Share Your Story this Season

I never imagined myself at a church like Hill City Church, but we are thankful that the Lord led us here, because he knew! It truly is a safe place to explore your faith, ask you questions and embrace the love of a community of people who love God, love people and delight in serving Him and others.

This past week we kicked off our first advent season message and I had an opportunity to share a part of the #TeamBolton story (link to full message below). Many of you prayed and supported us throughout our journey over the last 5 years. The series is called 'You're Worth It'.  I wasn't sure how it would all come together, but the team did an amazing job!!! As this piece was shared Sunday, there were moments of true reflection. I cried softly as I was reminded of so many people and their hearts to bless us and it turned into a sob (shoulder shakes and all) and there was not a tissue in sight.  I'll leave that there, it was not pretty.  A visitor shared with me he thought we were all going to drown in my tears before it was done...ok it wasn't that bad, but those were tears of fullness in my heart. Sometimes we don't know why we go through certain things, but this was a great reminder of how we need to trust God even in things we don't fully understand. When you fight to get up each day and keep one foot in front of the other, when you find a reason to smile, although you are hurting, or better yet...when God places someone in your life, your day, your path to bless you large or small, it allows us to experience the fullness of God's love.  It give us hope. I do believe God is always with and around us, he shows himself through creation, through people, words, songs, occurrences and kind gestures.

There is one point during the taping, we were asked to share why we thought we were worth it.  I had to pause, took several minutes trying to formulate a response and instead I found tears and a deep sense of pain and hurt for others...whose prayers were the same as ours, but whose stories ended very differently. Also for the many people in our prayer rotation that are dealing with issues that consume them with grief, pain and uncertainty.  As John shared in the message on Sunday...God never said our lives would be without pain and suffering.  He also did not say that 'this' was the best, but that we are living for what 'will' be the best.  A life with Christ (especially in our lowest places) provides an opportunity for love, hope, grace, joy and peace.

Right now you may not be going through anything, be thankful, but seek out opportunities to help others who are. We are so thankful and grateful for the love, support, thoughts and prayers you gave to us during one of the most difficult times of our lives.

Love God, Love People....Pass it On! 

Oh and if you are in the RVA area you should come visit us at Hill City Church one Sunday...actually you have 5 opportunities to come hang out on Christmas Eve.  Check us out at www.hillcityrva.com

https://vimeopro.com/hillcityrva/youre-worth-it-advent-2016 (Message Link)

Champions

We spent the first part of today at the Children's Hospital in Child Neurology trying to get closer to figuring out how to address and work through some of the issues Mireya has been having over the last several months.  I feel confident that we were able to put a plan in place that will be helpful.

We spent the early evening celebrating an amazing honor granted to us by the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU.  Many of you may remember, in October of last year Quentin and I were at the Q94 studios to share the #TeamBolton story for the Radiothon.  At the conclusion of the taping, we were asked for a few minutes of our time by our friends at CHOR to tell us about an Ambassador program for Children's Hospital they wanted to nominate both Jalen and Mireya for.  The program brings awareness to healthcare, Children's Miracle Network (CMN) and the importance of supporting Children's Hospitals and programs across the United States. 

Every year after a series of nominations 'one' family or 'one' Champion is chosen as an Ambassador to represent his/her state.  Jalen and Mireya were submitted in recognition of their ability to brave their respective battles with grace, strength, courage and determination despite and through it all.  We continue to be in awe of all they endured over the course of two and a half years to bring us where we are today.  

When we received the phone call about a week ago, I pulled over on the side of the road, speechless and in tears....I am so proud to share the 2015 Champions for the state of Virginia are Jalen AND Mireya.  Our friends at CHOR planned a super special family celebration for us at The Desserterie to announce and share with the children that they were chosen to represent Virginia this year in this role and capacity.  What does this mean???  It means we continue to do what we've done all along...participate in events to support the Children's Hospital and CMN, share our experience and our story. But wait there's more....an Ambassador's Tour.  Two trips, one to the White House (the 2014 Champions met and spent time with the President) and a second week long trip to Walt Disney World with approximately 52 other families (one family from each U.S. State and Canada) all together for a common goal.  What an amazing opportunity.  Here's a little clip of the 2014 Champions and their time together on the tour.  Thank you BIG sister Paris (unable to be with us) for dialing in from school for this special occasion.
http://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/About/Champions  

News traveled fast via FaceTime to Big Sister 

Thank you to so many that have loved, supported and kept us covered in prayer. We are so honored to be thought of in such a way to be nominated, but even more humbled to be chosen.  To God be the Glory! 

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light

Procedures & Plans

Our family enjoyed a wonderful time together yesterday on Christmas day.  Today were down at Children's Hospital to complete some procedural testing to help us pinpoint the cause of some of the challenges Reya has been having over the last few months.  We expected to have an IV placed and scans done with and without contrast.  I wasn't certain how long it would last, so I packed up the bag with fun things to help pass the time and a bag of treats to have at the conclusion of the testing since Reya was not able to eat anything since last night. We reported to Radiology and after a considerable wait, there was a change in plans....no IV, no contrast needed.  With those two elements eliminated, we were done relatively quickly.

We are still in our maintenance phase of treatment and are routinely seen in an auxilliary Children's Hospital clinic in the West End. Since we were at the Main Hospital, we decided to take a trip down to our old stomping ground for a quick visit.  It is such a joy to see the smiling faces of people who were such a big part of the process and journey. The entire clinic experience starts with these two ladies and I truly love them both so much!!!  Reya was super happy to see Ms. Rachel and Ms. Roz. It was like catching up with family and friends.

 The girls attended the Clinic Preschool with this beautiful trooper. We are thrilled to hear all the great news happening in the midst of her 2nd battle.  God is so amazing! Continuing to pray and thank the Lord for continued progress and victory in her fight.

 As we were leaving the hospital we saw several familiar faces and ran into the Dietary Technician that cared for us while on the Bone Marrow unit.  She used to bring the latest movies to the room for Mireya and the children to watch.  She took great care of us and always knew how to put a smile on Reya's face.  It was such a blessing to us and I love that our paths connected again.

We have few additional appointments in the coming weeks to help us assess and determine a plan of action to manage these issues.  We are continuing to enjoy the 'new normal', but look forward to 2015 being a year that propels #TeamBolton to even greater places.

Relaunching & Paying It Forward

Giving the 'Stress Talk'

If you know anyone that has been through any sort of medical journey, you know or can associate with the financial burden that treatment over an extended period has or can have.  As a result I had truly been seeking direction on what it is I needed to do to help my family's financial bottom line.  I started reaching out to former colleagues and Managers about the possibility of going back into the conventional workspace.  I've had the opportunity to be at home with my children for the last 10+ year and I've enjoyed it very much. The thought of going back to the Corporate environment was even more of a concern when I considered having to find something that would allow me to make enough money to cover the expense of having my children cared for and still allow me to take care of the obligations that need to be addressed.

Many of you know or may recall I had a growing Spa and Wellness business that afforded me the opportunity to go into the home, workplace and community to share the importance of eliminating stress and give the 'gift of relaxation' through an amazing and relaxing spa experience. I help others 'de-stress and increase face value' through the education of proper skincare and the essentials of taking care of ourselves.  I have not been been able to pursue this business over the last few years as we've dealt with my daughter's illness and ongoing treatment.  I have been affiliated with and representing this company for a long time.  Connecting with people and helping others is my passion. Whether it is through providing solutions to issues, giving people permission to take 'the pause' or through helping them make changes in their lives by taking advantage of this opportunity for themselves and their family.   I pondered and prayed about what I could do, and the Lord continued to instruct me to 'use what is in your hand'.  Several months ago, my daughter was transitioned to the maintenance phase of her treatment and a few weeks following that, I revived and relaunched my business.  To connect with me or learn more check me out at www.facebook.com/beautispava

   

I work with an amazing group of people and have never been more excited about this business until now.  About 4 weeks ago I was at a Leadership Conference in Dallas when a BIG announcement was made.  Let me preface the announcement by saying, BeautiControl has an amazing Foundation, W.H.O (Women Helping Others) www.whofoundation.org that has granted over 5 million dollars to community focused charities and organizations serving overlooked women, children and families.  I have seen dollars from the W.H.O. Foundation granted and serve the Richmond area several times over the last 10+ years.  I was at a loss for words when BeautiControl unveiled their partnership with the Make A Wish Foundation. I sat in that meeting sobbing as a Wish Family came out and shared their journey to victory over illness. Understanding their plight and knowing first hand how tremendous this is for families made me PROUD of this company I represent. Our collective mission in one month was to share this opportunity with 4,500 people. My personal desire was to do my part to make this happen by sharing it with everyone I could. The reward of going out and working on behalf of 'Paying it Forward' and blessing others for me, was bigger than any other reward the company could give.

Incidentally during a break the day before, I took a detour to a bathroom off the beaten path and ran into this beautiful lady. Obviously, she got the black and coral memo.  We chuckled, decided we had to take a picture because what were the odds amongst 2000 women you would 'happen' to run into someone in a long bathroom line dressed just like you.  Nothing happens by chance....she lives in Pennsylvania and her brother happens to be a Veterinarian in Glen Allen, Virginia (a short 20 minutes from where I live). We messaged one another a few weeks after our meeting in Dallas.  I shared with her my excitement for the Make A Wish partnership and she shared with me that she sat in the audience that morning in tears because her family was a Wish Family and her daughter has been in treatment for the last 3 years with a brain tumor. The odds just increased and I know without doubt our paths were intended to cross on that day.

Our lives were more connected than we could ever have imagined

I'm also so proud to say not only did we meet our goal, but we surpassed it and were able to share this opportunity with over 4,900 people.  The impact this will have on and in the lives of these two families is immeasurable.  I am thankful for opportunities that have opened up for me and people that have embraced my decision and helped me thus far in and through the process.  Together we can make a difference and the best is yet to come!! 

The Difference a Year Makes

 

One year....365 days.....ups, downs, tears, joy, regrouping, reclaiming, but best of all.....rejoicing!!  We've reached a major milestone, our one year appointment. It's hard to believe that just one year ago we were being admitted for our second bone marrow transplant.

In the Clinic, I met a few parents new to their diagnosis and the routine.  The Fishbowl was filled with kids receiving chemo therapy and transfusions.  I was immediately flooded with thoughts of the two and a half years of that rotation.  I encountered a parent overwhelmed with concern as their Medical Team gave them the news that a Bone Marrow Transplant is their next viable option.  We had moments to talk and embrace, but I look forward to being able to share (from the other side of the coin) our experience to help prepare and align their expectations.  My heart was also heavy as I noticed the frailty of life in a few of the young patients who have been fighting these illnesses with all they've got. I sadly learned mere days after this visit that one of those precious lives would suffer no more.  It's unimaginable and my heart grieves with this family. 

Prior to this appointment we'd received a letter that the Head of Peds Hemoc would be leaving VCU.  Reading this letter made us sad. Not sad for ourselves but for the hospital.  Dr. Godder is small in stature, but very matter of fact and she shoots it straight.  When your dealing with life and death of a child, you want 'shoot it straight' and give me all the variables (at least we did)!  This woman is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom.  What are the odds that one of the best Physicians in this arena would be 'in place' during our diagnosis and active fight to partner with us and be the overseer of our daughters care? We're sad to see her go, but are happy she'll be closer to her family and continue to be a major force and resource doing something she loves...."bone marrow".  It was bittersweet to have our last appointment with her just mere days before she leaves.  She made a point of coming in to have her appointment with Mireya even after adjusting her schedule to see the remainder of her patients the week before.

Mireya had to have an EKG and a battery of tests/labs completed to monitor her progress and success.  We'll be seen every few months for the next year to ensure Mireya's progress is staying on task. Today we had an unspoken release. The release of emotion likened to when you had your first child and the Doctor handed you a healthy boy or girl and you were overcome with tears and emotion. Mireya is even more beautiful than the day they handed her to us AND (despite it all) her health has been restored.  Reya has been taken off all medications!  She will be able to start getting her immunizations and go to school with no restrictions.  There are several objectives and areas we have to be watchful over, especially given the medications and treatment she's received over the last few years, but we're believing even the slightest of instances will not be on our radar. We continue to stand, trust, believe, and confess  that her body will function as it was created and designed without incident.  

We have met some amazing families and people.  It takes one to know one (and to understand)......our circumstances and situations may be different, but we're all fighting for the same thing.  I'm looking forward to continuing to to serve, support and be an advocate for care and to those organizations/foundations/businesses doing amazing things to make a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you for your love, support, prayers and any/everything that was done to lighten our loads and minds during this process.  Life is good and our best and brightest days are ahead of us.

Miracles & Blizzards

We had an awesome time at Dairy Queen today helping raise money at their largest fundraising event of the year, Miracle Treat Day.  Dairy Queen donated $1 or more for every Blizzard sold at select locations today.  Thank you to all the friends and family that came by to support #TeamBolton and Children's Hospital of Richmond.  It's always amazing and touching to see the community come together to support an event that has made a difference in our lives personally and the lives of so many others. We appreciate you sharing this event with your co-workers and for spending time with us.  A special 'thank you' to Miss Chesterfield (and the Miss Chesterfield Organization), Kiara Williams & her Princesses for your community service and helping to make the event fun and glamorous!

Rest, Relaxation & Submersion

  We recently took our first vacation in almost three years and my oh my how I've missed the salt life.   One of the most treasured moments was watching Mireya swim for the first time.  Two and a half years of not being able to swim has been a challenge for all of us, because if one is not doing it, neither are the rest of us.  Mireya took to the water like a fish or as she says a 'Princess Mermaid', we could not keep her out of the pool.  We ate breakfast, she wanted to swim....we came in from dinner, she wanted to swim.  It was pure joy to oblige her.  Jumping back into our beach routine and groove was so much fun.  I miss digging my heels down in the sand and soaking up the sun.  Next on the agenda, time away for Mommy & Daddy...so thankful for life, love and togetherness.  God is good!

 

Summer Fun on a Mission

#TeamBolton has been having a great summer.  Days have been filled with friends, fun and enjoying things we've not had the chance to do for so long. Many priceless moments and times of reflection of just how far the Lord has carried and brought us.  One of the most touching parts is the 'thankfulness' Mireya has.  Many times she has grabbed my hand and said 'thank you' for taking me there, or 'thank you' for letting me do this (tear).

We were asked earlier this year to be a part of a feature story for the Children's Hospital of Richmond (CHOR). The  magazine is currently in circulation for the summer at a variety of places around town.  They did an excellent job outlining the journey with vantage points from both a personal and medical perspective. So thankful to have a Children's Hospital right here in town with Doctors, Nurses, medical staff and resources that we could count on to facilitate and oversee Mireya's care.

Magazine Cover

#TeamBolton Feature

Promo Flyer for Families with Heart Program

Our family also had the opportunity along with Miss Chesterfield to quench thirst and raise money for the Children's Miracle Network and Anthem's Annual LemonAid Fundraiser.  There were lemonade stands up all over town to help put the 'squeeze' on childhood cancer and benefit our local Children's Hospital.  Sometimes it's hard to envision the difference you make when donating a dollar or two, but its amazing what can be accomplished collectively.  Thank you to the many that were out and about that donated to this cause and those who stopped by to visit with us personally.

Our Hero Jalen

Local Firefighters Supporting the Cause

Miss Chesterfield Kiara her court & Miss Chesterfield Directors

Mireya will be having her one year checkup in about a week.  It's hard to imagine just a year ago we were gearing up for our second transplant and to see where we are today.  God is so faithful and we're so thankful! 

Total & Complete Healing

Mireya had a great appointment this past week.  Her counts are soaring and holding beautifully.  The best news during that appointment was the results of her chimerism test.  The chimerism testing gives us a specific picture of the cellular composition of the body.  For many months Mireya's was between 30-40 (higher than we were comfortable with) and then sitting consistently in the low 20's.  We had come to the realization that perhaps the mix of her cells and Jalen's cells would just co-exist and stay around this point.  The latest test showed that Reya's cells were 'undetectable' *praise break*. The Head of Peds/Hemoc said when she saw those results pop up on the screen she was 'speechless'.  This was a greater outcome than she expected for Mireya!!!!!  So to quickly put this in perspective, if you recall when Mireya was taken off her immunosuppression meds following her first transplant, there was a small percentage of her own cells that remained in her body which were not destroyed by the chemotherapy.  Those cells re-emerged with a vengeance and started destroying all the cells in her body, resulting in the dire need for another transplant (thank you Lord for Jalen!) Those cells no longer EXIST in her body.  This is what we've prayed, trusted and believed God for.  The child with the issue of blood...totally and completely healed. God is so faithful!!!!  ALL things are possible for them that love the Lord.  Don't give up hope!

We could not have gotten to this point or place without the love, support and hearts of many....for that we are eternally grateful.  There is no one I could have walked with or made it through this journey with, other than Quentin.  Support, love, tears, laughter (to keep from more tears), a covering.  We drew strength from each other, we stood 'together' in faith, we prayed long and hard 'with' one another and 'for' each other through it all.  Our faith has increased to another level and we've personally been touched by the power and unity of people (family, friends, church family) and community. Thank you for standing with us, for following our plight, for all that you've done to lift our burdens and to add joy and happiness along the way (this blog has been viewed and shared among 57 different countries)....simply amazing.  We are inspired and extremely proud of the strength of our children (those little lives we fought so hard and endured so much to bring into this world).  We continue to pray and trust God with all he has for each of them....our blessings....our gifts.

Our dreams are big, our future is bright, our desire to serve and bless others has continued to grow.  God knows our hearts. So now we recover, we reflect, we revisit all the things we've desired to do that have been placed on hold and we start filtering those things back into our lives.  Simple pleasures to enjoy and some long awaited things to plan for.  Mireya is super excited to finally get to do something she has not been able to do for over two years.  She received the clearance to go swimming, so this summer...IT"S ON!!!!  We will return to clinic in about month or so for our one year visit and exam.  This will include some extensive testing that will provide the necessary benchmarks as we transition into the maintenance phase of treatment.

Words cannot express our happiness, appreciation or thankfulness.  Thank you for walking with us, thank you for trusting with us, thank you for praying with us and believing with and for us.

Matthew 10:27 What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear.  

We made a decision to trust the word of God, despite what it 'looked' like or 'felt' like. Our faith reassured us that Mireya's health would be restored and after almost two and a half years of a life in limbo I'm shouting *in my loudest voice ever* GOD IS SO AMAZINGLY AWESOME (yes all caps is appropriate here)!!!

It's a Celebration

Beauty Station Visit

Which camera are we looking at?

In all the fun upstairs, Jalen has lost his shirt and tie

Dancing with Sidekick 

Daddy and his Princess

Three Amigos..Jalen found his shirt and a cool hat.

It's a Wrap....Good Night

Every day is a celebration.  The Heroes Ball was the first of many celebrations. #TeamBolton had so much fun.  It was a incredible evening with an amazing group of people coming together to raise awareness and funding for Connor's Heroes.  It's hard to put into words want Connor's Heroes has meant to us over the last two years.  The calls, visits, love, support, events, programs and opportunities to create memories and enjoy 'fun' moments as a family have been priceless. Connor's Heroes is an organization that understands how illness alters the life of the entire family, coupled with the challenges and struggles that accompany balancing life and treatment. I want to do my part to ensure they are able to continue touching and reaching the lives of families touched by cancer and life threatening illness.  Be sure to visit www.connorsheroes.org to see how you or your organization may be able to support the vision and mission.

Red was sort of our family themed color of choice.  I chose red because it was a statement of conquering the issue of 'blood'.  Mireya choose to wear white, which was very fitting. The little girl with the 'issue of blood', washed, cleansed and walking in victory....nothing but the blood of Jesus. It took faith and determination for the woman with the issue of blood to receive her healing. She said 'if I can just touch the hem of his garment, I will be made whole'.  This has been our stance and prayer for over two years, that Mireya would be made whole, that her health would be restored without issue.  We're thankful and grateful that through it all...the good, the bad and the questionable that God has carried and seen us through. We had no control, but our faith told us to hold on and trust God. Don't stop believing.....hold on to the promise.  Mireya has three months left in her active treatment and she is doing tremendously.  

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

• Refrain:
  Oh! precious is the flow
  That makes me white as snow;
  No other fount I know,
  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Heroes Ball

Connor's Heroes is gearing up for their 3rd Annual Heroes Ball.  Mireya will be participating this year as a Hero. We all know there are two heroes in the family, our 'Warrior Princess' Mireya and our 'Super Hero Donor Brother' Jalen that we are so proud of.

 Each of the children worked with local Artists this week at the Glave Kocen Studio to create #teambolton masterpieces that will be a part of an amazing silent auction.  It will be a great time to come together to raise funds and awareness for this an amazing cause, but also to celebrate with us.  We have so much to be thankful for. Mireya is going to love getting all dolled up for the evening.

For additional information and tickets, please visit Heroes Art Ball . I personally invite each of you to join us.  We would love to see as may familiar faces as are available that evening.  Thank you for your love and support and support of those that have loved and supported us.

Illness & Revelation

 It's been so beautiful to witness Mireya living and enjoying life.  There are days I'm overcome with emotion at some of the simplest discoveries.

We had the opportunity to hang out with some awesome families from clinic a few weeks ago to attend the Circus.  The kids were looking forward to a special tour that was lined up for the afternoon, a dinner and then back to the Coliseum to enjoy the Circus.

The tour was amazing.  We had the opportunity to spend one on one time with the head Clown in Charge, some of the featured animal acts and enjoy the allure and fabulosity of all things circus.  It was really special to watch Asia, the elephant paint a lovely photo for the Connor's Heroes kids, but even more exciting to watch her gleefully gulp down her favorite treat (a whole loaf of bread).

We walked over to Gibson's Grill to enjoy the lovely fare they had set up for us.  It was so funny to see the kids go for the high chairs (bar stools) at the bar and order an assortment of juices and sodas.  The food was very tasty.  Midway through dinner Mireya was dragging.  She mentioned that her head and stomach were hurting.  I felt her head and she seemed to be fairly warm.  Hmmm...I've been out of the 'on edge over fever' for quite a while, so I did not have my thermometer on hand and surprisingly neither did any of the other Moms.  I became concerned the more I watched her demeanor and activity change, but she absolutely did not want to leave the 'Greatest Show on Earth'.  I decided to contact the First Aid area of the Coliseum to see if I could get here temperature taken. Low and behold a very nice Firefighter arrived within minutes to our location registering a 101.6 fever.  After calling Peds Hemoc, we were instructed to bring Mireya to the Pediatric ER to be looked at and for counts.  We decided to allow Jalen and Kinley to stay with the group and enjoy the show because ER visits are always so long.  Mireya decided she wanted Daddy to stay with her in the ER. So thankful for technology which allowed me to return to the Coliseum, keep track of Mireya's status while Jalen and Makinley enjoyed the remainder of the show.  Long after the Circus was over we were still in the ER making sure Mireya received the care and medications she needed for what appeared to be a viral infection.  The greatest feeling was receiving her counts and seeing that they were right where they needed to be.  Her white count was even elevated a bit, showing us that her bone marrow and body were doing exactly what they should when fighting against illness.  Jalen was quite anxious when we arrived because he thought he was going to have to 'do something' again to help his sister.  After hearing those counts, I looked at Jalen and gave him a 'high five' and a big hug...those SUPER cells are working beautifully.  It was a long late night, we didn't get home until close to 1am.

Through what 'appeared' to be a setback, God showed us beautiful counts, a body on it's job and fighting for wellness.  We're thankful this was something that could be easily addressed and happy for the revelation in the midst of it all.  This is definitely a win for #TeamBolton.