Fri - Sun, July 4th - 6th - Sufficient to say, this 4th of July was pretty uneventful for the Malone clan. However it was a day that we could be reflective and appreciative for all that we have. These days in general have been pretty uneventful, as Cole's ANC counts are low and we've needed to keep him pretty isolated. He has also been very tired and lethargic. We are told that this is to be expected because of the steroids. He has been napping throughout the day and going to bed pretty early, however this means he has been getting up pretty early as well. We occasionally have been getting him to play a board game or a card game. We play a game called Pitch that is pretty popular in our original home town of Syracuse. Typically this is an adult game, however he and my other kids have actually gotten quite good at it. However most of the time he wants to talk about food and what his next meal will be. His appetite has been pretty solid. I think he is dreaming about food these days :)

The evening of the 4th was just our immediate family. A little earlier in the day I purchased some fireworks that go pretty high in the sky and some sparklers for the kids so we could have a show of our own. Cole lit a couple of sparklers and watch a few of the big fireworks, but he tired quickly. He went to bed and watched more fireworks from his bedroom window. It is tough to see him like this, however we have been through this before and we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Saturday brought much more of the same, however we did get some good news. His doctor called with his bone marrow test results and the Leukemia percentages were down from 35% to 2%. Under 5% is considered to be in remission and this is what we were looking for. It is still obviously a very long road for him, however this further confirms that the chemo is doing its job and if all continues to go this route then it also means that we can continue on this treatment protocol.

Saturday and Sunday also meant baseball and soccer practice. I cannot find words that describe how I feel about only bringing one boy to practices that I have been bringing 2 boys to for the past 5 years. I guess I just have to understand that life cannot stop for my other children. Focusing on the other children is difficult at times, especially after long and challenging days. However it is something that we have to focus on more, as so much attention has been focused on Cole.

Our Cole Strong 28 Baseball Tournament is on and all age divisions are filled!!!! However we will need sponsors, silent auction items and volunteers. Thank you to the sponsors who have already come forward and signed up! Please see the tournament website for more info:www.eteamz.com/colestrong.

I have to send a special shout out to our good friend Elissa Levine. She has so many good ideas and has been working hard on sponsorship, promotion for the event and silent auction items. Many of which are already bearing fruit. She is amazing, thank you!!!

Cole with his sparkler

 Michael with his sparkler

Madisen  with her sparkler

Cole and Dad napping