Another Opportunity to Reach Out

This has been an interesting year of my career.  I remember in Jr. High school attending so many funerals that the school kept thinking my family was over using that as an excuse for my absences (they didn't believe me). This has been one of those years where something else just keeps coming through for us to deal with on an emotional level. 

Last week Coey Collard was hospitalized for pneumonia.  During that hospital stay he was diagnosed with leukemia.  The family is just now learning what all this means for them, but here is what I know as of today.

• Coey will not be able to be in public for up to nine months.  We will work on figuring out schooling options for him, developing a plan over the next couple of weeks.
• He is in the induction phase of treatment.  For the next five weeks he will get chemo 2x a week plus spinal tap treatments, blood thinners and steroids.
• After the five week induction phase things will taper off but will still be taking chemo and not allowed in public. 
• He is not allowed personal visits but would love cards and to have his friends call his cell phone.  (I have this number).
• They have a Face Book account to help keep people updated as they work through this.

I will now begin work with classes to explain.  Kim's class will probably begin work with the Pennies for Patient program which is a fundraiser for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.  If you have questions ask.  We do have a video which explains leukemia in a kid friendly manner.