OT ~ Beautiful Boey is gone

Sorry, those of you know know me and my struggle (and reason for my surgery) know how much I'm devastated by cancer but, specifically, pediatric cancer.  For those of you who don't know me or missed some of my posts (since I really don't start threads very often but I've seen the support I do get) my niece was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 3.5 years old only two weeks after we buried her grandmother (who died of small cell carcinoma -- lung cancer). So I've been following several children (some of whom have touched the lives of people here on OH) and their stories.  When I got a chance to see Boey Byers on the Extreme Home Makeover show I was just thrilled for her and her family (once pediatric cancer strikes you become "family" with the others who are dealing with similar fates so, to me, Boey became a member of my family, too).  I know how excited she was.  I was very disappointed to read that Boey passed away from complications on Friday. I think what brings this closer to home for me was that my own niece spent Christmas day in the ER with a fever.  When she went to visit her oncologist the next day they told her it was time to have her port removed.  It was a good thing because it cultured out positive for a deadly ****i organism.  Everything is so close -- and, yet, so far.  And I still have my niece. I'm not asking for anything from any of you except the kindness of your hearts.  I can't even begin to imagine how Boey's family is doing as we get set to head into a new year. Be grateful for the friends and family you have in your life and, please, help me lift Boey up in spirit. Lori

Lori - is this the little girl who lived in Corvallis, and they built a new home for her and her family?  It's so very sad.  What a sweet little girl and a wonderful family. I am in sorrow tonight as my friend in Tualatin lost her son to suicide today.  This after having lost her brother the same way a little over a year and a half ago.  There will be no celebrating here.  My heart goes out to all those in sorrow. Linda

Yes it is.  If there is anything positive to say about Boey's death is that her time here on earth was powerful. I'm sorry about your friend.  I know so many people see the holidays as a series of happy occasions but, for some of us, it just represents tragedy and loss.  My cousin committed suicide when I was really young.  Unfortunately his was an unsuccessful attempt and my aunt and uncle had to make the ultimate decision to remove him from life support more than a year after he tried.  That had to be their most difficult decision ever. May your friend find strength and comfort in knowing that she truly did all that she could for him given the resources available to her.  I know that, so many times after suicide, the remaining family feels guilt.  If her son (and brother) were intent on committing suicide, they would have done so regardless of what she tried to stop it.  I hope she can remember the happy times and look back fondly on them. Lori

I saw her story also Lori, and share  your sorrow. Best Wishes for success against cancer for your niece!

Thank you so much!  So far, so good.  But, unfortunately, we've seen many children die far too young in their journeys.  I just hope that, at the very least, their experience helps to educate doctors and help find even more cures.

Yes cancer is hard on families....my dad died in August from lung/brain cancer, my friends son was just diagnosed with ALL and this great guy at work has liver cancer....

sad....I am still hoping and praying for a healthy new year for us all...

deb366

Yeah, I was poisoned by TCE when I worked at the Viewmaster plant in Beaverton.  Many of the people who worked there for very long have developed pancreatic and kidney cancers but, hey, there's no correlation, right? My mom died of lung cancer that metastasized to her brain, too.  That was ugly.  At least she wasn't in pain and, for that, I'm grateful. ALL is  an incredible diagnosis!  That is one of the most treatable cancers out there!  Isn't it sad when we have to be happy about cancer?!?  Just help keep him infection-free.  That's been the problem for most of the kids who went through treatment with Kaitlin and didn't make it (unfortunately). Liver cancer.  Tough.  But not impossible. You have my support, too, for a great 2008 -- full of health, love and life! Lori