XLF Members please consider helping out Eli Matthews win his fight against cancer.

I am posting this for his father Paul Mathews who is an XLF member.

Please read about Eli below.

You can donate here:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifePennsylvaniaDivision?team_id=192101&pg=team&fr_id=7602

Or use the information below.
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Hi, you may not know me, but I’m Paul Matthews, known as Panther on the XL FORUM site. My wife is Ruth, and my son’s are Austin, and Eli. We live in Oxford, PA. Please take a moment and read this. I need your help to fight CANCER. I ask Bert if I could ask my fellow riders for help, and he granted me this Thanks Bert.

After spending all the time we have at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia I came to realize what it is I must do. I must help Fight this disease. When you walk the 3rd floor at (CHOP) as much as Ruth and I have you see all these wonderful children that need our help.

Watching my own son in that bed for all those days I know now what I must do. Please read the rest of this (message) to see what I'm up to.

I became involved in Relay for life because I had a few relatives that have passed away with cancer and now my sweet little boy also fights this terrible disease. The Relay for life is a 20-hour event to be held on May 16th starting at 4 p.m. and ending May 17th at noon.

This will be held at a local school track. My team ( The bELIeve Team ) will take turns walking around the track to raise money for cancer and the awareness of cancer. We want to show that cancer does not rest. We want to fight back against cancer, we want to honor cancer survivors, we want to honor my son Eli. We want to remember those we lost and most of all, we want to beat this deadly disease.

I invite you to sponsor the bELIeve team in this event. I have enclosed some information at the end of this e-mail regarding sponsorship & donations.

If you are willing to participate, you can make your check payable to.

Eli Matthews Cancer Fund

and send to

The Peoples Bank of Oxford
2196 Baltimore Pike
Oxford, PA 19363

You do not need an account number. I will have the bank write a cashiers check for the Relay when it's time.

IN THE RACE AGAINST CANCER, THERE IS NO FINISH LINE UNTIL WE FIND THE CURE.

Again, I ask that you participate in the fight for cancer by supporting not only my team during this event, but support all of us who have or potentially will lose someone to cancer.

One more thing Eli will plan on walking during the Relay.

Sincerly,

Paul B. Matthews

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http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/502/medium/eli1.jpg

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/502/medium/eli2.jpg

Here is some more info on Relay for Life.
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Relay For Life®, the American Cancer Society's signature event, is a fun-filled overnight experience designed to bring together those who have been touched by cancer. At Relay, people from within the community gather to celebrate survivors, remember those lost to cancer, and to fight back against this disease. Relay participants help raise money and awareness to support the American Cancer Society in its lifesaving mission to eliminate cancer as a major health issue. During Relay For Life ® events, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. The events are held overnight to represent the fact that cancer never sleeps. Through the survivors' lap and the luminaria ceremony, we honor the people who have faced cancer first hand, and we remember those who have been lost to this disease.

But, Relay isn't about taking laps -- it's about coming together in the fight against cancer. It’s a time to remember those lost to this disease and celebrate those who have survived. It’s a place where people connect with others, share the cancer experience, and find comfort and solace. And it's an opportunity to build hope for a future where cancer no longer threatens the lives of the people we love.

I just donated $100.00 and challenge those that are able to match my donation.

XLF members have always been generous in the past. Lets do it again this time!!

Bert, I just logged into the Forum and was so happy to see this post. My son Eli is here with me, and wanted me to say to all the great riders out their, thank you for everything. Eli wants to take a ride on my Sporty when it warms up. I told him he can even REV the (MOTOR) to hear those (PIPES). He loves that Harley sound. I read the e-mail to him, and he is so happy that you, and many others will help against this fight:boxing. Eli wanted this little boxing face; so I posted it for him.

Panther,

Another $100 headed your way.
Sorry to hear about your son, hope all goes well.
We do the Relay For Life every year in NJ, great cause.

Dec

I just donated $100.00 and challenge those that are able to match my donation.

XLF members have always been generous in the past. Lets do it again this time!!

I added another $100 added to the pot. When my son Eric died last September, I received so much support from my XLF friends -- people I'd never even met, but only shared a connection to through this great site. My prayers and thoughts go out to Paul and his family. God bless.

Get well Eli.

Panther & Bert, thanks for letting us help out!

Panther - Hope all is well with you and the family. I've been to CHOP for the toy run in December the last couple of years. I also did work at Temple Hospital a few years back. The work I did at Temple took me into every single room on every single floor in every wing. I have to say, seeing the Children's Hospital at Temple was really rough. Those days were really bad...I can't begin to imagine what it's like to have a child in that situation.

I didn't match Bert's contribution...but I gave what I could. We'll keep this thread near the top (bump!), so I'm confident you'll meet your goal.

I just wanted to say what a GREAT group of people you are. You are so thoughtful, and my son Eli says thanks to you all; and keep it up. We will fight this CANCER!!! At the Relay I'll have a BIG sign XL FORUM. I want to form the first FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER RIDE. I know their must be a bunch of my fellow riders, Ladys and guys in my neck of the woods.

Panther, our thoughts are with you and your family

:bananaAnother $100.:banana

Chris

kicked in a bit too. Wish it could be more. Best wishes to Eli!
:)

Panther,
You're at about 30% of your bELIeve Team goal!!! Every little bit helps.

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

:bump

:bump

.

Stealthammer, yes every little bit helps. I love this FORUM. You Guy's and Gal's are making a BIG! diffrence in not only my son Eli's life, but many others. Let's take this to the finish line, as I will walk with my team the bELIeve team for 20 hours on May 16th to the 17th.

For the benefit of those of us in other countries who may wish to donate, is there a Paypal account set up for this? Or some other possibility...

Hey, I matched Bert's challenge. Let's not rest on our forum reputation of being generous, we need to do it again! Why don't we try hard and watch the goal be exceeded (doubled maybe?)!

Best of luck Panther and Eli! Keep the faith. :boxing Moe



:tour

For the benefit of those of us in other countries who may wish to donate, is there a Paypal account set up for this? Or some other possibility...

Hey, the link early in Berts post takes you to a site where you can use a credit card. Thats what I just did. :)



:tour

Great thing going on here guys!! I also just made a donation. My wifes nephue came down with leukemia when he was around 3 years old. After a long battle, he won!! He is now 14 years old and happy and healthy as a horse.. It can be beat...

Panther, all the best to you and yours, My familys thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

POP

Thank you all for everything you are doing hear from the bottom of our hearts. You must bELIeve.

Many thanks Moe47! If it'd been a snake... You know the rest...

Come on all you Europeans you know you can give a bunch.

1 British Pound is what...about $100 now? :p

And a Euro Dollar is almost $50 right???

:danceman

Thanks to Bert for letting us know about this.

I matched Bert's as well.

All the best in the fight! Keep Strong!

A link is much better than snail-mailing a paper check.

Here it is again:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifePennsylvaniaDivision?team_id=192101&pg=team&fr_id=7602

I matched Bert's 100 bucks also.

Hey Eli,

I like all the stuffties in your picture but my favorite might be the little puppy stufftie. You keep up the good fight and get well. We are all sending prayers your way. :boxing

Another match... God bless and keep the faith.

Shame

Just donated $100 to your son's cause. :)

Oh I forgot, my employer matches, so you get another $100. I will submit the paperwork right now. :banana:banana:banana

33 hours and 44%!!!

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap
:Bump

Eli was just checking out some of your post, and he really likes the post from the lady riders:laugh That boy takes after his daddy:tour I can tell you he loves my Sporty, and wants to ride with me in the summer, and he will! Eli is the Bravest 7 year old you will meet, and is my HERO. I have been to WAR, and spent 9 years in the ARMY. I find myself helping my son fight the biggest enemy of all CANCER. When I tell you I thank you from the bottom of my heart I do. What you are all doing is the best reward in my life. Not all the ribbons, or awards I recieved it's this. I'll never forget this. Thank you.

Thanks for your recent email. I was happy to be a member of this forum but now I'm proud as well.

If I am not mistaken, there will be more help to come from this increadable comunity of far flung freinds.

My best thoughts are on the way from up here in Canada

At this point, 46%.
Goal:
$5,000.00
Achieved:
$2,278.00

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifePennsylvaniaDivision?team_id=192101&pg=team&fr_id=7602

Another bump for Eli

:bump

Eli Get well Soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Paul hang in there our prayers go up for you and your family God Bless!!!!

and thank you for showing us courage! May God bless you and your family, Eli.

Kindest regards,
Curt

Yet another bump for Eli.

Anyone out there who has thought of contributing but can't afford much, take heart. A $10 donation from 10 people is still a $100 for a VERY worthy cause.

Let's keep this going!...I'll take this challenge Eli! Thank you for having the courage to face this part of life. The Lord will reward you and works in your life everyday!

$100 for you and many blessings for you and your family.:):):):):):):)

I just added a few $. I hope it gets you a little closer to your goal. Good luck!

I'm a man of my word, I have previously posted my offer of $100 to a worthy cause, so here she be.
Best of Luck Eli
Mike

60%!!!!!

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

:bump

Sent my note yesterday.

I am a cancer surviver myself. I'm hoping Eli and others will be too.

Guess what Eli and I just added another $200.00 for the cause. Eli loved sending that money, he knows he has CANCER, and he also knows we will BEAT this. I love my boys. Thank you all we are at $3,203.00 LOVE IT!!!:laugh

And yet another bump for Eli.

I've been watching the response to Paul's and Bert's post and one thing has REALLY impressed me. The membership here on the XLForum has been awesome in their generosity to support a fellow member.

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap



Paul, I am also sending out an e-mail to many of my non-member friends as well because I believe that they would appreciate the opportunity to participate.
.

Wow! 64% of the way to your goal!!

Goal:
$5,000.00
Achieved:
$3,203.00

Those just joining the thread, should go back to the beginning and review Bert's challenge. Or, simply follow this link here to contribute:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifePennsylvaniaDivision?team_id=192101&pg=team&fr_id=7602

This is really amazing. When I made that first donation I had only put the amount donated up to $560.00. The but up to over $3200.00 show me again how generous XLF members are.

Please give if you can.

Just stoppin by for a update glad to see the progress :) eli you made so many new friends :banana we Love ya !:clap

Yes Bert the XL FORUM members have pulled together to help raise money to fight CANCER. I'm so proud to be a part of this FORUM, and my son Eli just looks at me like WOW! these people are helping our bELIeve team, and people with CANCER like him. When I look at my 7 year old I just wonder how something like this could happen to such a wonderful kid! I'll tell you this. During my wifes second ultra sound the doctor called us into the office, and said their was a problem with the ultra sound. He said our son might be mentaly retarted, or a dwarf, or whatever.... He then ask if we would concider terminating at that time. (Can you bELIeve he said most parents don't want anything less then a perfect child)!!! Now I ask are you perfect? he said no... I said we will schedule a c-section, and see you then. Well when Eli was born he did need one major operation. Eli had the front of his skull removed, and eye sockets, and the surgery was more then 6 hours. Eli the brave little boy you are helping, lost 75% of his blood volume during that surgery. I remember like it was yesturday telling the surgon yes at (CHOP) the best hospital in the world in my opinon. I said WOW! our son looks like his brother did at that age of 10 months old. Yes Eli was 10 months old when he had that surgery. The Dr said Paul I I just put him back together the way I thought GOD wanted. The same boy now fights this CANCER. I'll tell you this with all the thoughts, and prayers out their and friends like you and GOD watching over him he will BEAT this we must bELIeve.... Thank you all. Panther

Bump!

Dropped a small donation. My heart and thoughts are with your family.

:bump

We're almost 2/3 the way there.....

:bump

Up to 69% as of right now. 69 is one of my favorite numbers but 100 is even better!!!

I just gave. You're doing a great thing. I hope your son beats it. Those who are faced with and overcome adversity at young ages usually turn out to be better people. $1542 to go

Up to 69% as of right now. 69 is one of my favorite numbers but 100 is even better!!!

I love the number 69 as well, but I think we've been there too long!! (bump)

A 'Good Morning' bump for Panther, Ruth, Austin, and Eli!!!

:bump
.

:bump:bump:bump:bump

$50.00 more from my mom!

Another $100.00 courtesy of the new tax refund.

:bump
$3608...72%

When does the fundraising event end???

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifePennsylvaniaDivision?team_id=192101&pg=team&fr_id=7602

I'll toss in a little too.

When does the fundraising event end???

The link that Bert posted in the OP (and 64physhy reposted below) is Paul's (Panther) son Eli's 'The bELIeve Team ' home page and has information on their team and their progress toward meeting their goal for the 'Relay For Life® of Oxford' event to be held from 4pm on May 16 through 12noon on May 17 at Oxford Statium in Oxford, PA. Their team is one of 11 teams that are participating in the 20 hour walk. For more information on the event itself, check out:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifePennsylvaniaDivision?pg=entry&fr_id=7602
.

:bump


.

I am blessed with three healthy children. My oldest son's name is Austin who runs cross-country and track. You have my pledge for $100 which I will mail tomorrow.

I just wanted to take a moment and give you some news about Eli. Eli is in REMISSION:banana When Eli was diagnosed with this diseases the doctors told us he had 97% of his bone Marrow saturated with this CANCER. The Oncologist started a very agressive treatment, and 15 days later the Cancer could not be detacted in him. Understand Eli has three years of Chemotherepy ahead of him to be cured for life. Eli has showed us what a HERO is. He has had over 8 Spinal Taps, 5 Bone Marrow punchures, 25 plus IV lines, over 20 X-Rays, and the first 7 year old to have an MRI in the tunnel for 1 hour on his brain without being sadated, He has had blood transfusions, and an ambulance ride to (CHOP) when we had know idea what was happening to our son. Understand me when I tell you I'm forever grateful to all of you for the kindness in your hearts. I only hope one day to meet anyone of you. I would love for my son to meet Stealthammer some day as this Man that I have never meet has been watching our backs here as well as others Bumping the thread. And Thank you Bert for granting me the go-a-head to do this. (And then posting it for me). You all know that the cause is clear. CANCER does not care who it touches! We can only hope and pray we never have to deal with such a MONSTER! I thank GOD, and all of you for your help. Panther

Paul,

Great news about Eli, we wish him all the best. He sound like a real trooper.

I have an idea. We, as the XL Forum, arrange a group ride to the Relay
for Life in Oxford, PA and maybe deliver some addition money in person.

It's held on May 16 and 17 right? Perfect riding weather.

We do this in NJ at the Medford, NJ Relay for life every June.
We arrange a "run" to the Relay site and do a few laps around the field
on foot, off the bikes.

OK all you PA/NJ/DE/MD(add your state here) area folks, what do you think?

I have an idea. We, as the XL Forum, arrange a group ride to the Relay for Life in Oxford, PA and maybe deliver some addition money in person.......

Awesome idea Decman. I've already made arrangements to attend.
.

I'm off the 16th of May for the Relay For Life, and would love to meet up with as many of my XL FORUM friends and RIDE prior to this event. We could meet at any location, and I would just need to be at the RELAY site by 3:30p.m. I can't bELIeve this. Eli will be so happy I can't tell you how much this will mean to not only Eli, but the whole RELAY FOR LIFE WOW!!!!!!!!! And to read what you said Stealthammer just amazed me. I can't wait to meet you.:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap I just put another $200.00 in the POT!!

I just wanted to take a moment and give you some news about Eli. Eli is in REMISSION:banana

Paul,
After hearing the chronology of your family's battle, and being privileged to see the response of this forum to assisting you and your family in supporting the people at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia who provided your son with the medical support that helped him to achieve success against this dreaded enemy, I am honored to having been allowed to participate.

We have all worked together to reach 78% of 'The bELieve Team's' $5000 goal for the Relay for Life as of 4:30am PST today. I am commited to seeing that goal reached today ('$5k in 5 days'), and then doubling it again by May 16-17.

I have already made arrangements to attend the 'Relay For Life of Oxford' event myself and see that Decman is proposing an organized XLForum member run to attend from the East Coast. :clap I would like to arrange for a run from the West Coast as well. How about it? Any other XLForum members on the West Coast want to participate?

Well there are Relay For Life events all over the US.
Check their web site for an event near you and you can plan a regional
ride around the same time.

The NJ/PA/etc group gets together a few times a year for a meet and greet
so it would be great to have a great cause to make it that much better.

I have to tell you that I may not be able to make the May 16/17 relay, :frownone
I already have travel arranged for that time period. Although with my
job that can change at the last minute.

BUT I will still take charge of arranging the ride. :tour
I'm sure I will have lots of help from the gang.

Dec

I just rounded the number off at $4,000.00:banana:banana:banana:banana That equals 80% of GOAL:laugh:laugh:laugh:laugh

Well there are Relay For Life events all over the US......
.....BUT I will still take charge of arranging the ride. :tour
I'm sure I will have lots of help from the gang.

Dec

Your suggestion for an organized run to the 'Relay For Life of Oxford' is a great idea and I am 100% behind it. I generally don't have time to participate in organized runs, but this event has special meaning to me because of the opportunity that Paul has extended us on the XLForum to participate in his commitment to engage in this battle.

I started a thread on the forum this morning for the 'Relay For Life' that will hopefully give us a central point of contact with the other members who are interested in participating in these events across the nation.

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=150119

Your offer to help organize a run to the 'Relay For Life of Oxford is very generous. I have little experience in organizing this type of event, but will do whatever I can to get it together.

A Friday evening :bump

*For the East Coast anyway :smoke

That is certainly good news about Eli. He surely is a tough little man. It is amazing to witness the lessons in life that can be learned from children. My thoughts and prayers are with Eli, you, and your family.

We only have $1000 left to raise to reach Panther's $5000 goal.

I will match every dollar donated to this cause by a forum member before 12am midnight (PST) one-for-one until we reach that goal.

That means that we only need to raise $500 to meet the goal by midnight.

Anyone wanting to donate please visit the link below:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/Re...eam&fr_id=7602

$4506!!!

.

Okay I made my appointment at the Tattoo shop for February 9th. I'm geeting the Tattoo Believe under my cross I'll never forget this time in my life... Thank you all.. I bELIeve in a cure. Look at what has happened here. It's true Harley rider's share a bond like no other rider's in the world.. We band together from around the world to fight this cause. To Kill CANCER. We all made, and continue to make a diffrence in so many peoples lives my son is so proud, and he loves Harley's so much (Sportster's) that is. Eli does not know this, but Daddy wil buy him his first Harley some day. :clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap :clap

$4,606.00 as of 10:59 PM

Stealthammer and XLForum Eli and I just put in $147.00 Now that brings the total to $4,753.00 at 11:36PM so Stealthammer if my MATH is correct if you add $100.00 from the above number plus the $147.00 that equals $247.00 so $247.00 plus $4,753.00 that make $5,000.00 My friend am I correct Sir:banadanc:clap:banana:laugh:smoke:rolleyes::p:t our:banadanc:banana:laugh:tour:clap I can't bELIeve this WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

$4,853.00 at 11:56 PM:clap:clap:clap

10:37PM PST:
The bELIeve Team's total is:
$5000

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

:banapart
:dancesmil:dancesmil:dancesmil
:band
:xlrocks

Totally AWESOME! I am amazed how so many here have come together to help out.

But just because the goal has been reached does not mean that anyone out that has not had the chance to give a little can not. I am sure the bELIeve team will accept donations up until te day of the Relay For Life

As I sit here with my son's Eli and Austin we are amazed at all of this. We as a team the bELIeve team are fighting this CANCER:headb:headb We thank you from the bottom of our hearts:clap We blew the top off the Thermometer:dancesmil Stealthammer Eli is mailing you something on Monday:chop he is working on it:banana:banadanc:clap:leekguit:banarock:danceele :boxing:bluebanan:brocoli:banapart:sofa As you can see Eli is trying all the cool little faces:laugh:laugh:laugh:laugh:laugh:laugh

ELI, You hang tough big man! I am honored to help you guys. Just made the donation, thanks for allowing us to help. My son was born premature, and he had to go through alot to make it. I am glad to say that thanks to help, and prayers from alot of people who for the most part I did'nt know he is two years old and doing GREAT!

COME ON GUYS, LETS NOT JUST HELP THEM MEET THEIR GOAL, LETS BLOW THE LID OFF!!

This is my 900th post and I made it special by donating to Paul's relay for life team. I will be praying for you Paul.

Bert did a very nice write up on the XLForum's support of 'The bELIeve Team' in the XLF Weekly Bulletin this week. Thank you Bert.

The 'Relay For Life of Oxford' event is a 20 hour walking relay that begins at 4pm May16 and continues throughout the night, ending at 12pm the next day. The reason that it is held overnight is to keep focus on the fact that cancer never sleeps. It is an insidious disease that will continue to march forward until WE stop it.

The bELIeve team has reached it's original goal of $5000 thanks in very large part to the members of the XLForum who donated. Thank you everyone.

The team is continuing to accept donations though, because our best weapon against this voracious enemy is research. If you haven't had a chance to help out please follow the link below:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifePennsylvaniaDivision?team_id=192101&pg=team&fr_id=7602
.

Oops!!! I goofed up. In the bulletin I called Barry STEELHAMMER instead of Stealthammer!

Guess that is because you fight cancer as if you are hitting it with a Steel hammer!

You guys are awesome! I hope Eli gets well,I will donate Friday when I get some extra loot.

Oops!!! I goofed up. In the bulletin I called Barry STEELHAMMER instead of Stealthammer!
Guess that is because you fight cancer as if you are hitting it with a Steel hammer!

I actually had to go back to my e-mail see what you meant.....I guess I was reading though it too fast notice it myself! :smoke

Bert, thank you for the article in the XLF Weekly Bulletin, it's another great way to keep this cause visible.

Bert your weekly bulletin was outstanding. This XLForum is outstanding! I'm glad I took a chance to send you the e-mail that started this. Because you took the chance to post it, we have raised more awareness against this monster! That's what CANCER is a Monster. This XLForum has helped save many lives. Now that the XLForum has done this and continues to raise money others will see this and will want to achieve the same. It will continue to spread like wild fire because of it. Their is one member that has went above and beyond for this fight, and that's Stealthammer. On January 26, 2008 I promoted Stealthammer to our West coast team Captains postion, Stealthammer is someone that is a true friend. Although I never met him I hope we all do in May during the Relay for life. I hope to meet alot of the XLFourm members during the Relay for life. So from the very bottom of my heart Thank you my friends thank you.

P.S. Eli will go to school for the first time in over 2 1/2 months tomorow:laugh I took the day off because he said Daddy will you go with me:clap of course I said yes son I will. Eli will only go for 1/2 days at this time. Eli is in 1st grade. Check this out he said Daddy I laid my clothes out for school go check them out on my bed. Well guess what? It was all HARLEY clothes shirt, bandana and everything:banadanc:banana:tour:clap I Love that boy!!!!

.....P.S. Eli will go to school for the first time in over 2 1/2 months tomorow:laugh I took the day off because he said Daddy will you go with me:clap of course I said yes son I will. Eli will only go for 1/2 days at this time. Eli is in 1st grade. Check this out he said Daddy I laid my clothes out for school go check them out on my bed. Well guess what? It was all HARLEY clothes shirt, bandana and everything:banadanc:banana:tour:clap I Love that boy!!!!

AWESOME NEWS PAUL!!!

This is great news.

Not only does Eli get to return to some sense of a 'normal' life, but he will raise the awareness of the other kids in his class to what cancer is about, and that it can be beaten!!!

:clap :banana :clap :banana :clap :banana :clap :banana :clap
.

This is the first time I saw the thread, I see you reached your goal, but I chipped in a little anyways. We wish you and your family Well :)

This is the first time I saw the thread, I see you reached your goal, but I chipped in a little anyways. We wish you and your family Well :)

'The bELIeve Team's' original goal of raising $5000 by May 16th for the "Relay For Life at Oxford' was set because it seemed at the time to be a immensely challenging target, and yet attainable with perseverance and a good bit of luck.

The XLForum membership truely rose to meet the team's challenge in support of Paul (Panther), Ruth, Austin, and of course Eli over this past week, and in their battle against cancer. In fact, we helped 'The bELIeve Team' to exceed it's fundraising goal in 5 days!!! Few of us would have even thought that this was possible a week ago, but the outpouring of compassion and brotherhood from the forum's membership has been absolutely amazing.
Every XLForum member should be extremely proud of this accomplishment. :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap


The battle against cancer is not over however, and 'The bELIeve Team' will not rest on what we have all helped them to accomplish. Their battle will only end when a cure is found, and no one is ever victimized by this dreaded disease again.

The team will continue to work tirelessly in it's 'grassroots' effort to raise the American public's awareness of this fight because the battle can only be won if we all work together. They will also continue to accept donations that will help to fund the American Cancer Society in it's commitment to wipe all forms of cancer off of the planet.


If you haven't been able to make a donation to 'The bELIeve Team's' cause over the past week, please donate when you can. If you have already made a donation, Thank you very much for your support! If you have made a donation and wish to donate again between now and May 16th, please do!



THE XLFORUM ROCKS!!!

.

There are plenty of Paydays between now and May 15, so if you can't afford to chip in $100 at once, kick in like $20 or so each payday. That's my plan anyway.

I got an e-mail from Panther this evening with some pictures of Eli's first day back at school and he asked me to share them with the XLForum members:
It must have been an incredible day for both Paul and Eli..... and for Eli's classmates! (gulp!)



"Check out Eli on his first day back to school in over 2 1/2 months. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Check out that lady's man. All the girls wanted to sit by him during reading time. That's my boy!" - Panther

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/917/medium/Picture_160.jpg

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/917/medium/Picture_156.jpg

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/917/medium/Picture_149.jpg

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/917/medium/Picture_158.jpg

Great photos!!! I will be definitely give some more when I get the chance.

I wish the girls were as crazy about me!!

I just wanted to thank you for posting those photos for me, the past few days have been hectic. My wife's granmother (Nana) passes away at the age of 101 1/2. She was an amazing women, she had her mind, and most of her real teeth even:clap I got to visit her before she passes, and we found out that she even made her own funeral arrangments about 10 years ago.

On a good note Eli is doing so good, he loves this XLForum. I read him the messages from the members daily. Eli loved your post thanking everyone on the XLForum the other day. I have also thanked, and will continue to thank everyone of my Brothers, and Sister riders on this site. You all made, and continue to make a diffrence in this fight against CANCER. I'll make this very clear the bELIeve team is recognized across the world now because of the XLForum.:banawala:danccow:carrot:chop

Great photos!!!

Thanks for sharing.....He is s cutie!!!

Just kicked in some more, hope it helps. I had tears in my eyes (and always considered myself a tough guy) reading all those generous posts. I'm pretty new here but I love to see people pull together. Best of luck Eli and family.

Hey their just a quick update on Eli. Eli has been back to school now for 4 days, and he's doing well. He is looking forward to Friday talking about a sleep over in his BIG brother Austins room. They want to stay up late and watch a movie :laugh Eli gets his Chemotherepy every night, (Pill form = 6 MP) and will have his next Spinal Tap on February 15th. These days are never fun. Eli is in a phase of his treatment called interm Maintance. On March 3rd he will go to the next Phase called delayed intenceification. Please continue to pray for Eli, as he is the bravest little guy I know. He is truly my HERO:clap

Hey their just a quick update on Eli. Eli has been back to school now for 4 days, and he's doing well. He is looking forward to Friday talking about a sleep over in his BIG brother Austins room. They want to stay up late and watch a movie :laugh Eli gets his Chemotherepy every night, (Pill form = 6 MP) and will have his next Spinal Tap on February 15th. These days are never fun. Eli is in a phase of his treatment called interm Maintance. On March 3rd he will go to the next Phase called delayed intenceification. Please continue to pray for Eli, as he is the bravest little guy I know. He is truly my HERO:clap

Oh man. I am sitting at my desk at work overcome with emotion for how courageous and positive Eli and his family have been through this time in their lives. The power of prayer is mighty. I will share with my family your story Eli (and family), and we will pray for your full and quick recovery.

I am humbled to think of how brave Eli is through this time... You have helped give me some perspective back in my own life. Thank you for sharing your lives with us, and although I am not able to monetarily give (right now), I will give my prayers and thoughts to you...

Hey Eli,
You are a tough little guy and you are going to be OK.
You are lucky to have the support of your very loving family and all of your friends.
All of us on the XL Forum pray for you and wish you a speedy recovery.

:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap :clap:clap:clap:clap:clap:clap

Attaboy!

ELI,
WAY TO GO! Glad to see you back to school.

Eli, I'm glad to see you back at school. I hope you have a gerat time. Don't yoube to hard on the girls now.

Another $110.00!!!

$50.00 from my local Ace Hardware store (they said it was the least they could do considering I had put their daughter through college! :doh), and $60.00 more from three guys who can't shoot pool........

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

Stealthammer that's great:clap we are close to $6,000.00 I have a team Captains meeting at Herr's potato chip factory on February 12th. I can't wait to take them the BIG thermometer that we have in our kitchen that my son Austin has been keping up with. The top is off:banana I hope it will spark some movements in the other teams. At the relay my oldest son Austin may set-up his magic act that he is trying to perfect, and ask for donations. Their will also be music, food, and a good time for this GREAT cause raise money to KILL CANCER:headb:headb:headb:headb

Hi Eli,

That's fantastic that you're back in school. I loved the pictures of you and your classmates and guess what......you look normal ! How cool is that !

My prayers keep coming your way............:)

Eli had off from school today, he was not feeling well. (A Cold) thank GOD! we pray that he does not get a fever. If ever a fever it will mean a visit to (CHOP). The good news is he should go back to school in the morning:laugh Stealthammer thank you for the Harley shirt, and Bandana:banana Eli loved them both. It made his day when the mail came and it was for him. We are trying to colect different bandanas for him to wear to school plus he loves them anyway. Hey the weather was so nice yesturday my buddy, and I got out for a little ride I :luvsport so much, and I love to ride when I get a chance, and guess what I told Eli I was just going out for a little ride and he said Dad go out for a long one and gave me a HUG!!!!

:bump For Friday night

Hi their Brother, and Sister riders. Eli says hi:laugh Eli had a great week, and his blood counts seem to be up. We will take Eli to his appointment on Friday, and he will get an IV line put in, and recieve (VCR Vinchristine) and a Spinal tap with IT-MTX Methotrexate put in the Spinal location by injection. This is all Chemo! Eli will also have (7 1/2 pills of Methotrexate) and be put back on Dexamethasone (Steroids) for 5 days 2 x a day. he will also have his Mercaptopurine 6 MP by mouth at night. As you can see this will be a BIG! day for us all mainly Eli. The good news is his BIG brother Austin is off from school, this is always good for Eli when Austin is their with him as support. Please say a prayer for Eli that all goes well, and he has NO!!!!! negative reactions to all this Cheomtherepy that he will get on Friday. Thank you my friends.

Hi their Brother, and Sister riders. Eli says hi:laugh Eli had a great week, and his blood counts seem to be up. We will take Eli to his appointment on Friday, and he will get an IV line put in, and recieve (VCR Vinchristine) and a Spinal tap with IT-MTX Methotrexate put in the Spinal location by injection. This is all Chemo! Eli will also have (7 1/2 pills of Methotrexate) and be put back on Dexamethasone (Steroids) for 5 days 2 x a day. he will also have his Mercaptopurine 6 MP by mouth at night. As you can see this will be a BIG! day for us all mainly Eli. The good news is his BIG brother Austin is off from school, this is always good for Eli when Austin is their with him as support. Please say a prayer for Eli that all goes well, and he has NO!!!!! negative reactions to all this Cheomtherepy that he will get on Friday. Thank you my friends.


Hope all goes well, thanks for keeping us updated!


:tour

Panther............Thanks for the update. A prayer goes out for Eli and his family too. Stay strong.

Panther,
our thoughts are with Eli and the rest of the family.

Thank you for the update Paul, and I'm very glad you all had a great week. My thoughts will be with your entire family this Friday.
.

Panther, I fully understand your worries, your hopes, and prayers. I was diagnosed with cancer two years ago. After a long hard fought battle, and some surgery, I seem to be free of the stuff. Like yourself, I am a father of a wonderful son. For Eli, a C note. For your family our prayers for diligence, patience, perserverance, and conquest. God Bless!

XLF Forum Members are great.

Thanks to all those who have donated or just sent their prayers or thoughts to help Eli.

I love this place, the members are awesome!!

Panther, I will be thinking about Eli and your family this Friday. I pray he comes out with flying colors...

Hi to all my XLForum friends, Today was a busy day for Eli. We got to the clinic around 7:45 a.m. and Eli had some numbing cream put on his hands so the IV would not hurt at all, and yes it worked also good news one poke and done. Eli's blood counts were good, and he did great with the Spinal Tap, and Chemo drug injection in the Spinal fluid. He also got the Vinchristine in the IV line another Chemo drug. All went well. After Eli laid still and flat for one hour off we went. My wife Ruth gave him his Steriods, and the other 2 Chemo drugs around 8 p.m. Please pray that he does not have any negative reactions tonight. Thank you my friends. Thank you.

I'm very glad that Eli's Friday appointments went well!!! He's a very tough little guy.

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

I helped the cause with a donation. My prayers are with your son and your family.

Thank you for helping the bELIeve team. The XLForum members are the best:clap My son Eli loves this site as well, and can't bELIeve Decman will be putting a ride together to come to this Relay For Life. Also Stealthammer is joining us all the way from out WEST:laugh this will be a time never to forget my friends.

OK everyone, I finally got around to posting a thread for the first
XL Forum "Relay for Life" run.

Watch out Eli, we're coming to get you....:p

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=165843

On Feb 25, 2008 Eli had an EKG, and ECO cardiogram done. My wife Ruth said he did very well, and the test will be read at CHOP Hospital. This test is very important for the next phase of treatment. The next phase the delayed intencification phase will be tough. Eli's blood counts will drop to ZERO!!! around the 3rd week of treatment. This phase will last for 56 days. I ask any of you to please join us for the Relay for Life ride. Eli said he can't wait to see all the XLForum Harley riders come into the Relay. He said he will be their to meet you all. I want to lead you into this event with a Police escort.

We are all rooting for you!

I wish I could be at the Relay - oh well, I will be there in spirit!




:tour

I wish I could be there too Eli. Your doing a fantastic job winning this fight. You makes us proud to know you because you are so very courageous and brave.

My prayers continue to come your way.

Sorry Eli, it is unlikely that I will be there. But I will be pulling for you in spirit!

A message from Paul Matthews:

Again thank you to all that donated to our team. I just wanted to take a moment to give you an update from the Captains Meeting I went to last night. Prior to heading out the door to the meeting I ask Eli, and Austin if their was anything they wanted me to ask, or go over in the meeting. Austin wanted me to take the Thermometer that he was keeping up with to show everyone how the top is blown off!!! Eli said daddy please let them know I want my Lemonade stand at the Relay for life. While I was at the meeting they made some anouncements. One of them went like this. We now have 18 teams for the Relay for life, and over $13,000.00 raised so far, and this is ahead of last year. Then they said the top three teams are -----, -----, and yes the Number one team at $5,855.00 is guess who?? the bELIeve team. They ask me to explain how this is... They said this is your first year, and we are interested in what your team has done to raise this amount of money. I first held up the thermometer that Austin ask me to hold up. All I could hear was clapping. I then said the captain of the Eli and Alex's lemonade stand my son Eli who was diagnosed with CANCER on November 15th, 2007 has ask for a spot for his Lemonade stand at the Relay for life to help raise money to fight childhood CANCER. They said pick it. It's yours. I then said okay here is how I did it. I have a team that bELIeves, and I promoted a great guy of the west coast to team captain. As I sat infront of my computor I had the best weapon in my hand to help in this fight. I then said I'm a member of the XLFourm the largest motorcycle forum for the Sportster Motorcycle in the world. I ask Bert in Germany to post a thread for me about Eli on his site, and he started the thread with a $100.00 donation, asking the other members to match. then a guy I never met, but will when he visits for the Relay for Life in May Stealthammer posted a $500.00 pledge, this blew my mind I never met any of these riders in my life, but the donations started rolling in fast. The bELIeve team is world wide now. This Forum is world wide. visit it and see at www.XLForum.net I told them this team is the best team ever, and we are no way done yet. I explained how a guy by the name of Decman is putting a ride together for as many riders from the Forum as he can pull together will meet in Oxford on the 17th, and be Police escorted into the Relay. Let me tell you, you will look to the sky wondering the location of the THUNDER. When you put all Harley's together that's what it sounds like. I told them the riders will get off their bikes, and walk a few laps, and turn more money over to the bELIeve team. The people just started clapping, and a guy came up to me and said I have heard of great things like this going on, but never meet anyone that it happend to. I said these riders are doing it for the fight against Cancer, and my son Eli. I ask my Forum riders reading this to please join us for this ride. Just go back to the original post, and follow Decmans thread, I want to meet as many of you that can make it. I will lead the Forum in this ride, and Eli will be waiting for us to Thunder into the Relay. With this e-mail I ask the rest of the bELIeve team to move forward, and collect as much money as you can. We must not stop... Get people to sponsor you, or just go door to door and ask for help to fight CANCER. Thank you all again for your help in this FIGHT!!!

- Panther

Paul, thanks for the update. As soon as we can upload pictures I will post a few of Eli's Alex and Eli lemonade stand....

Damn guys, next time one of these threads comes up please somebody PM me. I'm ALWAYS ready to pitch in and help a kiddo in need.

I totally missed this, and I apologize for being late to the party.

Sent $100 anyway, hope it still helps you meet your goal.

Regardless, I'm looking at coming to the ride in May!!!!

Sunday 3/9/2008
Hello, We hope you are all doing well. Eli is so happy right now that he does not have to take any med's for this week.:banadanc The only med's we have to give are Bactrum Monday, and Tuesday, and at 5 p.m. his previcid. This is the break he get's before he starts the next phase of treatment. On Friday his appointment is at 8 a.m. at the clinic. We ask that you pray this phase goes well for Eli as it's a difficult part of his treatment. We know their will be some bad days for him in this phase, but as you know he's a very BRAVE, and STRONG little guy. Love the Matthews family.

Thanks for the update. I think about him often.......wondering.

Wednesday 3/12/2008
Hi their friends. I'll start by telling you the last eight weeks for Eli have been great. Now we must brace for what is called the Delayed Intensification phase of Eli's treatment. Friday March 14th we need to be at the clinic at 8 a.m. Eli will get another Spinal Tap, and some new Chemo drug's. He will also get some Chemo drug's that he already had. The doctors warn that this will be a very dificult time, and Eli will most likely recieve blood transfusions, as well as the need for blood platlets. Eli will be going to the clinic weekly, and some times 2 times a week. Eli will get a shot called (PEG) this shot is one in each top part of his legs at the same time. This will happen around the 19th, or the 20th. You know each child reacts diffrently to this Chemotherepy, so we pray our brave little boy will make it through this phase with no suffering. Okay on a good note Eli and Alex's Lemonade stand was deliverd tonight. Our friend Dave MacQuaid just finished tweeking it, and Eli loves it. This stand can go up so fast :-) Eli said he will help fight childhood cancer with his stand. Eli also said he would continue to raise money even when he is all better. This little boy is so BRAVE I know the lord has a plan for him. He has been through skull reconstruction surgery at the age of 10 months old, now this fight! He is only 7 years old, and has been through so much. I ask all of you to pray very hard through this 56 days of treatment starting this Friday. Eli said a prayer the other night outloud, and he said. (Dear GOD please let my clinic visit be a good one so I can sleep in my brother Austins room on Friday, and Saturday night). As I type this I get a tear in my eye. Again thank you all for your thoughts, and prayers. Love the Matthews Family.

I got some tears going on too just reading this. He is a very brave little guy. Panther, you and Eli's Momma have to be a couple of very brave people too....this is a tough one to get through.

Thanks for the update.

I bELIve you will make it through this phase just fine!

Continued best wishes too all! Keep up the fight :boxing !




:tour

Friday 3/14/2008
Okay, we are now in the Delayed Intensfication phase of Eli's treatment. This is how the day went. We got out the door by 6:40 a.m., arrived at the clinic at 7:45 a.m. They first put the numbing cream on both hands to allow time for it to work. The nurse then tried to get the blood from the right hand with no luck so they got it from the left hand.(Eli wants to name that vein "Taz" he said) Eli's blood counts came back as normal as you and I. The doctors words were Eli's counts are Fabulous!! :-) This is a good way to start this phase she said. Now it was time for the spinal tap, and Intrathecal Methotrexate. They only used one dose of Fentanol, and one dose of Verset, like the last time, and all went well. Eli is awake during these spinal tap's, but due to the one drug does not remember stuff happening. Now it was time for the Vincristine, and the new Chemo drug called Doxorubicin. Eli is also back on Dexamethasone(steroid) for 21 days twice a day. We got the pill form now, and we crush it up in apple sauce. No bad taste this round. Eli will get his Pegaspargase shots on Monday, one in each upper part of his legs. All in all he did very well. He also got his bravery beads today. His necklace is getting really long! Please keep those prayers going, and as always, thank you for all of your support everyone. We appreciate it more than words can say.


The Matthews' family.

It's good to hear that his blood counts were good. I hope and pray that everything continues to go well. I can tell that you and your family are phenomenal people. I believe that Eli has a VERY important mission in life.

Stealth, didn't you post something about riding in the Relay For Life? Seems like I remember reading 2 different things, 1. You were going to organize a forum ride closer to the west coast, or 2. You were planning on going out and meeting Eli.
Unfortunately, it's unlikely that I would be able to head in Eli's direction, but if there's one planned in the So Cal or Vegas area, I would like to ride.

Panther, I will be praying for your son as well as the rest of your family every night. It's amazing how these hardships can affect a family. Keep your faith and stay strong in your sons eyes so he can stay strong as well.

I don't know exactly what you are dealing with but I too have a daughter, 9, with Cystic Fibrosis and know how hard things can be. Sounds like you guys are doing a great job.

Jesse

Stealth, didn't you post something about riding in the Relay For Life? Seems like I remember reading 2 different things, 1. You were going to organize a forum ride closer to the west coast, or 2. You were planning on going out and meeting Eli.
Unfortunately, it's unlikely that I would be able to head in Eli's direction, but if there's one planned in the So Cal or Vegas area, I would like to ride.

I'd like to ride out to Oxford but I can only get four or five days off at work during that time so I will be flying to Oxford and renting a Sporty to ride while I'm there. Maybe we can put something together locally between now and then.

.

I'd like to ride out to Oxford but I can only get four or five days off at work during that time so I will be flying to Oxford and renting a Sporty to ride while I'm there. Maybe we can put something together locally between now and then.

.

You really flying to Oxford? Or Philly, BWI, or somewhere else? If you need a local contact drop me a PM, I'm less than 50 miles from Oxford.

Monday 3/17/2008
Hi friends, and family. Eli had his appointment today for his Pegaspargase shots. Eli went to school till Ruth picked him up around 11:45 a.m. I went to work then meet Eli and Ruth at the clinic around 12:45 p.m. for Eli's 1:00 p.m. appointment. The nurse put numbing cream on the upper part of both legs, and ask us to let that work for about 20 minutes. The nurse then called us back to the room and Eli got up on the table. Eli put his beloved puppy under his head, and layed down. Ruth was at his legs, and I was at his head, holding both of his hands. Eli ask the nurses to count to three and they said okay. On the number three the 2 nurses simultaneously administerd the (PEG) shots in his upper part of his legs. Eli did not flinch, and I'll tell you these shots had to go into his muscle. The one nurse said he was AMAZING, and we should be very proud of him, and we are. She also said he is the first one to take those shots like he did. The other nurse also said he did GREAT! Well Eli then sat up pulled up his pants, and went to play a Motorcycle game on the playstation for an hour. Thank you for all the prayers. Love the Matthews family.

Way to go! I hope this phase continues smoothly.

Keep fighting guys :boxing we bELIeve you got this licked.




:tour

7 years ago(15yrs old) i had ewings sarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in my right pelvis. i've had my right illium, the hip bone wing part, removed along with the muscle that goes down the side of my leg. i've got 22k+ in the saddle since then, and i live everyday like it's my last. just wanted to send my regards to a kid i don't know, but understand what he's going through...

I haven't read through the entire thread, but I want to mention this. We're lucky to live in a modern age of medicine and computers. There are many diseases that we cannot cure or prevent, and there is endless research to solve those issues. With our help, we can do even more. Many of you have generously donated your money and/or time. But, we can offer our computers as well.

http://boinc.bakerlab.org/rosetta/
http://folding.stanford.edu/

Both of these projects focus on protein folding in the focus of curing and preventing incurable diseases. They take different approaches to their study, but both rely on us (the millions of computer users across the world) to assist them. Basically, these two projects use distributed computing to tackle massively large computational study. By installing their software (totally spyware/virus/crap free) you can offer your unsused computer time/resources to process these computations. I personally run Rosetta@Home, but I've run Folding@Home as well and I have a few friends and collegues who run Folding@Home. I'm a network admin by trade, and I manage to sneak the BOINC framework (in which Rosetta relies upon) onto a couple of "test" machines in my testing network as well as the 5 home computers that I run Rosetta on. I'm just trying to do my part.

In encourage you guys to take up the fight against cancer any way you can. I think this is a great way that we can be an active part of the search for a cure.

Eli, I wish you well and my prayers are with you. Your strength and bravery are an inspiration.

Thanks for the update.

Also here is a pat on the back for Ruth and yourself. You guys are great parents and perhaps being a parent through something like this is one of the hardest things you'll ever do. Keep up the good work the good spirits and the good faith.

You all continue to be in my prayers.

Eli just had to get on the Sporty. He loves my Bike, and some day it will be his.:clap

That's one cool kid.

Tuesday 3/18/2008
First of all thank you all for your prayers for our little guy. Eli went to school today, and we plan on him going every day that he can. He does go for 1/2 days, and it's good for his spirit. Eli is a real BRAVE boy, and can teach us all something. Eli is tired at night, he went to sleep around 7:55 p.m. he goes all day, and he had a busy day yesterday. Eli will go to the clinic on Friday for an IV line, blood counts, Vinchristine, and DOXO the RED chemo med through his IV line. (NO SPINAL TAP). I ask you to give blood if you can you never know who's life you may save. Also if you are around the Oxford area May 10th stop at Camerons Hardware FROM 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M. for some of Eli and Alex's Lemonade so we can fight this childhood cancer "ONE CUP AT A TIME"!

Eli just had to get on the Sporty. He loves my Bike, and some day it will be his.:clap


Alright, I couldn't take it any more....

I just sent you a $100 to put towards a real bike for this guy!!!!!

He's already too tough to ride a girl's bike....:roflblack:roflblack:roflblack

God bless you all...:wonderlan :wonderlan :wonderlan

Alright, I couldn't take it any more....

I just sent you a $100 to put towards a real bike for this guy!!!!!

He's already too tough to ride a girl's bike....:roflblack:roflblack:roflblack

God bless you all...:wonderlan :wonderlan :wonderlan



:whisper Look Snowman the little face is wispering to the other head about the girl's bike, I wonder what he, or she is saying:dunno:urock Thank you my friend for helping us fight CANCER:banana

Glad I could help out in some way....:wonderlan :wonderlan :wonderlan

Panther,
as promised, got my bonus and donated another $100.

Friday 3/21/2008
Okay, time for an update. Eli had a good appointment at the clinic today. When we arrived the nurse checked his blood pressure, and it was a little high. While on steriods Eli's blood pressure does go up a little. Then the nurse put on the numbing cream so she could start the IV line, and YES! she did it on the first try :-) Eli then got the Doxorubicin, then the Vincristine. Eli's blood counts still look GREAT! and we know what's ahead. Eli has started shaking pretty bad in the morning (his hands), this is a reaction to the (DEX) steriods. Eli also has the typical mood swings now another reaction to the (DEX). All in all things are good, and we continue to pray Eli will get through this phase without suffering. Please continue to pray for Eli.

Panther,
as promised, got my bonus and donated another $100.


YES!! you are a man of your word my friend:laugh

Friday 3/21/2008
Okay, time for an update. Eli had a good appointment at the clinic today. When we arrived the nurse checked his blood pressure, and it was a little high. While on steriods Eli's blood pressure does go up a little. Then the nurse put on the numbing cream so she could start the IV line, and YES! she did it on the first try :-) Eli then got the Doxorubicin, then the Vincristine. Eli's blood counts still look GREAT! and we know what's ahead. Eli has started shaking pretty bad in the morning (his hands), this is a reaction to the (DEX) steriods. Eli also has the typical mood swings now another reaction to the (DEX). All in all things are good, and we continue to pray Eli will get through this phase without suffering. Please continue to pray for Eli.

:bananaGlad to hear he is doing well.:banana You have a special son and seems like he has some special parents.

:bananaGlad to hear he is doing well.:banana You have a special son and seems like he has some special parents.

+1 to that!!!

:banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

Monday 3/24/2008
Hi their friends, As you know Eli has his very own Eli and Alex's Lemonade stand that he's very proud of. The photo of his stand was posted on www.alexslemonade.org site. After a day or two we were contacted by a member of the site for a HEROE'S story about Eli. I decided to visit Alex's site to find on the front page was Eli's story :-) Please take a moment and visit this wonderful site, and read Eli's story as well as other HEROE'S.

I have been following this thread since it started. I can feel the love that the Matthews family have for not only their son, but all children affected by this horrible disease. I've asked myself if there is more that I can do to help. Since I have already met the original challenge I would like to propose one of my own.

I will match the next (4) $25 donations to this worthy cause.

Everything we do to help seems to brighten their world more and give them the hope they need at a time like this.

Keep the faith!

That's a great write up on Eli. I tear up every time I read more of his story.

I'm thinking in about a month and a half, I may just be thirsty for a little lemonade...5/10 - right?

I'm thinking in about a month and a half, I may just be thirsty for a little lemonade...5/10 - right?


883xl, yes May 10th from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. we will be set-up over at Camerons Hardware. After you get through the town of Oxford, go about 1 mile at the most and you won't miss us. Camerons is down on the right. I hope you can make it. Hey we will be having a benifit on April 5th in Oxford. A rock band, dj, beff, bear, wine, and a great time for a great cause. The tickets are $25.00 it will be from 6 to 11 p.m. Let me know is you want to :rockband

Tuesday 3/25/2008

Friends, please read this. Tish Foster RN from the Oxford Area High School wrote this. Eli, and Austin our wonderful boys.


Okay team – sorry for the bullets but I can no longer think in paragraphs:

Filming on Tuesday, March 25
Bob has the permission required for James Moore and Greg Hudler (students & really nice kids) and has organized them for the filming.
James & Greg are going to meet Sherry at JB about 12:00 and film Eli in his class.
Sherry will get everything okayed with Mrs. Baity (teacher).
Mrs. Matthews will take Eli to ER about 12:25.
James & Greg will meet Maryjo at ER and film Eli and Austin at about 12:30.
Maryjo will select an area inside if the weather is bad. Location indoors or out will be away from the other students.
Maryjo will okay everything with Austin’s teacher.
Sherry and Maryjo will obtain permission form Linda and Nicole. Dave has already given his blessing.
Kim, the information for the posters and the photo consent forms are in your mailbox.
There are photo consent forms on file for Eli at JB and Austin at ER
Art – I think this is a very new worthy story – how often do you see high school students join a 1st grader and his family to fight against cancer, how often do you see administrators, teachers, counselors and nurses from three separate buildings coordinate efforts to make a project the kids want to do happen? OASD at it’s best. Kim Webber would be the contact person for Penny Wars for Leukemia information.
In case you are wondering, the cc is to the Matthew’s (Eli & Austin’s family).


Steven Spielberg look out …..


Tish


Tish Foster, RN

Certified School Nurse

Oxford Area High School

Saturday 3/29/2008
Okay, time for an update. Eli had a good appointment at the clinic on Friday. When we arrived the nurse put the numbing cream on both his hands, then checked his blood pressure, and it was a little high. While on steriods Eli's blood pressure does go up a little. Then it was time to start the IV line, and the first try did not work so she tried the other hand and got it. Eli then got the Doxorubicin, then the Vincristine. Eli's blood counts are dropping as expected. We know what's ahead. Eli is still shaking pretty bad in the morning (his hands), this is a reaction to the (DEX) steriods. Eli also has the typical mood swings now another reaction to the (DEX). All in all things are good, and we continue to pray Eli will get through this phase without suffering. Please continue to pray for Eli.

Thanks for the update.

Without suffering is the key............

Tuesday 4/1/2008
Eli’s blood counts are dropping; as a result he is getting tired, and a little weak; closer to the evening hours. (Eli does not complain at all) he just keeps wanting to play, or hang out as if nothing can slow him down. Eli is still going to school for half days, and he is doing well so far, but when Ruth dropped him off today she had a very hard time leaving him their. Eli’s hands are bruised and getting worn out from all the needles, but we still believe this was the right decision over the port. Eli has a break in treatments at this time. On Friday the 4th he will have his blood counts checked, and we pray no transfusions will be needed. No chemo will be done on Friday, and Eli will start to come off the steroids slowly to prevent any negative reactions. The steroids have Eli swelling up pretty bad, and he wants to eat everything in site. Eli had a pop tart for breakfast, bowl of cereal, and a hunny bun. (Eli got his own bowl out of the dish washer, spone, and milk he also got his own hunny bun out to eat. He was so proud that he did this with no help :-) Eli wants to eat, eat, and eat. Eli is in his 4th week of delayed intensification phase of treatment, and will have major Chemotherapy on Friday the 11th as long as his blood counts re-bound by then. Thank you all for your continued prayers, and thoughts for our sweet boy Eli.

Our thoughts are with you, Eli, and the rest of the family.

Lets hope Eli recovers so he can have the chemo on the 11th to kick this thing out of his system!

Friday 4/4/2008
Hi their friends. Today was Eli's appointment at the clinic no IV'S needed today they did the blood draw from his finger. They weighed him, (he gained more weight) checked his height, and Blood pressure. Eli's blood pressure was high, this is due to the Steriods. By the way tonight would have been Eli's last dose of steriods, but the doctor will allow for a few more days at a much lesser dose. This will be better then an abrupt stop, we bELIeve. The GREAT news is Eli's blood count were fabulous; as the doctor put it :-) Eli is swelled up, and it's so upseting to see what these steriods do. Eli has had a bad cough for a week or so, and said his left ear hurt. The doctor checked his lungs and they were clear, but put him on amoxicillin beacaue he has the start of an ear infecton. The last thing Eli needs is for this to get worse, and bring on a fever this would put him in the hospital. All in all our brave little guy is doing well. Please keep those prayers going, they work. Love the Matthews Family. If you want to see Eli's photos, and more stories go to www.carepages.com register it's free then type in BraveEli just as it read no space.

4/7/2008
Ruth had to take Eli to the clinic today, he is coughing most of the time. Eli's lungs are clear thank god. Some cultures were taken to see why he keeps coughing. As I type this Eli is sleeping, and not coughing so that's a good sign :-) Eli is so wonderful, and we love him so much we just want his swelling to go down because it makes it hard to breath his tummy, and face are swelled up more this time then the last time he took steriods for 28 days. Eli took his last does of steriods today, so within the week the swelling should go away. Austin is such a great BIG brother to Eli, and he's a wonderful boy we love him so much and know he is going through a lot as well. Take care love the Matthews famly.

I am so glad you mentioned Austin.....I guess I didn't know or realize or remember Eli had an older brother. This brought tears to my eyes man.....I'm going to start including Austin in my prayers too.....you know he has got to be going through some hard stuff himself. It must just be awful and hard to see Eli in such a state....... with the swelling. Hang in there......... you are doing a great job!

4/8/2008
Eli does have the flu, the clinic called Ruth with the news around 1:30 p.m. I'll send more information in the next day or so. Please pray this does not get worse for him. Love the Matthews family.

4/10/2008
Eli will have a Spinal tap in the morning as long as his blood counts are up. I bELIeve they are. Eli will get the (IT MTX) Intrathecal Methotrexate in his spinal fluid. Eli will also get the IV Chemotherapy about 4 hours of (CPM) Cyclophosphamide. Eli will also get (TG) Thioguanine, and (ARA-C) Cytarabine. We will give Eli this shot at home for Sat, Sun, and Mon. As you can see this is a major appointment. Please pray Eli has no negative reactions to this treatment. Eli has lost most all of his hair at this time. Love the Matthews family.

Tell Eli that having no hair just makes him look more like one of us motorcycle dudes.

And tell him that I'm getting thirsty for my lemonade!

Tell Eli that having no hair just makes him look more like one of us motorcycle dudes.



Hey, I resemble that remark :laugh

Hang in there Eli! Your a tough guy! Our thoughts are with ya...

Tell Eli that having no hair just makes him look more like one of us motorcycle dudes.

And tell him that I'm getting thirsty for my lemonade!


I'll tell him my friend.:clap

4/11/2008
We went to the clinic, and Eli's blood counts were GREAT!! The doctor did not go forward with the chemotherpy today because of Eli getting over the flu. Eli is swelled up a lot from the steriods, and he still has a cough. The doctor was also concerned about his blood presure it was 150/over something. All that we know is it's high. The steriods cause this effect. Eli has been in severe pain for the past couple of days (both legs, and left arm) so the doctor has us giving him Tylenol with Codeine. (the VCR Vincristine causes this). Eli is doing so well with the treatments we are so very proud of him.

Hey Panther,

Just sent a donation to your team. Let Eli know that my family and I am praying for him. God Bless and hang in there.

Sincerely, Neil

4/17/2008
Eli will have a Spinal tap in the morning as long as his blood counts are up. I bELIeve they are. Eli will get the (IT MTX) Intrathecal Methotrexate in his spinal fluid. Eli will also get the IV Chemotherapy about 4 hours of (CPM) Cyclophosphamide. Eli will also get (TG) Thioguanine, and (ARA-C) Cytarabine. We will give Eli this shot at home for Sat, Sun, and Mon. As you can see this is a major appointment. Please pray Eli has no negative reactions to this treatment. Eli has lost his hair, and had some questions about the scar that goes from ear to ear across the top of his head. Ruth, and I explained to him that when he was 10 months old he had a BIG! surgery, for craniosynostosis of his metopic suture at (CHOP) and everything went GREAT! Eli just looks, and says oh okay. This little guy has been through so much; it's just so hard at times wondering why our baby, why any child should have to go through this? We must find a cure together so none of our childrens children would ever wake up one day to find out they have CANCER! I hope one day the cure is found. It might be as simple as a shot like a flu shot that goes in, and finds that CANCER cell and DESTROYS it before it has a chance to grow, or multiply. Please pray that everything goes well tomorrow, and no negative side effects happen. Love the Matthews family.

Thoughts are with Eli to fight through this.

Thoughts are with Eli to fight through this.

Thank you for your thoughts, and prayers.

The bELIeve Team just broke
$7000

:banana :banadanc :banana :banadanc :banana :banadanc :banana :banadanc :banana

Thank you XLFORUM!

4/18/2008
First of all thank you all for your thoughts, and prayers for Eli. Today was a long but good day. We got to the clinic at 8 a.m. they checked Eli's weight, height, and blood presure. Eli's blood presure came down from the 151/? a week ago to 131/83. The next question that came our way was do you want to do the finger poke to check Eli's counts? I said no go right to the IV because I know they are fine. The nurse started the IV, and the results came in with the nurse and the nurse practitioner (Pattianne) said Eli's counts are Fabulious. Next they started the IV fluids because Eli needed to be on them for 1-hour prior to getting the (CPM) Cyclophosphamide. Eli was having sever pain in his left arm. Pattianne ask from a scale of 1 to 10 what was it? Eli said it was (11) so they gave Eli morphine for the pain. Then Eli had the spinal tap with the (IT MTX) Intrathecal Methotrexate in his spinal fluid. Eli told us he likes the spinal taps because it's so relaxing :-) Eli is awake during these with only 1 dose of versit, and 1 does of fentanol. Now it was time for the (ARA-C) Cytarabine. After the (ARA-C) they started the (CPM) Cyclophosphamide, and three more hours of IV fluids. We were at the clinic from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The day went GREAT!, and we are so very proud of Eli. Austin was so good as well he spent the day with Eli, and at one point while Eli was laying on the bed after the Spinal tap I saw him reach out and hold his BIG! brothers hand :-) Ruth gave Eli his (TG) Thioguanine at home. We will give Eli the next three (ARA-C) Cytarabinethis shots at home for Sat, Sun, and Mon. This will be delivered Saturday a.m.. As you can see this was a major appointment. Please pray Eli has no negative reactions to this treatment. As you know Eli has lost his hair, and on Friday when Ruth took Eli to school she said Eli you left hyour bandana at home. Ruth ask if he wanted to go back for it, and he said no. So Eli with that beautiful bald head scar and all went right up to his class room to get to work. Around 12:30 p.m. I get a call from Eli and he said dad I had a great day at school, and you know 2 boys were sitting beside me in music class, and said WOW! Eli that SCAR is cool. Eli just laughed and thought that was so cool. Check out the photo gallery and see what Eli did when he got home after all of this chemo. Took his jeep for a ride, and helped plant a tree. One more thing the town of Oxford has the little league parade on Saturday morning. Eli was ask if he could bring his Eli and Alex's lemonade stand to the tipton field, this is the location the parade will end. Eli was also ask if he would like to through out the first pitch for the little league opener. Eli said he would like to do that so lemonade it is. Thank you all so very much for all your prayers. Love the Matthews family. One more thing, a little princesses by the name of Carly will be going through this same procedure on Monday. Carly will soon be five. Please pray that things go smooth for her on Monday.

Thanks for the update. Things are sounding very positive. The brothers will surely have a close bond forever.

I will add Carly in my prayers. There is also little Kaitlyn ( I keep her in my prayers )... she had a kidney transplant....she is so so sweet looking....the last I checked she was doing really good. Her Grandpa was on here at one point.

Keep your chin up you're doing great. :)

Thanks for the update. Things are sounding very positive. The brothers will surely have a close bond forever.

I will add Carly in my prayers. There is also little Kaitlyn ( I keep her in my prayers )... she had a kidney transplant....she is so so sweet looking....the last I checked she was doing really good. Her Grandpa was on here at one point.

Keep your chin up you're doing great. :)

Hey Panther, I read your update late last night and could not find the words... sportyblue pretty much nailed it.

Good luck Dude I think about Eli and your family often.



:tour

4/18/2008
... One more thing the town of Oxford has the little league parade on Saturday morning. Eli was ask if he could bring his Eli and Alex's lemonade stand to the tipton field, this is the location the parade will end.

I took a cruise down to Oxford this AM but I didn't find the lemonade stand. I think I got there a little late. Oh well, ask Eli to save me a glass, I'll be there 5/10~:tour

Hey we will see you on the 10th of May. You will get that Lemonade. Hang in their my friend.

4/19/2008
What a great day we had. The morning started with making the lemonade for the 1st held Eli and Alex's lemonade event. We were at the Tipton field at 9 a.m. waiting for the parade to arrive. When everyone got there we were ready. The donations started coming in and at the end our boy's raised well over $500.00. This was raised in 1 hr. This money will go to the Alex's foundation. We are helping fight child hood cancer one cup at a time. Eli also got to throw out the first ball to the mascot. That dog had a hard time catching the ball with those paws of his, but Eli was on target. I want to tell you about the Oxford area high school for a moment. As you know they are in a war the penny war. So when one young lady Brianna Shannon saw the lemonade stand for the first time I saw the look on her face of how could this be, and how can I help. She talked to Eli and also explained how proud she was of him, and gave me a hug and told me she will be thinking of us. Brianna then helped us load up the van after the event. And yes my boys thought she was so pretty :-) These guys are something else. I wonder ware they get it???? When we got home I knew it was going to be time very soon to give Eli an injection of (ARA-C) cytarabine. This was the first time I would have to do this so I put some numbing cream on the site I was going to give the chemo, and waited for that to work. I then put on the rubber gloves on like a doctor and gave him the injection. Eli did very good as always. I will tell you I was in the gulf war, and found that eaiser then giving a shot in my sons arm, but as a parent you must find your way through it and I did. Please keep Eli in your prayers. Love the Matthews family. I posted some new photos in the gallery.

Thanks for the update.

I will keep Eli in my prayers.

4/21/2008
Okay I just talked to Eli, and he is doing very good. Ruth gave him his (ARA-C) Cytarabine injection, and all went well. The next round of these injections will start Friday the 25th. All in all Eli is doing GREAT!!! he is so brave, and strong he is my true hero. Eli should return to school tomorrow. Ruth and I will continue to send him as long as he can go. We found that him going to school keeps his spirt up, and he loves to see his friends. Love the Matthews Family.

Thanks for the update. Eli is a amazingly strong young man!

4/23/2008
Hi friends, and family. Eli is back in school today with his friends. Eli is starting to get tired, but going to school for half days does him good. His teacher Ms. Baity said he is doing so well, and they missed his smile on Friday, and Monday :-) Tuesday the school was closed so he did not miss that day, and last Friday was his all day Chemo treatment at the clinic. This friday Eli's appointment is at 1:30 p.m. he will have his blood counts checked, and recieve his (ARA-C) shot. Ruth and I will need to give Eli this shot again on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. We will need to take Eli to the clinic on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of next week so they can monitor his blood counts to prepare for the blood transfusions. Please keep Eli in your thoughts, and prayers. Love the Matthews family.

4/25/2008
Hi family and friends,
We went to the clinic today and Eli's counts are hanging in there. They typed and crossed him for possible transfusions next week. He had a low grade temp of 99.5 but his blood pressure has come back down to normal since he is off of the steroids (118/70). He is taking two medicines right now and the combination is causing him to not want to eat and its a real chore to get him to drink anything at times, but he tries. The doctors said he is looking really good and everything is going according to what they expect. We go back next week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to check his counts and get possible transfusions. He came home today after the clinic and went to sleep for several hours. He did go to school today. He missed yesterday because he had vomited on Wednesday night so I thought it best to keep him home the next day for rest. We just don't like the fact that he doesn't want to eat anything. He has only had half of a poptart and half of a sandwich the entire day. He just got a splash of applesauce with his medication though. I guess we can count that. When they took his blood today they had a hard time finding a vein, so they didn't want to use the numbing cream for fear the vein they found would disappear so he got poked today without any . He didn't like it very much. The two nurses were very nice though, but he still was very upset, but yet a very brave boy. He was able to get the numbing cream for his ARA-C shot though. But he said he could still feel it. I asked him if he had SSSP. He said what's that? I said Super Sonic Sensory Perception!!! I got a smile out of him anyway. It's good to distract him as quickly after the shot as possible so he forgets about it. We still have to give him the ARA-C shot this weekend. Once on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and then he is done with those. He will get the 6-TG medicine the remainder of the week at bedtime, and then he will have two weeks off with no medications except for his Bactrim on Monday and Tuesday.

You're almost through the worst part. I know its tough trying to get kids to eat when they don't wanna, but you have to keep him hydrated. Hydration is the key not only to keeping his veins up but to also lessening the other side effects.

Offer him lots of liquids and explain to him that is what will keep his veins up so the nurses can use the numbing cream when they poke him.

I watched my cousin go through chemo its no fun for anyone but I learned a little.

Stay strong.



:tour

4/28/2008
Hello friends, and family. Ruth took Eli to his 9:30 a.m. appointment at the clinic. After they checked his blood counts they found his White cells to be 0.9. The white cells fight infection so Eli won't be in school this week. We will need Ms. Baity his teacher to do some home schooling. The red blood cells are low to the point of a transfusion so the blood is on it's way from (CHOP). Eli was prepared for this so he is fine with it. Ruth is working with Eli on his home work while they wait. Ruth will need to give Eli his (ARA-C) shot today at 3:00 p.m. This is the last one of these we need to give. Between the (ARA-C) and the 6 TG we have been giving Eli these are the 2-Drugs that will bring his white cells to zero, and his bone marrow will stop producing. Eli's energy is still up even with his low blood counts. Let's face it the kids amazing :-) Please keep those prayers going, they work. Love the Matthews family.

A special prayer tonite, just for Eli...

Plus a trip to donate blood tomorrow...

Keep the faith!

4/30/2008
Well it's Wednesday, and Eli is home from school this week because of his blood counts. Eli's wonderful teacher Ms. Baity came over to home school Eli at 6:15 p.m. last night, she will be back tonight. Ms. Baity said Eli is doing so well, and she is very happy with him. She is a teacher I'm sure Eli will never forget :-) Eli is doing so well, he is so amazing, and is such a fighter. Ruth was told by the doctors at the clinic that they would not need to see Eli today. They said if he get's a fever, or if he get's pale in color to bring him in. When I got home last night I ask Eli did you take a nap today? Eli said no. So around 10:00 p.m. Eli said I'm not sleepy, so I said okay lay down and I'll be right back. Well I came back 2 or 3 minutes later, and he was sleeping :-) Ruth, and I are so very thankful to all of you. Please keep Eli in your thoughts, and prayers. Love the Matthews family.

Glad to hear Eli is doing well. Tell him to keep fighting to kick this thing's butt!

It is also great to hear of the support he is getting from his teacher. She deserves a hearty thank you as well!

As always, thoughts are with Eli and the entire family.

5/2/2008
Ruth just got home with Eli from his appointment at the clinic. Eli's blood counts are real low at this point. His white cells are 0.3 red cells 3.75 and platelets are at 64 also his ANC is now 30 .... With all that said Eli is nutrapenic, and has been for over a week. This means he can't fight infection. It also is okay because we expected this, and Eli is well aware that his numbers would, and will continue to drop to zero. We are preparing for a trip to (CHOP) this weekend as we are on the look-out for signs of his platelets going under 20 if this happens he will need a platelet transfusion, and we believe this could also lead to a red cell transfusion if they continue to drop. Eli did finish his last dose of (6-TG) Thioguanine last night so we continue to move forward as this battle continues. Eli will win this war with CANCER!!! he is a fighter, and CANCER STINKS!!!!! All of this we are prepared for and we understand what’s ahead. Eli just got home, and with these numbers he should be sleeping, but not our Eli he is out on his battery powered tractor burning rubber with his hands off the steering wheel laughing :-) Eli will not have any Chemo for 2-weeks. This is strange to Ruth, and I because of all the meds we give him daily. Eli will only receive Bactrum Monday, and Tuesday for the next 2-weeks. After his numbers reach a certain point he will be in the maintenance phase of his treatment. Please continue to pray for Eli as we travel this road.

Still planning to come down on 5/10 (my birthday BTW) for some Lemonade. So I hope I can meet my new friend that I haven't met yet (Eli). May get a mohawk for the occasion, but that's not as radical as it used to be.

Not sure what bike I'll be on, but I'll be there!:banana

God bless you, Eli, and the rest of your family.

Paul,
It is great to hear that the harshest part of the chemo is over and that Eli's system tolerated to as well as it did. Eli and your whole family will remain in my thoughts and prayers until this battle is won.

I finally got a chance to catch up on some updates today and thought I would share a couple of picture.
http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/917/P1465395_FS.jpg

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/917/P1438023_FS.jpg

Panther, and all other's touched by this disease,

You don't know me, as I am new to this board. I just wanted to offer my prayers for you and your family and anyone else who's life is marred by this disease. My wife is the fundraising chair for Relay for Life in Coshocton County, Ohio. So, she is very busy right now with all of this....indeed it is for a good cause. It does take everybody to battle this. I am proud of her and anyone else who volunteers their time to go out and take an initative for the cause. Stand tall and strong...God will be on your side....even though it may not seem that way right at the moment. You are there for your son....that is all he needs right now.

Still planning to come down on 5/10 (my birthday BTW) for some Lemonade. So I hope I can meet my new friend that I haven't met yet (Eli). May get a mohawk for the occasion, but that's not as radical as it used to be.

Not sure what bike I'll be on, but I'll be there!:banana

Buy a glass for the wife and I if you'd be so kind. I will be on my way south on Saturday and cannot make it. (My birthday is Sunday btw)

Panther.......thank you for the update. Eli and his family continue to be in my prayers....always.

Stealthammer.......thank you for posting those recent pictures.

Buy a glass for the wife and I if you'd be so kind. I will be on my way south on Saturday and cannot make it. (My birthday is Sunday btw)

Thank you, we will do that for you. No problem. :clap

Stealthammer, thank you so much for posting those photos. Eli, and my family are looking forward to meeting you on May 13th.

5/5/2008
Hello everybody! We went to the clinic today, all prepared for a transfusion..............but there wasn't one needed! Eli's platlets have not dropped low enough yet. They have to be 20 or below and they were 49. His white cells went up a small amount from 0.3 on Friday to 0.9 today. His ANC went up too. Pattyanne said that sometimes it takes longer for some kids to drop in counts, which usually means they stay "down" longer! She said there isn't anything to worry about, but just be prepared that it may take longer for him to come back up once he hits bottom. But we don't mind as long as that awful leukemia is being killed off! We like all of our nurses and doctors at the clinic so it isn't a bad trip to take. Eli's appetite could use a little bit of improvement, but it all comes with the territory. We came home from the clinic and he got on his tractor and rode it for a really long time, having a great time! He is so cute, he looks like he's meant to drive a tractor in a field somewhere. OH, on the way home, we stopped to take a picture of some baby colts with their mommies! They were so cute and Eli really thought it was wonderful to see such small horses. Eli is such a happy perso