This week it was more physical therapy, getting fitted for new leg-stretching braces, library day, homeschooling, keyboarding class and Justin getting caught stuffing his face with fruit snacks and cheese dip. Weird chemo cravings.

A very special thank you to Gloucester County Christian School’s boys varsity soccer team for making a sick little boy feel very special. They are wearing Justin’s initials (pictured on the sleeve below in orange) on their warm-up jerseys throughout the season. They also had one made for Justin and gave it to him at yesterday’s home opener.

After all that, here is a glimpse of today (pictured below). THANK YOU for continued support and prayer.

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. Psalm 31:3-5

🌟Justin played an entire game of flag football yesterday! He is exhausted today, but Buddy is there for him.

🌟I was able to travel to DC over the weekend to continue support and advocacy for childhood cancer patients, survivors and families of children who have passed, called angels in the childhood cancer community. I learned that the bill I helped lobby for has not only become law, but Congress has also voted to fully fund the survivorship, treatment, access, and research initiative (STAR act).

Someday we hope that chemotherapy will be a thing of the past. As Congressman Mike McCaul, champion of the STAR Act, put it, “we will say ‘how barbaric’!” Yes, indeed. We get that here at the Pierantozzi home.

I cried with parents who lost their child and we lit candles in their memory at the White House. We cheered for kids who couldn’t walk a year ago then took the stage Saturday night to dance ballet or sing songs they had written. For some, pain and hardship can be well-managed through exposition of the arts.

Thank you for continued prayer.

One 7th grader, one 4th grader, one home school student, one big furry pain in the butt, one hurried and very imperfect picture and about nine coffees.

We are stressed and tired and making it up as we go along most of the time. But we are also proud and so very thankful.

 

Today is a routine lumbar puncture to check for leukemia cells in the spinal fluid as well as to inject chemotherapy into Justin’s central nervous system.

I pretty much hate it.

But choosing to focus on the fact that this treatment is saving Justin’s life helps. 

Being pushed into adopting this outlook has certainly changed my perspective. For the most part, I have moved past some typical American attitudes.

I don’t worry about things that don’t really matter. I don’t feel self-entitled. I don’t work overtime to try to make everything perfect for my kids, or fair. I’ve learned that doing so, as a parent, isn’t really doing them any favors in the long run anyway.

I make tons of mistakes. I am flawed. I am human. But I am learning how to REALLY trust God.

Some people think it’s crazy to trust in Someone you can’t see. Something bigger than our own ego and capabilities. I say, what a relief. This is grace.

I have been playing music since the beginning, but recently discovered a little song which really helps him to relax. 

 

Justin is okay.  We are home and resting. Thank you for messages of encouragement.

Psalm 145

Justin has contracted another virus so we have made an impromptu visit to clinic. Hoping this is not a repeat of what happened in May.

Waiting. Thank you for support and prayers.

Happy birthday to our little warrior! We are so grateful to God for bringing us this far. This is Justin’s third birthday spent while in treatment. It is our hope and prayer that next year (9th birthday!) he will be chemo and cancer-free!

Thank you for your ongoing love, support and prayers!

This is what happens when you decide to make a birthday cake for the first time ever. 

Happy 8th birthday Justin!