Told by: Lazelle Colon

The many families that I have the opportunity to sit and meet with often open up to me after I tell them about my daughter Kayla’s story.  I find that this helps them connect with me and gives me the credibility of someone who once was in their shoes.  The other day, the grandmother of one our newest patients sat with me and thanked me for being there for her daughter and her grandson.  He was recently diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and he just turned three.  Seeing the similarities of our situation, we had a lot discuss.  I was very honest in letting her know that this road is not an easy one and there will be times when he will be admitted into the hospital due to infection, fever or a number of other things and that she should expect him to be cranky and hungry while on the steroids.  I also let her know that she is not in this alone.

If I could give someone advice after being affected by cancer, it would be have faith.  Have faith in God, if you believe, faith in the love of those around you and faith that the medicine & treatments, though at times hard to take, are going to do what the were created to do . . . eradicate this awful disease.  Take each day as it comes and finally, the most difficult bit advice I have for parents is to try to take care of your own needs.  You cannot draw water from an empty well.  It took me a very long time to learn that one.

About Lainie's Angels - Submitted by Lainie's Angels

Lainie's Angels was created by a mom and dad who went through an experience they don't want other families to go through.

When their 10 year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer, they discovered that while there were many capable doctors, nurses and counselors to help her, there was no one who could focus on the needs of the family.

They decided to start a foundation to help other families by providing a network of people like themselves who had been through the process, knew the ropes and understood the pain, and could offer the benefit of their experience to families in need.

And they decided to name the organization after their daughter, Lainie (1988-2000).

- Submitted by Lainie's Angels