Precious Moments with the Morrow Family: A New Chapter

If you friends with me on Facebook, you've probably noticed my posts about CureSearch. For me it started in late February when I started following the story of Layla Grace. Layla was a happy, healthy, BEAUTIFUL 15 month old little girl from the Houston area. At 16 months old her family found out that she had stage 4 Neuroblastoma. She had a massive tumor in her abdomen which extended from above her left kidney, around her side, over her belly and wrapped around her aorta. In addition, the cancer was in her bone marrow.

In a matter of a week and a half Layla went from normal happy and healthy to lethargic, and in pain. About 10 months later Layla went to play with the angels on March 9th, 2010.

Baby Layla

Layla, shortly after diagnosis

2 years old, fighting for her life, this was a good day

Layla's story changed my life. I have everything I have always wanted. A husband who loves me and I cannot imagine living without and two amazing, beautiful children. But the thought that all of that could change because of an illness that isn't getting the attention, funding and research that it NEEDS is something I cannot stand idly by and let it go unnoticed.

I knew I wanted to help. But how? What can I do? While I was following Layla's story, I met some amazing people. I heard about a walk coming up in Austin. Better yet- it's actually in Bee Cave! I thought, "Aha!" this was a sign. David knows every business owner in Bee Cave and at the Galleria Mall. "I can help!" CureSearch works with the Children's Oncology Group and funds Dell Children's hospital here in Austin. And that was that, I'm all in.

At first I felt badly about constantly posting on Facebook and sending emails to friends and family asking them to get involved. But I'm not sorry. Nothing is going to change unless people are made aware. I had no idea that children's cancer has to be studied completely differently than adult forms of cancer. I had no idea that federal funding for pediatric cancer is a joke. I had no idea that I could wake up one morning and I could all of a sudden be the mother of a cancer patient. Cancer took my paw paw away from me when I was 10 years old; he was my best friend. Cancer took my husband's father away and he never got to meet his grandson. Cancer shook my family when my mother had to have her thyroid removed. I have a sinking feeling that my family is not through with our battle against cancer. Even if we don't. No parent should have to hold their child while the light in their eyes fades away.

I can't do it. But what I can do is donate my time, money and passion to help raise awareness and funds to FIND A CURE. Now I "follow" many families who have a little fighter. Unfortunately, it seems like at least one a week loses their battle and we get another update from a broken mother or father.

So if you've noticed the change in me, you're not alone. I have changed. And I will never forget Layla Grace.