A family close to us is dealing with this. And the good news for them is that Marin (and family) have been surviving and inspiring for five plus years. Marin fell ill when she was 13, and was given a death sentence then. But after two surgeries, partial paralysis, various chemos, etc., Marin managed to qualify for the 2008 Para-Olympics in Beijing. Marin and family made a White house visit after the Olympics and met the Bush family. She is home now with her family in Seattle, trying her best, staying strong, continuing to inspire thousands, even as she now recognizes the battle is lost, and she is in her last days on this earth. She still smiles, and laughs.
Marin grew up with my middle son, and her little sister was my daughter’s best friend - two peas in a pod - until the Morrisons moved to Seattle, away from Atlanta. She swam with our neighborhood and school swim teams, and she was an obvious phenom. Even today though she is 3000 miles away all the kids on our swim and water polo teams compete in every meet with a “M” on their left shoulder — signifying “Swim Marin Strong!”
Through her illness she has been an ongoing inspiration to hundreds of kids. We should all be so strong in spirit.
go to http://www.marinlove.com
watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLlG58CsLuI
(Your Christmas will be brighter if you do)
BTT
Thanks for the link. Marin’s story is inspirational and gives hope to those afflicted.
God bless and Merry Christmas.