One year ago today, December 1, 2005, Wade donated one of his kidneys to his son Zachary. I can’t imagine to many other things that could create a closer bond between a Father and Son.

The transplant was a success, and if you could see Zachary now, you would never believe the difference a year could make. Last year, at almost a year old, Zachary could barely sit-up by himself, let alone stand or walk. NOW, he is like the Energizer bunny he just goes and goes. He climbs on everything and rides on toys just like any other little boy who is about to turn two. It is so exciting to watch the changes in him. Especially from a Grandparents view – we don’t have to chase after him 24/7!

He is still getting his food and meds through the “G” tube inserted in his abdomen, Stacey tries new foods by mouth daily, some stay down for awhile and others (well, you remember that process – green beans on your glasses!) Kids have that honest way of letting you know when they are not crazy about something.

His creatin, white counts, etc. go up and down, but he is doing really well. To look at him, you wouldn’t know that anything was wrong with him. His EBV, Epstein Barr Virus, levels which are related to lymphoma cancer cells have been a little on the high side, but the doctor monitors these levels very closely. They have upped his Valcytes which helps fight the EBV. As we all know with Zach, his blood level and counts change weekly.

Since June, both Wade and Zachary have been doing really well and so up-dates have been slow – OK, none! It seemed silly to write when there had been few major medical changes. We do however appreciate your asking and concern about them though.

Big sister, Kiley, started all day kindergarten this year and is doing really well. Most days she likes it, however, she hasn’t acquired a taste for those school lunches yet (suprise, suprise!)

Next month they will be welcoming a Special Christmas gift in the form of a new sibling. If the ultra-sounds are correct, they plan to name him Austin. He was a suprise, but the University is really excited about the pregnancy. Arrangements have been made to store Austin’s cord blood for future medical use on Zachary.

Well, from us grandparents, we want to thank all of you for your thoughts, prayers, help with the benefit, donations, babysitting, etc. that you have done for Wade, Stacey, Kiley and Zachary in the last two years. It has really helped make their life easier.

Happy Holidays to All
Gma E