Update from Coach

Four weeks ago today I wasn’t sure if my baby girl was going to wake up here or in heaven. Forever grateful that we serve a mighty God.

Update sent out by her Coach…

As you all know, Hope made it out of the ICU and straight home on New Years Eve. She finally had her first full night of sleep in weeks. This can only help her to recover. From everyone who has been able to see her…the consensus has been,  " She is herself, funny, smart, tough, the only difference is she gets tired quickly". THIS IS HUGE! After an invasive brain manipulation some changes are to be expected but to have no visible change in heart, attitude and personality is amazing. The tiredness is to be expected. 

Doctors are still in disbelief that she was doing well in soccer and school with no signs (aside from headaches) of what was to come this past holiday. However, this team knows first hand Hope doesn't complain. By the way, the headaches have disappeared!!!

In the past 2 weeks she has had some visitors…including her entire 6th grade from school. I can only imagine she would be overwhelmed by the attention since she is not the kid who tends to ask for attention. She is good for about 30 mins at a time and working her way back. The strength will come with time. 

Yesterday was a big day. HOPE MADE IT TO SCHOOL FOR A HALF DAY!!! Ummm this was not supposed to happen for a month or more (but did we expect any less?) She received an award at school for straight A's, came home and ate then managed a 30 minute walk. As if that is not enough she then ran up and down the hallway trying to build up her strength. I mean seriously…strong mind and body!

While the surgery is over for now there is still a bit of recovery and follow up. Which means prayers are still needed. 

This is what the next few years will entail: From Jill…

Insurance approved the medicine she'll be on for the next two years. They denied it at first but our oncologist appealed it🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼. She'll go in for lab work, an EKG, an ECHO and an eye exam in a couple weeks before starting it. Then we have to go every three months for those same tests. 

It's a lot, but way better than chemo. Dr. Shafron said she could be back to playing on the soccer field in 3 months but when she starts feeling better she can get out there at practice and at least kick the ball around.....just have to be careful with her head. Let’s not forget, she's still out right now for her nose surgery a few weeks ago too. 

For now we are all missing Hope and the Birtch Family. However, this team continues to be a huge source of support for the family as well as each other. 

Look forward to getting the girls back on Saturday. Thank you all for everything you have done this season. We still have a lot more soccer and team time to go!

WE HAVE HOPE

-Coach Watson 

Hope went to her game today to cheer her team on. 

Reunited and it feels so good!

Love these girls. 

Teammate and Bestie!

So thankful for this team and our amazing Coach.