Aidan's Journey

Aidan's journey began on Monday, Dec 3rd 2007 when we received a phone call that came so unexpectedly. After leaving work, we received a panicked phone call from the Kaiser Peds staff saying that at that moment his blood panels had come back from a check up that morning and Aidan was critically anemic. Do not stop for anything-dinner, clothes, nada. Drive directly to the ER and check right in. The blood tests he had taken earlier that day revealed that every part of his blood test-hemoglobin, white and red cells etc were critically low and further tests needed to be done asap. Hours later he was given two units of blood and platelets. The next morning tests confirmed our worst fears. Aidan's blood was full of cancer as he was diagnosed Tuesday night with Leukemia (Acute Myeloid Leukemia).

Friday, December 7, 2007

Aidan will need as many bone marrow donors as possible to sign up. Finding a match can be a difficult process, so please sign up at www.marrow.org. The sign up process takes about 20 minutes and costs $52.00. They mail you a kit to swab your cheek within 2-3 weeks. It's really simple to do & the website has answers to all of your questions.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dearest Grandson,
I am sorry I can't be with you right now, but I'll see you on Dec 20. Your Nana came as fast as she could fly from Greenville. She would have rented a private jet to get there faster if she could have!! I'm reading about all these treatments and Chemo and all that, and I think that you are the bravest kid in the whole world.
Please don't worry about all this, you have very good genes, Equador, Italian, and Lebanese....can't lose with that combination.
Plus, you have so many people who love you, and would do anything for you. I'm your biggest fan. Don't put any more quarters in the US Quarter Book until I get there.
See you soon...love your Papa

Alana said...

Dear Aidan-
We miss you in Primary! We are all wishing you a speedy recovery so you can visit us soon. We will all be praying for you. You know, that's a lot of prayers on your behalf!
You are a very special young man. Heavenly Father has sent you on an important mission. Be strong and know that he loves you very much. He gave you a tough job to do, but He also knows you can do it! He will be with you through it all. Talk to Him when you can and listen for Him when you need Him.
I will visit you soon. We need to have a chat, remember? I believe I owe you some "dish" on a certain "friend" of mine and yours. :o)
Be tough, my friend!
- Alana Kirkham

diana said...

Aidan,
Bill has asked me to send a message just for you.

Be brave, God is with You Always.

Love, Bill

Anonymous said...

Hi, Aidan,
Thinking about you lots. Hope to see you soon.

Lots of love
From your Uncle Ronnie and Kurt

P.S. What's a "Wet Willy"?

Anonymous said...

Dear Aidan,
You probably don't remember me,but I met you on the 4th of July. I am a friend of Dana and your mom. I read your blog, and I must say you are an extraordinary boy, going through so much at one time, but you are also strong boy too. I know that you will get through this challenge.

You will be in my prayers. Take Care
Erica Sampson (Fred's sister)

Anonymous said...

Dear Aidan,

I am smiling as I write this, thinking about your dance moves at the last few weddings. We have it on video tape, so when you're older you can prove you're a star!

You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Like your Papa says, you have good genes and a plucky spirit, and the Lord is holding you in his hands, just as we all are in our hearts.

Love from Aunt Adie

Anonymous said...

Hi Aidan,
Your papa told us today about your sickness. I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this, but I know that you are a strong young man with a great attitude and I believe those qualities will get you through and back to health quickly. Funny, I was just thinking of you the other day. I saw Justin walking around his parents' drycleaning store and I remembered the wonderful summer that we met you. I remembered how much Justin enjoyed your company. I also recalled the time we all watched the movie together and Justin got the Silly Putty stuck in his hair. While we slightly insensitive grown-ups found it amusing and were laughing, you were the one concerned with Justin's feelings. What a sensitive and nurturing young man you are! Look for some cards from my class in the next week or so. We are going to send some SC "mojo" your way to help you get better soon. Give your mom, nana, and papa hugs for me.

Love, Kathy (Patterson)

rosemarie said...

Hi Aidan!
This is a note from Aunt Sissie. You have to know that people over 50 are technologically challenged so I'll just let you know that it took me a while to get to this little message and hopefully it will get through to you! I am so proud of you and your courage! You are a little fighter! I'm so glad that you have the good Lebanese, Italian, Equadorian genes that help you to be sturdy and fight those random cells that think they can tangle with you! Ahahahahahahaha! Your cousins Robert and Patrick and Peter want you to get well soon so that they can teach you how to snow board! OK? I love you and will see you soon. Aunt Sissie

rosemarie said...

When you feel better be sure and eat some homas! The magic food!
Love, Aunt sissie

Anonymous said...

Aidan,
You don't know me but I am related to Dana Ortiz and she asked that we pray for a beautiful young boy .
I am so sorry to hear that you have to undergo sooo many test and procedures. Please know that whatever you are going thru Jesus Christ really loves you and is there with you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and I wish you health and peace at this time. Chin up and fight the good fight of faith...
Best Regards,
Miriam Ayala

Anonymous said...

Hi Aidan,

It's just Bridgett & the boys again. I just want you to know how much we miss you here!! Corey & Bryson can't wait to play again. I think YOU were their source of entertainment & so now they don't know what to do with themselves.
It's so cool to hear what all these people have to say to you. Wow, you are one loved boy. How blessed are all of us to have you in our lives. I think you help us adults more than we could ever help you. I love you so much Aidan!! (I love you as much as Corey & Bryson...but don't tell Bryson I said that because he'll get really jealous) I am praying for you constantly and miss you so much!!
Can't wait to see you!!

Anonymous said...

P.S. Aidan, I think you need to show yur uncle Ronnie what a Wet Willy is :) Haha. That will be so fun to see!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Aidan,
You don't know me, but my son, David Cosciello, is very good friends with your dad. David told me what a great boy you are, and what you are going through right now. From reading your blog, it is obvious that you are an extrodinary and brave boy. Aidan, your positive attitude and strong spirit will help you and all those who love you get through this.

Please know that prayers and good wishes are coming to you from Connecticut. May God bless you and your family always.

Peggy Cosciello

Robin said...

Dear Aidan,
Well I always knew you were one of the funniest kids I knew, and a great dancer and a great son and grandson....now I think you are a really brave kid too!

I have been reading all about you and all the messages of love from all your friends and family. My favorite story is when you woke up from your first tests and made everyone laugh...and I got to have a really good laugh reading about it! Thank you for making me smile!

So here is a silly laugh back to you today...

Question: What do you call CHEESE that is not yours?

Answer: Well...Nacho Cheese of course!

Hugs and giggles....and I will see you soon,

Robin Whitney

grandma karen said...

hello aidan:


It was nice talking to on the phone saturaday you sounded in good spirits. It will be nice to see you, corey and bryson running amuck again. Our prayers are with you. You are a tough one and I know you will pull through it.
My arms are waiting for the big hug for you and to hold you so tight.

love

grandma karen

myrna said...

Hello Aidan,

It is so wondeful to see how much you are loved and cheered upon.

I don't know if you remember me, but I'm your mom's and Nana's friend from Mexico. And my little Bianca made a drawing and a frame specially for you, we hope you liked it.

I'm also told that you are being showered with your favorite toys and games, so there's no worrying about you getting bored while you are there. However, if you have a special request for a book or video, please let us know, we want to know that you are well entertained!

Keep in mind that the Lord is by your side at all times, hold on to HIm and everything will be fine.

All our love and prayers for you and the family,

Anonymous said...

Hi Aidan,

So I don't know you, but my sister (Shauntee McMahan) is friends with someone you know (Audrey McKinley). I have four kids. Three boys (ages 7, 10 and 11) and a daughter who is 8. I am signing up to be a marrow donor for you. Your loving Yankees face put a stab into my heart (I am a Yankees fan). I don't know if I will be a match, but we'll certainly try. Keep up what seems to be a great sense of humor and kick this stupid thing to the curb!!!
- Heather skinner

Anonymous said...

My sisters friend is Zsanett. sorry.

Anonymous said...

Hello Aidan,
We've never met, but I'm a friend of your Nana and your mom. I've been on Diana's arbonne time for a very long time. I remember when your mom and Nana came to visit me when I lived in Texas. You weren't born yet, but your mom said she hoped one day she could be a mom like me. I am so happy she has you in her life. I know being your mom is the best thing that has ever happened to her. I have four kids, ages 7-12. I've decided that everytime I get mad and want to yell at one of them (I'm sure your mom is a much better mom, and never does that), instead I will say a prayer for you. Guess what? That will be a whole lot of prayers coming your way from just one mom. I'm going to ask my friends to do the same. I think you'll get better real fast, God will probably get tired of hearing your name so much. I hope you know how special and brave you are. Most adults would be rather grumpy going through this. Keep up those smiles. The sickness won't like that, and will soon walk away.
Love from the Garcia family in Northern Virginia, Melissa, Oscar and our children Alyssa, Gabi, Josh and Connor. We'll send a picture for your wall, and I will be registering to be a bone marrow donor too. Send my love to your mommma and nana.
God Bless you everyday!

Unknown said...

Aidan,
I have written you other times but I wanted to congratulate you on your Holiday trip home to celebrate your Mom's birthday! I went to Raleigh for Christmas to be with my Grandchildren, Addie and Jack.

Christmas Eve night, we talked about the things we were thankful for in our family and decided that we would ask God for a very special gift at Christmas. We asked that the "gift" be restoring you to health and wellness. Our family believes that God is the great "Doctor" and is listening to all the prayers for you and your family.

Please tell Grandmother Susan "hello" for me. She's such a wonderful lady and a great inspiration to us all!