Everything is healing well thanks to the skillfull hands of the pediatric oncology doctors and staff and the radiation oncology doctors and staff. Elizabeth is doing well in school and she is looking forward to playing outdoors with her sister Mary this summer. Get ready for some playdates!

April 14, 2009 -
I personally apologize for the delay in updating everyone - I have been spending most of my free time with Elizabeth and Mary - totally enjoying myself but not getting to the updates and pictures - I promise to me more diligent Uncle Anthony --

All is well, Elizabeth had an MRI in January and everything was wonderful -she is back to school: learning, growing, playing, making new friends, doing all she can to keep her days full of fun and excitement - she is really loving being a big sister to Mary and doing a great job looking out for her -
Elizabeth has an MRI on 4/16, this Thursday - please keep her in your thoughts and prayers

November 24, 2008 -- Elizabeth had an MRI on 11/20/2008 and the results were good! The oncology team was happy with the response from the radiation treatments. Elizabeth will have another MRI as routine follow-up in January so she will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas with her friends and family. Be patient with her, she is still a little tired from the radiation treatments.

October 20, 2008 -- Elizabeth's last day of radiation treatment was 10/17/2008. She handled the entire 6 weeks like the strong courageous girl we have all come to know and love. Elizabeth is now recovering from her treatments and is not yet able to interact 100% with the general public; those days are around the corner, so get ready for some play dates! She continue with her therapy sessions and school (at home for now, but again she will be IN school soon!) She will have an MRI in a few weeks, please continue to pray for her full recovery and as always, thanks to everyone for everything.

October 9, 2008 -- Elizabeth has completed 4 and a half weeks of radiation treatment and she has done great ! Her spirit and courage remain strong. Generally her treatments are in the morning and she is able to go about her day, including school which is at home right now due to the risk of infection.
She has 6 days left of radiation treatments, please continue to pray for her.
Also, a big thank you to all those who have generously donated blood and platelets to aid in Elizabeth's recovery.

September 8, 2008 -- Elizabeth starts the radiation phase of her treatment today. She will have treatment 5 consecutive days a week for 6 weeks. At times, these treatments will make her tired and decrease her white cell count so she will be susceptible to infection, therefore she may not be around to visit with everyone for a while. Please continue to pray for her during her treatment and recovery. Thanks to everyone for everything.
Also, new pictures are posted!

August 1, 2008 -- Elizabeth is a big sister! -- Her sister Mary Faith was born today and Elizabeth is already very attached to her. She is ready to take care of the new addition and show her the ropes. (pictures will be coming soon)

July 26, 2008 -- Elizabeth had an MRI today and the results were good. The small residual tumor is stable and possibly even slightly smaller. The chemotherapy has done its job and now Elizabeth will begin a new chapter in her journey. Radiation treatment, which was always planned, will begin soon. Please check in with Elizabeth to follow her progress.
As always, please continue to pray for her as she always prays for everyone.

July 12, 2008 -- This day marks the two year anniversary of the beginning of Elizabeth's journey. Elizabeth celebrated life with her family at their upstate NY retreat. Father Larry joined the celebration and presented a special mass for Elizabeth. It was a wonderful weekend and Elizabeth had a fantastic time enjoying the outdoors and playing with Rudy, Rowdy and Jack (the family dogs).

July 2, 2008 - Elizabeth is on her second week of a six week chemotherapy cycle and all is going well. There will be another MRI at the end of this cycle. Elizabeth wishes everyone a happy and fun filled holiday weekend. She plans to spend the time enjoying the outside with her family and friends .

June 7, 2008 -- Elizabeth's MRI went well. The chemotherapy is doing its job. There has been additional shrinkage of the residual tumor. Since this chemotherapy regimen is working and Elizabeth is tolerating it OK, the medical staff has decided to continue with chemotherapy for one more cycle. Elizabeth will have next week off from treatment and then she will begin another six week cycle of chemotherapy followed by an MRI at the end of July. The side effects of these particular medications can make Elizabeth's blood counts drop and she may need transfusions from time to time. This also can limit some of her interactions with people (germs) so please understand if she doesn't make every party. Please continue to keep Elizabeth in your thoughts and prayers.

May 26, 2008 -- Elizabeth had a great time at her birthday party. Although she wasn't 100% she enjoyed seeing her family and friends. Unfortunately the effects of chemotherapy and a stomach virus put a little damper on the days following the 05/17/2008 party as Elizabeth needed two emergency room visits for dehydration; followed by a 6 day hospital stay. She was able to get out of the hospital with enough time to enjoy the end of the holiday weekend with her family.

May 4, 2008 - Elizabeth had an MRI as scheduled on April 17, 2008 and the results were OK. In preparation for future radiation treatment, she will continue with chemotherapy for one more cycle with another MRI in early June. Depending upon the results of that MRI, she will either have another cycle of chemotherapy or begin radiation treatments.

March 23, 2008 -- Happy Easter -- Elizabeth is doing well and she enjoyed her visit from the Easter Bunny. She has gone on several egg hunts and she really enjoyed coloring Easter eggs with her friends and family. She has 3 more weeks of chemotherapy and then she will have an MRI on April 17, 2008. As always the results of the MRI are very important, so please continue to pray, with her, for good results.

January 24, 2008 -- MRI results were really good. The chemotherapy is working well and Elizabeth is tolerating the treatment well. The medical team has decided to continue with the therapy as planned and Elizabeth will begin her next round of chemotherapy on 02/06/2008, with another MRI toward the middle/end of April. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Also as a special request please add Elizabeth's friend Alli to your prayers as she will be reentering treatment.

January 20, 2008 -- Sorry for the delay in updating everyone, the holidays were very busy. Thanks to everyone for all the support and encouragement over the holiday season. Elizabeth was able to enjoy her Christmas and Santa was very generous!! Elizabeth has another 2 months of chemotherapy behind her and she handled it all like the "trooper" that she has always been. There will be an MRI coming up this week, please continue to pray for her and for good results from the MRI.

Nov 20, 2007 -- with 2 weeks of chemotherapy under her belt Elizabeth Anne is looking forward to spending a fun-filled Thanksgiving dinner at home with her family. Elizabeth is thankful for all of her blessings and she continues to pray for everyone, please continue to pray for her.

Nov 5, 2007 -- MRI today revealed that the current chemotherapy is not doing what the doctors expected so there will be a slight change in plans. Elizabeth will still receive chemotherapy for another 6 months, however, the drug regimen will change. She will have chemotherapy for 4 weeks starting 11/12/07 then 2 weeks off and then another 4 weeks. There will be an MRI toward the end of January.

October 29, 2007 -- The Pumpkin Festival was a success even in the rain! Elizabeth had a great time and she was able to light the last pumpkin (10,113) of the day. Thanks to all those who attended, carved pumpkins and helped with Team Elizabeth Anne News and a real big thank you to those who donated to benefit Camp Sunshine. The world record for lit pumpkins is just over 30,000 - next year we plan to break that record so everyone has a whole year to refine their pumpkin carving skills!

October 15, 2007 -- Elizabeth has finished her second round of chemotherapy and she is looking forward to seeing as many people as possible at the Pumpkin Festival on the 27th. We want to help Camp Sunshine break a record so come out and join us. You can donate a pumpkin on line in Elizabeth's name (information on the home page) and/or you can join or sponsor Team Elizabeth Anne News in the charity walk that day. For any additional information or questions, please contact Uncle Anthony - thanks

Oct 3, 2007 -- All is well - Elizabeth will start her next round of chemotherapy on Tuesday 10/9 and she is looking forward to seeing everyone at the Pumpkin festival

Sept 22, 2007 -- Elizabeth has completed her first round of chemotherapy and is doing great. All of her treatment has been as an outpatient so she gets to go to the park and the zoo and play outside. As before, please understand that she will not be visiting with very many people at this point in time so as not to get sick, especially in the upcoming cold/flu season.

Sept 15, 2007 -- All is going as well as can be expected. Elizabeth seems to be tolerating the chemotherapy well. Blood and platelet donors are coming forward and beginning to donate for her. Please continue to keep Elizabeth in your thoughts and prayers.

Sept 13, 2007 -- Elizabeth started chemotherapy on Monday 9/10 and she is doing well. She has been playing outside maximizing the remainder of the nice weather. She will be receiving chemotherapy for 6-8 months and hopefully she will be out of the hospital for the majority of it. As before, these drugs will cause Elizabeth to require transfusions of blood and platelets. If anyone is interested in donating either or both of these blood products, please contact Uncle Anthony. Please continue to pray for Elizabeth's recovery. As always, on her behalf, thanks to everyone for everything.

August 31, 2007 -- Elizabeth is home from the hospital -- yes, home 2 days after brain and vascular surgery she is home! Elizabeth plans a fun filled action packed weekend visiting all her friends and family before embarking on her next phase of treatment. Decisions on treatment will be made on Tuesday 9/4. Please continue to pray for her recovery.

August 29, 2007 -- Elizabeth's surgery went well -- the tumor was removed without complications, thanks to the skillful hands of Dr. Mazzola. Two access ports were placed to allow for administration of chemotherapy and medicines during the next phase of Elizabeth's treatment.

August 22, 2007 -- Elizabeth's brain tumor has recurred. She had a routine follow-up MRI today which revealed a recurrence of the tumor. She will be having surgery again on 8-29 to remove the tumor. The surgery will be followed with some type of chemotherapy, however, the full course of treatment has not yet been determined. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

MERRY CHRISTMAS - Elizabeth will be home for Christmas!!! Due to the wonderful treatment she has received from the oncology team at Hackensack Hospital she is able to spend time at home with her family during this holiday. Also, a special Merry Christmas to all of Elizabeth's "blood" brothers and sisters. Thanks to the blood and platelet donations from so many volunteers, Elizabeth has been able to keep herself healthy through this treatment.

July 25, 2007 -- Bye-Bye G-tube. Elizabeth had her G-tube removed today, so now she is totally free to do whatever it is that a little 2 year old girl does. All is well, she is eating with vigor when she wants and being picky when she wants; afterall she is 2.

July 12, 2007 - Today marks the one year anniversary of Elizabeth Anne's diagnosis and emergency surgery. It is amazing how slow and how fast time goes by. Thanks to all the wonderful care and support and prayer Elizabeth received she is an active thriving 2 year old girl. We are all very blessed to have Elizabeth doing this well. Elizabeth is filled with the love and joy and hope of all children. After watching her struggle, it is a blessing to witness her enjoyment of life. There was a special mass at The Church Of Presentation today in honor of Elizabeth. It was a celebration of life, and a celebration it was. People came to church to be with Elizabeth and my family to commemorate this day and honor Elizabeth's battle over cancer. Please continue to pray for her as she prays everyday for those who helped her and those who are in need of help.

July 4, 2007 - Happy Birthday USA -- Elizabeth has been spending a lot of time enjoying the outdoors - seems like sand and water are her favorites - Elizabeth and Mommy and Daddy spent a week at Camp Sunshine in Maine - Camp Sunshine is a camp for children with cancer and their immediate families

June 7, 2007 -- Great News! MRI and spinal tap results were negative. There is no sign of cancer! Elizabeth's next series of tests are tentatively scheduled for the end of August. Please keep the prayers coming.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Elizabeth Anne!! -- On May 19th Elizabeth was 2 years old. Elizabeth received alot of help and prayers during her treatment and on her behalf we are eternally grateful. Mom and Dad had a full blown celebration for Elizabeth in Nana and Poppie's backyard . It was quite the event; there were clowns, a petting zoo and pony rides just to mention a few. Elizabeth and all her guests had a great time. As always, thanks to everyone for everything.

April 20, 2007 -- Elizabeth had her first airplane ride and she did great! Mom, Dad, Nana and Uncle Anthony went with Elizabeth to visit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis Tennessee. (not as a patient!!) There was a fund raiser where pavers were sold to raise money to fund the hospital and Uncle Anthony purchased one in honor of Elizabeth. (don't forget to check out her new pictures) While at St. Jude, Elizabeth had a wonderful time playing and meeting new people. She also got to experience the wonders of the Memphis Zoo; the elephant was her favorite!

March 29, 2007 -- Elizabeth has added many new words to her vocabulary and she is becoming much more confident in her walking. She is back to enjoying "Story Time" and "Mommy and Me". Elizabeth is eagerly looking forward to spending some time with the Easter Bunny!

March 12, 2007 - Thanks to the great efforts of Elizabeth's team of therapists (physical, speech and occupational) she is catching up quickly. She is taking several independent steps, especially when getting to Mommy is the goal! Her vocabulary is increasing on a daily basis, and thanks to (secret) coaching from Dada, she has mastered Mama. After her most recent cognitive evaluation, Elizabeth is right on track for her age.

March 2, 2007 - Big week for Elizabeth. MRI and spinal tap results were fantastic! And, even better the venous access port was removed today. She is now more independent than before and ready for visits from her friends.

Feb 18, 2007 - 45 days have passed since Elizabeth had her stem cell transplant. She is about to begin her tour of a city near you, so get ready for a visit in the coming months.

Jan 16, 2007 - Elizabeth is home! She was discharged from the hospital today after completion of her final round of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. She will continue to be monitored by the wonderful team of physicians, nurses and assistants at Tomorrows Children's Institute at Hackensack Hospital. On her behalf I would like to extend a huge thank you to the team at Hackensack Hospital as well as all those who donated blood and platelets for her and all those who prayed hard on her behalf. Our prayers were answered! Thank you!

Jan 4, 2007 -- Elizabeth had a stem cell transplant today. All went as well as expected, thanks to everyone's thoughts and prayers. She will spend the next few weeks recovering from this procedure. She will be up on her feet and being a little girl very soon. Thanks again to everyone that has assisted in her care. Please keep her in your prayers.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - Elizabeth rang in the new year while napping comfortably. Mom, Dad, Aunt Amanda and Uncle Anthony went crazy and had some sparkling cider! -- Looking forward to a healthy new year; thanks to everyone for all the support and prayers.

Dec 22, 2006 - MRI results and spinal tap results - the tumor is smaller still, possibly even scar tissue - and the best news ever, for the first time there are NO cancer cells in the spinal fluid!!! - in baseball terms, this is a HOME RUN!! Thank you to Dr Thompson and the entire oncology medical/nursing staff at Hacksensack Hospital.

Nov. 29, 2006 -- thanks to Uncle Anthony, former NBA NJ Nets star Walter Berry visited the outpatient and inpatient clinics. Walter took pictures with the kids and gave them signed basketballs. It was a great visit, thanks Walter!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING -- We all have alot to be thankful for! Thanks to all of those who have helped Elizabeth with blood or platelet donations. Thanks to all of those who have prayed for her. Elizabeth is HOME for Thanksgiving and she will hopefully get to enjoy her first turkey dinner!

Oct 31, 2006 -- Successful blood drive. Thanks to everyone at Fairleigh Dickinson University and The Community Blood Center for their help. A special thanks to all those who were kind enough to donate blood.
Happy Halloween! Also thanks to Grandma for helping to organize the blood drive.

Oct 25, 2006 --- Great day in the clinic! Thanks to the medical team and the support from whole blood and platelet donors Elizabeth's blood counts are fantastic so she can have some time off between shots and the next round of chemotherapy. Yeah!

Oct 10, 2006 -- Photo Shoot!! -- Our beautiful little girl was photographed for the commemoration of Tomorrows Children's Institute's 25th anniversary brochure.

Oct 1, 2006 -- Successful blood drive. Thanks to everyone at The Church Of The Presentation and The Community Blood Center for all their help. A special thanks to all those who were kind enough to donate blood. Also, thanks to our friend Krissy for recruiting donors and all the organizational help.

Sept 29, 2006 -- MRI results are in! -- Tumor is alot smaller!! Thanks to Dr Thompson, Ann and the wonderful nursing staff at Hackensack Hospital.