Grateful Hearts!

When Matt and I realized Emily would need another transplant we worried. Not just for Emily but we knew that it meant relying on so many people just to get through it all. We have always felt so grateful for all the support we received the first time around.
One of the nurses was telling me how surprised they all were that we still have so much support! She said that usually the people start to get burned out and you see less and less support. If this was the case we would totally understand. You have all done so much for us already!
This has definitely NOT been the case! Emily has so many visitors (which she loves so much!) Jac and Thomas have been taken care of after school and with rides to and from places, the kids now know what it is like to eat really good food(they aren't excited for me to start cooking again!). Our lawn has been cut, Our house has been given a complete spring cleaning.
For those of you who came over to clean, you know how frazzled I was. I couldn't even think straight. Angie took over and everyone jumped right in. I was so grateful for the help! We had about 10 women over and it still too over 3 hours. This would have taken me FOREVER!!!!
Another huge burden on our shoulders is of course the cost of this whole thing. We have been so amazed at the wonderful people who have been so willing to help us with fundraisers! Crystal Hegamen put on such a fantastic "Swim for Emily" on Friday. I started to cry when I saw all of the people who were so willing to help and come and support our family. So many people that didn't even know us yet wanted to help. My heart was so full of love for our community! Jac and Thomas felt so loved too which was so good for them! This night raised enough money to meet Emily's deductible this year and next year for hospital stays and doctor visits!
We would love to say we don't need anymore financial help but in reality the costs of Emily's medications once she is home is what kills us! We have no cap on this and she will be receiving meds for at least 9 months to a year if everything goes perfectly.
Our good friend Tamara Bell came to us back in July and told us she wanted to do a benefit concert in October for us with her friend. She has been working so hard on this; it is going to be an amazing concert!
The Richards family in our ward has just found out that Randy still has cancer. He has been fighting since last November and is looking at a possible bone marrow transplant on top of more Chemo and Radiation. We have decided this benefit concert is going to be for Emily and Randy!
We know how much everyone wants to help both of our family's and show us support in any way that you can so why not combine the two! We aren't giving Randy a choice on the matter because we know how good it feels to have so much love poured out to you on your behalf. It is healing. It gives you strength to keep moving ahead even when you don't think it is possible! The help you receive goes so much further than money to help pay the bills.
Situations like these can be so exhausting and draining. I have definitely felt this way(as many people know!). I just want to shout THANK YOU to all of you for everything you have done and continue to do in our behalf!

When anyone asks how our family is handling all of this I can honestly say we are doing great! We had so much support the first time and nothing has changed the second time around! Emily even has 8 year old girls who are willing to play webkinz with her online from their homes. I don't think most 8 year olds would love to play with a 6 year old. They are so sweet to her!
It seems so small, THANK YOU, but it is said from the bottom of our hearts. We are also determined to give back in any way possible when we can. I have realized the truth in the saying "What goes around, comes around" The movie "Pay it Forward" showed this in action. We will definitely keep it going forward!
We feel Gods love through all of you. You have allowed Him to use you as instruments in showering tender mercies upon our family. We feel so blessed!

THANK YOU!!!
-Jill