2022
Roxy and Ella enjoyed their first night together.
Ella brought Roxy back to the hotel after their long day of training. Both Ella and Roxy were dog tired.
Roxy slept on her bed at the foot of Ella’s bed. Ella slept in her bed with Mama. In the morning, Roxy gave Ella a little “good morning” snuggle.
Thank you for your prayers.
*Today is the 12th anniversary of Ella’s heart surgery at Stanford.
Roxy is the reason for Ella’s special mission to Maui. Roxy is a 23 month old female yellow labrador from Assistance Dogs of Hawaii. She is highly trained service dog.
Yesterday morning, Ella and Roxy met for the first time. Shortly thereafter, they began the training program that will teach them how to work with each other. No doubt this will truly will be a labor of love.
Thank you for your prayers.
Twenty minutes after departing Oahu on Hawaiian Airlines; Mama, Ella, and Nurse Tommie landed at Kahalui Airport on Maui. The brief flight was thankfully uneventful. Shortly after their arrival, the trio settled into their hotel room and began preparations for their SPECIAL five-day Mission to Maui. Check back here tomorrow for more details about this very SPECIAL Mission!
Thank you for your payers!
Just after mid day, Dr. Woo removed the “Porta Cath” medical device that he implanted on Monday, 14 Apr 2014. “Porty” provided quick, reliable, and low stress intravenous access (IV) access over the past 29 months. This type of access was a real luxury – as Ella’s wee veins have always been a challenge for the phlebotomists to find and access.
In preparation for this eventuality, “Porty” was not used for the past two blood draws. Instead, blood was drawn from veins in Ella’s arms. Ella deserves great credit for her willingness to accept these “old school” blood draws and yet another surgical procedure.
We are especially grateful to Dr. Russell Woo (pediatric surgeon) and Dr. Vincent Lucy (pediatric anesthesiologist) for their patience and willingness to answer our questions and understand our concerns.
Lucy celebrates her birthday in proper Hawaiian style – surfing Waikiki Beach.
After a bit of instruction from Troy at Ohana Surf Project, Lucy was up and on her way.
Well Done Lucy and Happy Birthday!
Ella celebrates the completion of her chemotherapy protocol with the doctors and nurses who cared for over the past 798 days.
While the two years, two months, and one week Ella spent on this journey seemed long at times, it is important to remember Ella managed to finish early – nearly 100 days ahead of the 30 months that is usually required.
We are mindful of the blessings she received from the many prayers said on her behalf as she made this journey.
We sincerely hope your faith is strengthened.
Thank you for your prayers.
This video tells the story of Ella’s journey with Make-A-Wish Hawaii and all the friends and family along the way. We are eternally grateful for the warmth, generosity, and kindness shown to Ella and our family.
Mahalo and God bless.
