The House
01.25.12
Well Laid Out Plans
A cancer diagnosis is always unexpected, but never more than when it happens to a child. Your child to be exact.
In mid-August Sophie was preparing for 9th grade and planning to start school in a matter of days when she received her third cancer diagnosis in as many years. Within 45 minutes she was being admitted to the hospital for a 30-day stay in preparation of a stem cell transplant.
The actual transplant would need to take place five hours from her home, her four siblings, and all her extended family in Benton, Arkansas. With mom and dad staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, they’ve been able to be by her side during the entire process. “We’re blessed in so many ways,” said Jason Howell, Sophie’s step-dad. “But mostly because we can be together during this time.”
Although Sophie was isolated in the hospital from before Thanksgiving to after Christmas, weekly visits from her close-knit family has kept her strong. Jason said, “Because the expenses are low I can pay for the gas it takes for my family to drive here and back every week.”
With the details of everyday life taken care of, Sophie’s mom, Senna can really focus on being with her daughter. “Being away from home during the holidays is hard,” she said. “I’ve never not been at home on Christmas morning. But the people here are so kind, especially the volunteers. They ask how we’re doing. They go out of their way on a bad day to make sure we’re taken care of. They care. And it really helps.”
With the transplant behind her, Sophie is now staying with her family in one of the isolation apartments at the RMHD while she awaits the day she can go home -- March 24. They’ve always been an active family so while they wait, they try to stay busy. “Sophie has to be really careful about what she eats so I cook fresh food in our kitchen every day,” Senna said. Sophie is also learning to cook her favorite food, fried chicken. Something they couldn’t do in a regular hotel room.
With a number of things that can go wrong between now and then, they know they have to stay flexible. Something they’ve learned all too well over the last three years. “I’m from a small town with three stoplights,” Senna said. “I’m getting used to the Dallas skyline and hearing the sounds of trains and planes all the time. It’s nice here and it feels like home. Really for now, this IS my home.”
Sophie's story will be featured on the March 10th episode of Children's Med Dallas. Be sure to check your local television listings for details. You don't want to miss it.