April's Journey: November 2007

Monday, November 26, 2007

A word from April....

I am sitting in April's room right now and she wants me to let everyone know how grateful she is for your support. She is a bit tired and weak but she is in good spirits and feels so loved and supported by everyone that has shown their love for her. She mentioned how easy it would be for her to give up but that the outpouring from her friends and family is what is keeping her strong.

Thanks to everyone who has left comments....keep 'em coming!!!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know that this isn't the easiest Thanksgiving for April and Chris's family but I hope that you are able to enjoy this day in some way. We are all praying for you!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Looking for more pictures and "stories"...

Hey All

I know that I've asked for this before but since I've FINALLY decided how to display the pictures I would love to get more. I would especially love to have some pictures of April when she was pregnant with Emma. If you have any pictures that you would like to add just send them to me at kattiejones@comcast.net. I hope that you are all liking the new comment box. I can see by the comments left that there are some more people than I even knew of that are reading this blog. If any of you would like to add the story of how you know April and what she means to you just email me and I will be happy to add it. Also if you would like to join the google group that sends out alerts of new blogs please email me as well or click on the link to join the group.

Take Care!

Kattie

Monday, November 19, 2007

A note from Johnnie

April - I know that you are reading this so I thought I would post this note that Johnnie asked me to pass along....

April,

I am so sorry you are going through all of this pain right now and wish I could do something to help. You have made several people wake up and realize what is really important in life. Hang in there and keep fighting. You are so full of life.

Please know how much you mean to all of us, and how you’ve effected all of our lives. We hope you get better soon and are able to come home to be with your family.

Love Johnnie

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Saturday's Update....

I received this email from Alica yesterday and wanted to pass it on to you all....

I first want to thank everyone for all the love and support you have shown our family. It really, truly makes us feel like we have someone we can talk to. Thank you all so, so much. We love you all and know that everyone is dealing with this in there own way. Its hard, but we will get through it together.

The latest on April is that there finally decided to run another ct scan this morning. The results were not what we wanted to hear, but were dealing with it. First problem is that the tumor is growing very fast and it is now spreading to other major organs, like her kidneys. They have decided for the time being to stop the chemo, since it isn't doing anything anyways, and its also adding to the intestinal problems.

April really isn't wanting the next step, but if she wants some relief she will have to oblige. She has 10 feet of intestinal gas build up at the moment and we have to get it out. They are hoping to put the tube back down through her nose to help relieve some of the gas. After they have had the tube in for a few days they will proceed with a surgery to insert a tube into her bowel that will be left open to allow gas to pass freely.

Basically the doctors have said that there isn't much chance left and the concern is keeping her as comfortable as possible. They wont give us any more then a day to day update at this time. Basically this is going much faster then any of us had thought.

April has requested that once the tube is in absolutely NO visitors, that includes us as well. She wont be able to talk at all and it makes her uncomfortable to sit there and stare at everyone. Please let her rest and take all the personal space that she needs. Do to the discomfort of the tube it is also hard for her to text. If we could try to keep that to a minimum that would be great.

Friday, November 16, 2007

The Latest Update

April really has really appreciated all the family and friends that have visitors over in the last week but at this point she is feeling very week and has requested no visitors for the next couple of days. We are hoping that maybe she can get a little sleep during this time. Still no real news to give an update about, the doctors are still trying to figure out the best way to treat her, and she is still in some pain. Not getting enough rest is also adding to that. The plan at the moment is to continue with chemo and wait for it to shrink the tumor. As of now, the tumor appears to be continuing to grow, so time will tell if the drugs are working or not. The doctors aren't giving much information right now because they are observing her on a day-to-day basis to determine the best way to treat her.

On another note, April is reading this blog every day so if you could leave comments on each of the blogs I post I know that it would really make her happy.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Update from the weekend...

I am so sorry that I didn't post this update sooner!

April was moved up to the cancer ward at Virginia Mason and is now receiving inpatient chemo treatment. She has decided to switch Oncologists and her new Doctor has decided to treat this tumor very aggressively so that it will shrink as soon as possible. He feels that the bowel obstruction is caused by the tumor so he wants to get that taken care of right away. This is definitely an answer to prayer as we were hoping that April's case would be taken more seriously by her doctors. April also had a pic line put in because her veins had begun collapsing because of all the treatments she is receiving. The other good news is that the doctors have now got her pain prescriptions figured out so she is in less pain.

April's Mom, Chris, spent the whole weekend in the hospital with her so April's spirits are very high and she now has renewed strength to fight this cancer. April's new motivation is their Mexico trip and as we all know, nothing is going to come between April and her sun bathing....I don't think this tumor is going to know what hit it!

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Thursday, November 8, 2007

An update from Alicia

Some of us received this email from April's sister, Alicia, last night and I wanted to pass it on to you. I have highlighted an area that is very important.

As most of you know by now, April is once again in the hospital. She was admitted on Monday and had a suction tube inserted through her nose into her stomach. She was not happy about that at all! Good news is that tonight they decided to remove the tube and watch and wait again. They are taking this very slow so we still don't know when she will be coming home.

The doctors are still not exactly sure what the obstruction is, but they are thinking it is either scar tissue or the tumor moving around a bit. Our hopes are that if we load her with her chemo drugs it may help "shrink" the problem. Surgery is there VERY last step if all of this doesn't work. The complications of this surgery would do much greater harm than good.

The best thing we could all do to help April would be to let her rest while she's in the hospital and to keep praying that she will feel better. She gets overwhelmed by all the visitors, phone calls, and text messages. It really can get overwhelming when there are SO many people trying to contact her. We know that it is hard to wait but the best way to get updates would be to wait for them to be sent out. It may take a while, but if we don't know anything, then there is no new news. I know watching and waiting is frustrating but that's all they can do for her at this point. We don't know what the future holds and can only wait and see.

Thank you all for your support and understanding during all of this. April feels so blessed to have so many people care about her. I promise to keep you updated as soon as new information comes along. We do check this website daily and April is aware of all the messages left. Lets keep praying that she continues to improve.

Another thing that was brought to my attention yesterday is how hard this has been on the extended family especially the little ones. While this is hard for all of us adults that kind of understand what is going on it is extreemly hard the little ones that just don't understand why Auntie April isn't better. Please pray for their little hearts!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

A letter from Lynne's Friend

For those of you that don't know Lynne McClintock, she is Alicia's best friend. I received this letter from Lynne's friend last night and thought I would share it with all of you. I found it to be very insightful.

Hi Kattie,

Lynne McClintock and I have been best friends since we were 4 and she has kept me in the loop in regards to April while I live in Atlanta. What amazing friends you all are and how lucky she is to be surrounded by all of your love. No one can understand what it feels like emotionally or physically but April, but for her to know she has a great support network is the best thing you can do for her and her family.

I took care of my auntie for 4 years that was like my big sister and it is a tremendous honor to be with someone throughout this journey and try to put some perspective on our own lives when someone is potentially suffering. April seems to be an amazing friend, mother, wife, daughter, sister and to all of you this is so hard to understand. Her outlook seems to be so amazing and her will at this point is in the hands of God and what he chooses to guide her to do with however long she has left on this earth. A miracle would be absolutely the best answer to our prayers, but realistically, honoring her wishes, demands, supporting her anger and grief is all you can do. I hope that she find peace in the fact she was blessed to have given her husband and family a beautiful child and knowing it is such a great gift AND to have lived what little life she has.

The most challenging part of all of this is how your faith is challenged and what everyone else can do with that, it was my personal learning lesson. I was blessed to have the time I did with my aunt, to make sure she knew I would not rather be anywhere else, and know that I would do anything to make her comfortable till the end. I had asked one of the hospice nurses how they can do this day in and day out, and she said what an honor it was to be with someone till their end of life on earth and assist them where they were going next. Just the same as the nurses were there when we born to help us into this world. I was fortunately given the gift to be there till the end and experience that one last breath.

Please make sure April knows there are prayers for her peace all over and from people she has never met. That we all celebrate her life and what time she has left is so precious as she very well knows better than any of us. And make sure to take her for a couple girly martinis for me and send me the bill!

Best to you,

Angela

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

11/6 Update

April's doctors have decided that they will put a long tube through her nose to try and remove the blockage. If that doesn't work then they will have to do surgery and they are concerned about doing that because it obviously carries a lot more risk. Let's just pray that the tube is able to remove the blockage so that April is able to be comfortable again. Also she and Alicia had a long day in the hospital yesterday and didn't feel that they received the attention that they deserved. Let's also hope and pray that the doctors and nurses don't see April as just another patient but as the person we all love and care about. Another thing you could add to your prayers/well wishes is Alicia...I'm sure yesterday wasn't easy for her either.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Another Update

April is back in the hospital for the same symptoms she expirienced last week. Please continue to pray for her comfort and that the doctors will figure out a way to elminate this pain. Thanks!

Friday, November 2, 2007

Update

I'm sorry I didn't post this earlier...I just wanted everyone to know that April is feeling much better and will likely get sent home tomorrow. Thanks for prayin'!

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April's Story

In May 2006, when April was twenty weeks pregnant, she went in for a routine ultrasound to find out the gender of her baby. The ultrasound would turn out to be life-changing in more ways than one. Happily, April found out she would be the mother of a little girl, but sadly her doctor also discovered a tumor. The doctor dismissed it as a ‘fatty deposit,’ even though April had previously had cancer. April asked her doctor for tests because it was so alarming to her, but again she was dismissed.

After the delivery of baby Emma, April began to experience major pain that continued to get worse and worse, so she finally went to the ER, begging to be tested. Unfortunately, they found that the tumor had grown immensely. April was sent to surgery for what was thought to be a benign tumor and possible ovary removal. During the surgery, doctors found the cancer everywhere in April’s pelvic region. A full hysterectomy was performed. April’s doctors tried their best to remove all the cancer, but it had metastasized. She then went on chemo to fight a long list of cancers, because her doctors were unsure what type of cancer April actually had. The tests showed that it was not ovarian cancer, but, rather, another type of cancer that had spread to her ovaries. At that point they thought it was Stage 4 cancer, which is incurable.

In January 2007, April’s doctor told her they received a pathology report from the hospital that had performed her last surgery in the spring of 2004 to remove a non-cancerous tumor. The pathology report showed that the precursor cells that were found in the last, non-cancerous tumor were the same as the cells that were found in the most recent, cancerous tumor. It was a promising hope that April could possibly have ovarian cancer with a strange cellular makeup. That took it from a stage 4 to stage 3. Although the prognosis was still serious, there was hope that April’s cancer might be wiped out.

Once it was discovered that the precursor cells were the same, the plan was to still continue on with chemo for another six months and to have April receive scans about every three months to see if there was any new growth. During the scan in August of this year, April received great news: the doctors believed that there was no new growth, only an inflammation that measured at .5 cm which they believed to be swelling from the last surgery. April’s family was ecstatic for obvious reasons, one of which was that April had made it a whole year with no return of the disease.

Unfortunately, immediately after that last scan, April began experiencing pain again. She trusted her instincts and went in and asked to be checked out even though she had just had a scan. She had an exam the following week, and they found that that small, .5 cm inflammation was, in fact, the cancer. It had really never gone away and was just being held at bay with the chemo. April got another scan in early September, and this one verified the tumor had already grown to 4-5 cm in three weeks.

At the time of this writing, April has started back on chemo, but it’s a different kind of regimen. One part of the chemo drug is called Topotecan, and there is also a bio agent drug called Avistan. The plan is for these drugs to keep the size of the tumor down, or wipe it away all together. There are also tiny spots all throughout her pelvic region now, along with the tumor.

The plan is to keep April on a chemotherapy regimen for as long as is tolerable. If the chemo treatment is not successful or sustainable, there will then be other options. April’s doctors’ prognosis is for a one-year survival rate, with a one- to two-percent chance of the cancer going into complete remission. Even with that news we are obviously holding out for a miracle and hoping that April will be healed.

Isaiah 40:31
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings as EAGLES they shall run, and not be weary;and they shall walk, and not faint"

Todd's Story

One friday night in August 1993, I drove up to Seattle from Ft. Lewis, where I was stationed in the army. The plan was to visit a friend whom I grew up with in Michigan. The directions my friend had given me, led me to an old 3 story apartment building on Capitol Hill called the Bel Vista. On the front steps were two girls, smoking cigarettes...One of them recognized the doorbell I was selecting, and asked "are you looking for Jim??" "Yes!" I replied. She introduced herself as Angie, and her friend as April. I sat down on the steps, and waited with them until my friend Jim arrived with his girlfriend. April was strikingly comical, She was excited about how well her Mazda B2000 was running, and joking that Coca-Cola should pay her as a spokeswoman for her love of Cherry coke! We began dating a week later, which turned into a co-habitual relationship lasting nearly 4 years...I don't know what needs to be said here. Since learning of her passing, I have purposefully remained distant from her family, and did not attend her funeral. This was a personal decision made out of respect for those who were/are closest to her later in life, and now in spirit. I was pretty distraught when we ended our relationship due to our differences, but I met her husband Chris a few times before they married, and was put at ease because he's an awesome dude!!! April was an old soul, always proud of her friends, and would talk about how grateful she was to have them in her life...I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to have known April too. I'll never forget the sound of her chuckle and the sight of her larger than life grin on a great day.
R.I.P. Ariel!!!

Michelle Abodeely's Story

April.

Beautiful, shining, free spirited, funny, courageous, daring, sometimes scandalous!, sexy, sweet, so friendly, powerful, energetic. April.

You are one serious woman! If there is one who sticks in
my mind as a person who lives life fully and whole-heartedly, it is certainly you. Girl, the trouble we used to get into..... the memories come flooding back! Back to junior high when it was all about boys and sneaking out (and some form of illegality!). How many hours did we spend, me, you, Ashley, Suzie...getting all cute and looking good, listening to Indigo girls, finding the boys and having so much fun. I can distinctly remember seriously cracking up AT you girl, YES, AT you! Becuase you are hilarious. One memory pops to my head - in some class at Evergreen in a portable, with Tony Ferrari (was that his last name??) and you said something about "getting off scotch free" and Tony started cracking up and you had no idea why, I didn't either! Apparently the right way they say it is "scott free", and we just all cracked up with you, giggling and bouncing all around. I also remember you having a very serious discussion with me about "going with" Brandon Smith.
You were like his personal dating assisstant, workin me, telling me all the attributes of him, convincing me I should give him a shot...you said if you were him you would have a crush on me too! That was like the ultimate compliment!!! I remember it so clearly.
Seems so close and so far away at the same time.
April, you helped me then and you help me now see how incredibly beautiful and precious life is. You always lived life with such love for each moment. When I found out you were sick, from Max Capestani, (who I live near now, he's my homie!) I was really just shocked, shocked at the irony of life. That you, out of all people, so vital, so thriving, so energetic, could have this sickness that may take your life. I can only imagine how you have risen to this chapter in your life. It sounds like you have been a fighter, of course. Woman, I send you and your family so many prayers of divine light and ease to help this transition. I rest knowing that an angel is needed above to do her work, and that we may see eachother again in a very different realm. You are so special, a magical gift to all you come into contact with.
I am so delighted to see pictures of your beautiful daughter, knowing she will carry your spirit on.
I love you April! I pray your journey from here is smooth.

With deep gratitude for all that is you,
Michelle Abo

Ashley (Stevenson) Carver's Story

April & I met way back in Jr. High school. When I met April, I liked her right away. She was so fun & energetic, frienldy & outgoing. I remember the first time she invited me over to her house for a sleep over. I was really excited. Every time I had spent time with April, it was a blast, so I knew this would be too. I'm pretty sure there was pizza & pop, movies rented, & sneeking out to meet boys involved, so of course we had a great time. JV Z was what we called our basketball team...(Varsity, Jr. Varsity A, Junior Varsity B....Junior Varsity Z!!!),does that tell you how dedicated to the sport we were??? I found a picture of April & I when she invited me to join her family on their summer vacation to Yakima in 1992...15 years ago! Sixteen year olds laying out at the pool all day looking for cute guys to hang out with.

April was a really good friend to me at a time where I was going through an identity crisis in late Jr. High/early High School. Even then, I felt that April was REAL. She didn't care what clothes I wore or how skinny I was, or any of that High School pressure. It was a blessing to have that. April opened my eyes to a lot of great people that I probably would not have ever met b/c until then, we didn't hang out in the same crowds. She is one of the first people to ever teach/show me to appreciate differences in people, and to not judge or be judged by what you look like or by what you have. She had so many different types of friends, and was friendly to everyone. I have a ton of memories of going on walks around her Mom's house, stopping over at Brandon or Aaron's house, laying out & sitting at the patio table talking in the summer, haniging out in the garage being silly or being serious. I remember waiting for the guys to tap on your bedroom window at night to see if we'd sneek out to hang out w/ them. I remember people always stopping by over there to say hi b/c April & Chris were so welcoming to everyone. I remember for a while there, my green vw bug was almost permanently parked in the driveway or in front of the house. I remember running to April & Chris when I had a fight with a boyfriend or when we broke up. I remember fun times camping & hanging out at the Redmond Pool or the trail near our High School....found a picture of that too! I also remember spending a lot of time together in later years when I was working at the Dog Kennel & April's old boyfriend, Todd got a job there too or spending time over at her tiny little home on her parent's property.

Since these great memories, unfortunately, a lot of time has passed, we were both busy with our lives, I guess. and I think I have only seen April twice since...once at her Birthday Party at The Garage, and once at my wedding reception in September 2005. Although they aren't many, I am grateful for these moments too. It meant so much to have April & Chris attend our reception. I will never forget the sweet message they left on my voicemail that night saying that I seemed so happy, that they were happy for me and that they missed me. It really warmed my heart that they took the time to say that. I hope I will be able to see April again. I respect her wishes to not have visitors & understand why, but I have missed her for a long time now. Although we have not spent recent time together, I love her very much and feel honored to have shared a friendship with her.

Erika Newton's Story

I originally met Chris and his family way back when at the Willows apartments when the Rogers moved next door to us, and our families have been friends ever since. As the years went by and all of us got older and moved away from the Willows, we all stayed in touch. I remember one day my brother, Nathan coming over and telling me that Chris was getting married. I was so happy and excited for him. I met April sometime after her and Chris got married and I remember instantly adoring her because of her outgoing and fun personality.
April helped me get through the toughest moment of my life when Nathan passed away two years ago, but this is not meant to be a sad story because I want to take this opportunity to thank April for everything she has done for me. Her and her amazing family opened their hearts and homes to my family and made sure we were taken care of. That has always meant the world to us and we will never forget it. It also restored our faith in the human spirit. The week following Nate's passing, April asked us to go out and celebrate New Year's Eve with her and Chris. Together, we made the best out of a sad time and just being with Chris and April along with her upbeat personality made me smile and feel better. Since then, we have had many a great time having barbeques at the lake, rafting trips, Seahawks games, and other get-togethers.
April, you have always made me feel comfortable and you always have the right words to say. Thank you for being there for me, making me laugh when I needed to be cheered up, and just being the beautiful person that you are. On this Thanksgiving holiday, the one thing I am truly thankful for is having you as my friend and knowing your awesome family. I would give anything to take your discomfort away, but please know that Pete and I love you so very much and if you and your family need anything, we're just a phone call away. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers every minute of every day.
Stay strong and keep your head held high, we're all routing for you.
We love you always,
Erika and Pete Newton & The Miller family

Mikey D"s Story

My name is Mike Donovan (Mikey D), I met April at B.E.S.T. High School at the same time that I met Chris Rogers. They didn't hang-out back then but she was a really nice, cute girl that was good to her boyfriend and very nice to everybody around her. We had a lot of mutual friends so we hung-out because of that but I always admired her for her intelligence and compassion for others. She always knew the right thing to say to make me feel comfortable. I was there the night that her and Chris began their relationship; we were all hanging out and later that night her and Chris snuck off to talk and the next thing you know they were married! Maybe I am exaggerating a little but it was 3 months after that night. Chris and I were roommates and from that night on, until now they have been inseparable.

April is my sister in my heart and I don't even know how to act in this situation but I do pray alot and ask all the people that I know to pray also.

Thank You,

Mikey D

Suzie"s Story

I have been best friends with April since we entered into Jr. high. Everyone should have a best friend like her. She has been my rock and a shoulder to cry on many of times. We have laughed , cried through this journey of life. April, I feel SO blessed to have you in my life. If two friends were meant to be friends...If two friends loved each other like sisters...If two minds thought so much alike and shared everything...If two lives were so much a part of each others.. You were there for the birth of my son Kai and I was there with you and Chris when Emma was born. You have given me so much joy in my life and thank you April. Thank you thank you!! Friends always and forever. I love you and will continue to pray. I love you I love you I love you.

Love, Suzie

James Hagglund"s Story

Our Family used to live in the same neighborhood as the Carter family back in 1983. All of us would ride around the neighborhood or the dirt road on our bikes, play handball off any wall we could find, and walk to and from school together. Just your general kids stuff. Around 1990 we moved to the Willows off Willows Rd on the other side of Redmond, and that’s where we met the Rogers Family. Rogers, Me and the rest of the crew would hang out; play ping pong, and get into trouble, and drive our parents crazy… In our early 20’s Rogers showed up at my place and told me he was going to get married, and the girls name was April Carter…I was amazed; two people that I met at different times in my life had met each other and were getting married. Emma was a bonus. I always think, “We grew up with each other, and now our children are going to grow up with each other” April and Chris have been nothing but the best to me, my family and anyone they come into contact with. There is nothing negative anyone can say about them. I would do anything, with out question, if they asked me. My kids love Aunt April and Uncle Chris. I can’t express enough in words how much love I have. They are true friends.

Paul Burnham Sr."s Story

My name is Paul Burnham Sr. and I pastor Newport Hills Community Church where Yvette serves and attends. After April was diagnosed with cancer she emailed me and asked if she could meet with me because she had some spiritual questions.I answered some of her questions, and shared with her the hope that we can have in Jesus Christ. And I had the privilege of leading her as she asked the LORD Jesus to take control of her life. She accepted the fact that Jesus died for her sins and because she believed in Him she will live in eternity with Him. That was in January of 2007.I got to know her some as each week we met in discipleship. Helping her to understand and apply Bible truths to her life. It was a great joy to watch her grow in the LORD and help her with the tough questions and pray with her through the difficult times and rejoice with her through the cancer free times.I am truly blessed to have had a part in her life and know that she will spend eternity with her LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. And though the days ahead may be difficult, God will be right beside her through it every step of the way.One of the first verses that April memorized after she asked Jesus to come into her life come to mind as I close.1 John 5:11-13 - And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

April's life is in Jesus and not even cancer can take that away.

Pastor Paul

The Nickels Story

I met April almost 10 years ago. My husband and Chris are close friends from high school. When we had our first daughter we knew that if anything happened to me or my husband the only two people we would want to look after our daughter would be April and Chris and they happily accepted the role as God parents to our children. We have enjoyed many fun weekends and holidays together but one night always comes to mind . April and Chris watched my daughter Jade when she was 1 1/2 years old ( many years before Emma ) and this was one of the rare times I was able to go out. I guess Jade got a fever and runny nose a couple hours after we dropped her off . April did not want to call me so like a trooper she and chris pulled an all-nighter and with little experience in taking care of a sick child this was a very big task. When I arrived the next day they looked so tired and overwhelmed. They never complained; however it was quite a while before she had another stay over.

April from the moment I met you, your spirit and kindness drew me close. We are unable to spend as much time together as I would like with our busy schedules but you are always in my heart. My family would not be the same with out yours to share holidays and hot summer days with .

Love, All The Nickels

Heather McClintock"s Story ~Age 14~

I have known April for about 10 years through her sister, Alicia. My Mom and Alicia are best friends and her children are my god siblings. I also work with April’s Mom at her daycare in the summer, so I have gotten so close to Emma. April is like an aunt to me, even almost like a sister. I can talk to her about boy and friend problems and I know that she will not tell anyone. She has the greatest family ever and the nicest husband and cutest baby on the face of the earth. I think about her everyday and think to myself “Why her? Why not someone else?” She does not deserve this, April is the most caring person I have ever met in my whole entire life. I love her so much I text her all the time and we practically talk everyday. She is so important in my life and is such an inspiration to me. She has done so much for my family…She helped us get our first house and I am grateful for that.

I am praying for you everyday April. Every time I come to this blog I cry because you and your family are so special to me and I do not know what I would do without you. I want you to know that I am always thinking about you and your family. Emma, you have the most awesome Mommy ever and the greatest Dad. Together you have the most gracious parents ever that love you so much. Well after writing this I practically cried a whole river. April I love you so much and I just want you to get better.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Love - Heather

Alicia Ross"s Story

Were to even start! I am Aprils younger sister and I have known her since the day I was born. All I can say is, April you are my best friend and the only person who truly knows me. You have always been there for me when I need you and I can count on your help with anything and everything. Words cant even express how much you mean to me and my kids. The world is such a better place with you by my side. I look up to you with love and admiration. If I lost you it would be like losing a whole piece of myself as well. We will get through this, I know we will! You are the strongest person I know, and I know when you put your mind to something there is no stopping you. Im not the best at expressing my feelings out loud but I need you to know that I love you with all my heart and soul. The kids and I will continue to pray and fight this by your side every step of the way. You can depend on me like I know I can depend on you.

Jeff Stanley"s Story

I am one of April's brother, Chad, best friends so I've watched April grow up since she was 12 yrs. old. I could go on and on about what she means to me and what we've been through together, but it would take waaay to much time and space, and hell, where to begin??? I'll just leave it at she's a great, sweet, kind hearted soul. Being around her own mother and her daycare kids made her in turn makes a perfect mom. She also picked a killer husband who I have grown so close to these two, and been thru so much.

I'll keep in touch Ape's, or Ariel which do you prefer????? hahaha J/K. You're constantly in our prayers and call and talk if and when you EVER need to.

Lynne McClintock"s Story

I have known April for about 10 years through her sister Alicia. April is the most caring, kind, considerate spirit I have ever met. My daughter who is 14 at the time of this writing looks up to Auntie April so much. April not only do I consider you family I also consider you a friend. You have done soooooooo much for others, it is now time for you to sit back and let other's do it for you. As I said in church yesterday, I am so glad we are all on this journey together. You know we are here for whatever you need....I love you so much, and I know with God's help we will all get you through this. Emma, Chris and your familiy are soo lucky to have you. If anyone can do it it is YOU!!!!

I love you and pray for you each and every day!!!!

Lynne McClintock

Reba Jones"s Story

I met April for the first time, about a year ago when Yvette brought her to church. What struck me most at that time about April is that she had the sweetest spirit, and a very kind heart. I saw her again at Sunday’s baby shower, and again at Sabrina’s birthday party a few months ago. My first instinct about her was correct. She is a very strong and courageous woman. I pray God continues to encourage her, strengthen her. God’s word instructs us to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and thanksgiving, let our requests be known to God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7) I pray this peace for April, and for all who love her, including me.

Reba

Dad and Vet"s Story

April's dad and I married almost 20 years ago. She immediately captured my heart with her enthusiasm. April is a wonderful person who knows how to be caring and loving. She always thinks of us, includes us and shows her love for us. We both love all of our children in ways that cannot be explained. I think the standout thing about her is that she is also our friend. April demonstrates great love and faithfulness in so many ways. I can say, without hesitation, that Brandon, Sunday, Alicia and all seven grandchildren love her. We are "lookin' up" for all that we need and those needs will be met. We are here for you, April, at all times and in all situations.

"Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23

With total love, Dad & Vet

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