Julia May Krause has recently celebrated her One Year Anniversary since she received her Bone Marrow Transplant on March 10, 2005.

This is part 2 of her story.

Twenty - three days after Julia's transplant, the transplant was considered successful. Successful now means hope, more time to enjoy the little things that are not so little. Having a successful transplant does not mean her journey is complete, but, it is another accomplishment in her journey to healing.

As each day passed after her transplant, it brought new accomplishments in her development, new goals achieved and extra challenges that Julia and her family would overcome. In early April of 2005, Julia had eaten her largest meal in months. Her meal consisted of 21 cheerios and a few spoons of soup. This small portion of food was a big accomplishment for Julia. From starting to eat, taking her first steps, speaking her first words, and in between they take tests, watch for fevers and do whatever they can do to keep Julia healthy. In May 2005, Julia was able to finally go home. At last her family had a chance to get some normalcy back in their lives.

By mid June 2005, Julia had achieved her Day +100 Post Transplant milestone. This was a day of celebration for her and her family. On that day her survival rate escalated from less than 30 percent, to 50 percent, another milestone that with it brings a variety of emotions. They realize the gift, and yet are saddened for the children and families that did not survive this horrible disease. They are happy for another day, for the lives that Julia has touched, for all the good friends that they have. Now they begin to focus on the next goal, the six-month mark.

During this time they are concerned that Julia has not grown, due to the full body radiation that she received prior to her Bone Marrow Transplant, they worry about Graft-Vs-Host Disease (GVHD), and its treatment, using steroids. In September she reached her six-month mark and now they focus on the one-year mark. During this time they have some new challenges on top of the existing ones. Tests revealed that Julia's liver had enlarged, and she had her first fever since she left the hospital in May. This means another trip back to the hospital. In October 2005, Julia broke her right leg just above her ankle, it was a severe break but since she was so young she did not require surgery. The break was caused by the continued use of steroids, which weaken the bone. This broken leg did not stop Julia, and by mid December she started to move around like it never happenned. It was a time when her parents were glad to chase her around the house. So many hours, days and months are spent inside the hospitals, receiving a multitude of tests, waiting and praying for good results. Just a few moments of 'normalcy' means so much for the family. The family speaks of a 'Marvelous Day' where Charlene (Julia's Mom) was able to spend the day with her daughters Sarah and Kaitlyn, checking out the big city in Toronto. Although this is a welcomed change, it was not without its tears. Julia's sisters were only able to see her through a glass window as Julia was still in isolation. This day gave the opportunity for Mike (Julia's Dad) to spend the majority of the day with his baby girl.

One day they received the most beautiful card, a card many parents in their situation would dream of receiving. It was from Julia's Bone Marrow donor. Although, the donor information is confidential, they are allowed to communicate via the hospital. The card read, "Caring thoughts are with you. I hope your health is improving. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to try to help. Good luck and God Bless." How can a parent find the words to convey such gratitude?

On January 7th 2006, Julia celebrated her 2nd Birthday. Her family was overwhelmed to receive so many cards and visitors. Julia has come out of her shell and is starting to become a quite the "social butterfly". Along with her vocabulary increasing quickly, her footsteps have progressed from walking to running. Charlene and Mike consider themselves fortunate and blessed to have even been given the opportunity to celebrate this day with their beautiful daughter.

During her One Year Post Transplant Visit to Children's Hospital of Western Ontario, Julia's Oncologist advised Charlene and Mike Krause that she never expected Julia to make it this far. She also advised them that Julia is not out of danger yet and to enjoy the time they have with their daughter.

It is clear the bonds that are formed between the families and the medical staff and between the families of other children that are suffering from leukemia. They share a common bond. They talk, they lean on one another and most unfortunately they watch their new friends suffer as their children earn their 'Angel Wings'. It is a miracle in itself how they help one another. It is one of life's blessings.

Please visit Julia's website and continue to support her and her family. Start by becoming part of the Bone Marrow Registry.

You might be the needle in the haystack that someone is looking for...

Part 1 | Part 2

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