Messina Family

I would like to take the time to introduce you to our family and for those of you that know us to just give you an update.
 
We have been a Four Diamonds Family for 5 1/2 years now.  Having lived in State College for quite some time we have long been aware of THON and it's intentions, however it wasn't until 2003 when we became intimately aware of its meaningfulness.  Isabella was diagnosed when she was 20 months old with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.  We were referred to Hershey Medical Center where she began chemotherapy the next day.  It was also on that day that we met the social worker who informed us of all that Four Diamonds could provide for us.  Isabella fought hard and the doctors and nurses performed their miracles and she ended treatment after 7 months of intensive chemotherapy.  We benefited so much throughout that time from the Four Diamonds Fund and all that THON provides to support it. 
 
We attended our first THON as a family just a few months later in 2004.  It was incredible and we were exhausted by hour 48 (actually sooner, but we hung in there just as everyone else does).  We have continued to look forward to THON each and every year and have watched it grow larger and larger.  It is without a doubt our best family weekend of the year. 
 
We have attended THON over the years, including the move with it to the Bryce Jordan Center and have watched it's success grow unimaginably.  We believed as she passed her four year mark off treatment on November 1, 2007 that she would celebrate her 5th THON and shortly after reach the 5 year milestone of being considered "cured."  It was only two weeks later however, on November 16 that we were informed of her relapse with Acute Lymphoid Leukemia this time.  Once again the treatments and trips to Hershey all began along with the 4D support. 
 
In January 2008 the decision was made that Isabella would receive a bone marrow transplant from her then 2 1/2 year old brother, Jack.  The fact that his marrow was a match was a miracle in itself.  The doctors decided she would be permitted to attend THON and the transplant would shortly follow in March.  THON 2008 was perhaps the most important of all that we had attended.  We had no idea what the future held and the difficulty she would endure with the transplant process,but we knew we would allow her to live life to the fullest for those 46 hours.  We were truly feeling the support that everyone involved provides to the families, children and siblings.  We are pleased to say that she is now a happy, energetic 2nd grader that can't wait for THON 2009.  It perhaps will be the best one yet as it closes in on yet another new milestone of her one year anniversary of her transplant.  Our family can't thank you all enough for the support that we have received from 4D and THON since that dreadful day back in March 2003.  You continue to make a tremendous difference in the lives of many and especially ours.
 
Thanks,
The Messina Family