Michell’s LHON Blog

Happy Thanksgiving! :)

November 27th, 2009

I hope everyone has the most amazing Thanksgiving ever! This is the time where we should reflect and be greatful for what we have. There is so much in life that we can be thankful for.In my life, I’m honestly thankful for so much and will always be…

I am most thankful for my wonderful parents. My parents have been there through all the good and bad times in my life. Everything in their power, they tried anything to have a better quality of life for both my brother and I. For example, when we were first diagnosed we took any medication possible praying that it would help. We did an IV, hoping the process would be quicker. Nothing seemed to work…We were just told that we had to live the way that we were, because there was nothing they could do for LHON. Did the stop my parents…? Of course not, people and doctors all tell us no only made them more determined for them to find us a treatment or some kind of hope. It was April of this year that we discovered the possibility of China and the wonders of stem cell treatment. My parents didn’t hesitate, but jumped at the oppurtunity of taking me. It was a risk, but that didn’t bother them. They knew if this was meant for me, then I would see a miracle out of this experience. Through our family prayers and determination, I’m seeing more improvements by the week. I would not have had this amazing oppurtunity, if it weren’t for my parents.

I am also thankful for all the wonderful family and friends I have. I know some of you had second thoughts about me going to China, but there were those who supported us every step of the way. Either way, I am thankful for having you in my life. Even you don’t know it, everyone of you had made a difference in my life one way or another. I know whenever si need something, I can always count on you guys. It doesn’t matter if you live across the street, country, or even the world. All of you are in my heart, and think of you guys often. You guys are special to me and don’t know what I’d do without you in my life.

I am thankful for those I met in China. We became so close while spending a month together in China. It was so nice to hear all of your wonderful stories and experiences. It was so comforting to my mom and I, knowing we weren’t the only one going through this. My experience in China differently wouldn’t be the same without you there. It was awesome to grow so close so quickly. It was like we became a family in a matter of days. You guys will always be known as my China family.

And of course I have to be thankful for Beike and the staff at Chengyang People’s Hospital in Qingdao China. All of the representitives from Beike were so nice and always willing to answer whatever little questions we may have. They did whatever they could to make as comfortable as possible in the hospital. They wanted our stay to be as pleasant as it possibly could. And the staff in Chengyang People’s Hospital were so welcoming the second we were picked up from the airport. They were all so friendly and did whatever they could to make you feel welcome or happier. The doctors were are so happy, and tried to answer any questions you had as quickly as possible. And they were usually pretty flexible with your schedule, if you wanted to go out for the day or something. And the translators worked long hours, but also made sure that we had what we needed, and whenever they had to chance tried to take us around the town. Everyone there made the trip a bit more enjoyable.

And of course there is so much more that I can be thankful for. The list can go on and on, and I just don’t have time to list them all. But all of this leads to the fact that I’m thankful for the improvements that these stem cells have done for me. I’ve lived with LHON for 6 years now, and have been praying for a miracle, and I believe that this could be my miracle. China wouldn’t have been a possiblity, if it wasn’t for my parents, friends, family, and of course Beike itself. Well, I’m glad I see improvements each day and hope that I see more in the future months. I know I have to be patient while I let these stem cells grow and work miracles in me.

I hope everyone is able to think of the many things they have been blessed with and be thankful for this holiday season.

Entry Filed under: lhon,Uncategorized