Ethan Avery

Originally written October 31, 2006:

We thought it was strange that Megan, our 3 1/2 year old, preferred to stay home on Halloween instead of trick or treating in the neighborhood despite my offer to carry her the whole way. She laid on the couch complaining of knee pain and hadn't walked for the three previous days. After a barrage of doctor's visits leading up to Halloween we had ruled out just about all possibilities. Then she developed a fever Halloween night and tested positive for Strep. Our doctor commented that some rare forms of Strep include joint pain. We were relieved to hear this and started her on Amoxicillin. Well, her joint pain worsened and the amoxicllin had no effect on the fever for three days - out parental instincts were telling us something was amiss.

The evening of November 2, 2006 at 7:30pm, my wife and I learned that the mysterious symptoms of our 3 1/2 year old was start of ALL, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Since then we've been inpatient for 4 weeks, had 13 spinal taps, 6 marrow aspirates, MRI's, CT scans, bone scans and countless clinic visits. That first night in the hospital the nurses warned us not to touch Megan's urine due to the toxicity levels of the chemo in her veins. She had to revert back to diapers since any movement to her joints was excruciating. Ironically, going back to diapers appeared to be harder to endure for a proud, potty trained young lady than the effects of the chemo.

I'll never forget the feeling when my wife, Christina, and I returned to the curtained waiting area at Shady Grove ER to see Megan again after being told she has cancer. Despite our best efforts to compose ourselves, Christina and I were sobbing, both of us kneeling beside Megan's bed making feeble attempts to explain to her what was happening. Megan began patting our heads telling us it would be all right. I had never felt more alone and scared. On top of this Megan was asking if we could go to the park the next day since she feeling better. Little did she know earlier administered Morphine taking her pain away temporarily. We then told her the park would have to wait.

As we entered into the uncertain world of cancer, I was struck by the number of positives that sprang from this Hell. First, I experienced a depth of love from my family and friends I never knew existed. Also, Megan has continued to impress us with her fight and resolve to lick cancer. After the shock of the news, I started realizing my network of support grew exponentially. Neighbors we hardly spoke to, except for an occasional wave, came over to share their cancer stories and offers of support. Relationships with family members from around the globe have been rekindled in the face of this challenge. I've told those people around me how much I care for and love them - something I know I wouldn't have done had this not happened.

As of this writing, we are almost 8 months into a 30 month treatment. We've had several scary moments and days-long periods in which we are waiting anxiously for test results to rule out yucky, potentially life long side effects of her treatment. There are way too many people to thank here for helping us get to this point. We are uncertain what is in store for Megan. When doubt creeps in, I recall a lyric from Elton John's song Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters - "I thank the Lord there are people out there like you". We are so grateful for the people we have found, including TNT. When I go out to run, Megan will occasionally ask "Are you and your friends running to beat cancer?" and I respond, "All of us are." Then on one occasion before I walked out the door she said with a furrowed brow "It's showtime baby!" Inspiration is not an issue!

I'd like thank all of those involved in TNT, coaches, team captains and runners, that give people a resource to fight back against blood cancers. It's very empowering and has both mental and physical benefits.

Ethan Avery, proud father of Megan Avery!

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