Last week of school and last week in elementary school........

I never would have thought this day would come, but my baby is going to be in middle school soon (where did the time go?). We are nearing the end of the school year and we are so excited to have a relaxed schedule and freedom to sleep in as we please. Bella will still continue her physical therapy 2 days a week, but it will be nice to not have to get up for school each day. Her physical therapist has decided to have Bella wear knee braces to help with her ongoing knee pain, so we hope to get those this week for Bella. Bella has been having a lot of nauseous from her chemo injection, we are so thankful to have Zofran to help curb the nauseous. The new combination of medicine seems to be working well for Bella and we hope to have her walking most of the upcoming walk, YEAH!!! As I think back to this time last year I realize that life was much similar for us because Bella had not been diagnosed with JA. But at this time they were contemplating a serious surgery on Bella's legs (we were not convinced it was the right choice for her). Thankfully, we hesitated because they decided to run blood work on Bella. Just a couple of days before the Justin Beiber concert in Philly the Bone Doctor told us that Bella tested positive for Arthritis and we needed to see a Rheumatologist. SAY WHAT??? Arthritis??? Oh no, biggie! Boy was I wrong!!!! I remember calling my husband from the Hershey Hospital parking lot and telling him what Bella tested positive for (still with lots of doubt) and telling him it's no big deal. It took about a month to see the Rheumatologist and get our official diagnosis. This is when our life changed forever. I still look back in awe of the moments where I didn't get it. The summer of 2013 changed our lives forever and I will never forget it. I don't think Bella will ever forget her fifth grade year of school because it holds so many events.....two of close friends also went through a lot this year too because one was diagnosed with cancer and the other with diabetes and JA. But these 3 girls are stronger than I could ever be and I am proud of what each of those girls has triumphed over! Those three girls will forever hold a special place in my heart!!! So, as we lead up to the Walk to Cure Arthritis we have done two fundraisers to help rise money; one at Sweet Frog and one at Flinchy's. Thank you to both the businesses for helping us raise money for Bella's team!! Thank you to everyone that has already joined her team and donated money!!! There is still time to join her team if you would like! We hope to see you there Saturday to cheer on team Bella Mia!!!