History

Journal History

Wednesday, June 04, 2002 at 12:33 AM (CDT)

Only one thing to say "HAPPY BIRHTDAY HALEIGH"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay two things to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAPPY BIRHTDAY to you HALEIGH"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We love you, we miss you so much and you will always be here with us all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE ALL OF YOUR FAMILY

Wednesday, April 16, 2002 at 11:PM

Haleigh today marks the fourth month of doom and gloom. It is so hard to really, enjoy our lives with this pain that we will always carry so deep inside. Your brothers and sister, who's love we cherish, will never fill the void in our hearts. Daily we are reminded by large or small items, events or just memories of you our beautiful daughter. How we yearn to hold you once again. To see that smile and those sparkling eyes. Today was just a bad day as will be every 16th from now on. We wanted you to know that our love for you continues to grow every day, week and month that passes. So shine bright and love will be our communication, until we can be with you again.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU Mommy and Daddy)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Wednesday, March 20, 2002 at 11:PM

Hello Everyone

I know it's late and we haven't been very talkative. The truth is that we have all been a little under the weather. A family of six can keep them germs stirred up for a while. Naturally Lisa was the last to get sick, because she had to take care of us first. She has always said that God doesn't allow mothers to get sick. Other than that setback everything is ........OK, I find it so hard to use the word FINE. Because it isn't and never will be and that is what we/I face everyday. Anyway the boys are in school or working, Kylee is in school and loving every minute of it. Lisa has worked at the school a few days, when they needed help and I continue to put in my 40 hours. To you that are looking for us, do not give up, we will be there !!!

Mark & Lisa

Tuesday, February 26, 2002 at 9:54 PM

Talked to a very special nurse tonight and it brought back some good memories that we wish would erase the bad ones (bad memories seem to always be in the forefront). It is good to visit her page and photos, which were her best at the time. Her beautiful photos are difficult to look at still. Most of Haleigh's physical things and pictures are put away due to the pain they bring. It is easier for some of us that way.
Mark Jr., Shannon and Gabyrel are fine along with the rest of the Rice family. Rayland made the JV baseball team at his H.S. Sports have always been a big part in our family and we will spend hours and hours at the fields. Matthew is still studying at B.C. Kylee has her mama and daddy back and her world is returning to normal.
Haleigh you are still in our hearts and baby girl you will never be forgotten. I, WE, everyone misses you so. ((((((LOVE YOU))))))

Bye Mark and Lisa

Sunday January 27, 2002 6:25 PM

Powered-up the computor tonight, so hard to log onto Haleigh's page. Just the name Haleigh or the thought of her brings so many tears and an undescribable yearning to our hearts. Haleigh was our gift from heaven, she loved and smiled for a short time, she suffered little, left her loving family for the altimate reward and for that we give God thanks. The days have started to become weeks and soon the weeks will become months and so on and so on, but our love and memories of our daughter will live forever.

Hi to all our loved ones and friends. A special HELLO to everyone at VCH, do not think you are forgotten because it will not happen in our lifetime. THANK YOU AGAIN!!!! We will see you soon, but we want to have are arms full of thank yous when we come to visit.

Another update Lisa and Mark are now Grandma & Grandpa. Shannon and Mark Jr. are the proud parents of Gabryel Reannon Rice. Born January 22, she weighed 7 lb 4 oz and 19' long. She is such a little cutie, with dark hair and blue eyes. She is the first grandchild for us so we will love and spoil her, and then send her home. Oh yes, almost forgot the newly Great Grandmas are doing fine and send their love too.

I do not now if I can continue to use this web page. So if it isn't possible we can be reached by phone or e-mailed at Marks4Bears@aol.com .
* Bye for now Love Mark & Lisa

Monday, December 17, 2001 at 8:45 PM

Haleigh, Haleigh, Haleigh, it has only been twenty-four hours and we miss you so, so terribly. Our heavenly Father decided that you would be more important in heaven than here on this earth. Your fight and pain are gone now as you sit on the Father's lap. As beautiful as we tried to make your life with us, now you are truly seeing beauty. In just a little over 18 months you were able to bring so much love into your mama's and dada's lives. Your many faces will never be forgotten. Your sparkling eyes, your little nose, your beautiful smile all this while courageously battling your Leukemia.

Haleigh this Journal update isn't finish yet, we will return when thoughts are easier to put into words.

Love you, Love you, Love you forever....

Monday, 12/24/01

Sunday night right at 8:45 pm, one week after Haleigh's passing. I had just updated her webpage with a few sentences of how we were struggling through this painful heartache. But apparently God had another plan, because before I could upload my update I was disconnected from AOL.

Haleigh you will never be forgotten. Your love of life that you showed by your courageous continueous battle, your
happiness that never faultered, your inter strength that amazed everyone, your smile that would brighten the gloomiest of days, the joy and hope that you brought into our hearts with every little laugh and giggle of yours. How you held every minute so preciously. How you loved to watch commericals and your veggie tales. How you loved to play peek-a-boo and pick-this-off-the-floor. Your eyes would always tell us of your happiness and love.

Yes baby we said good-bye to your earthly body Saturday, but not to you, because you are in heaven where you will live forever. And someday soon we will see you again. You will always be in our hearts, thoughts and dreams.

Love All your Loved-Ones

Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 10:54 PM (CST)

. .Tried again to upload picture(s). Going to throw computor through Mark Jr's window. No better idea, get Mark Jr. to handle the task at hand. Anyone who can get an ""A"" on is Political Science mid term can do it right? Very proud of that young man.
. .Haleigh feeling a little bit better each day. She is no doubt the toughest of the family.
. .Try to get back on later and give more news, but got to go and call Lisa (the second toughest family member). Bye for now.

Love Mark

Keep the faith all you prayer warriors.

Thursday, November 29, 2001 at 09:25 PM (CST)

At last an update, have been trying for past two nights, keep getting dumped off line................PHOTOS, PHOTOS, PHOTOS, only three at a time, all taken in August, first time going home........
***Wednesday 11/21 loaded up Matt and Rayland, headed to V.C.H. to be with Haleigh and Lisa. Arrived shortly after Brenda and Kylee. Lisa and Brenda spent night with Haleigh in her room. Kids and old dad spent night in trailer. THANK YOU AGAIN JOHN AND TERESA....
***Thursday 11/22 had a great day of thanksgiving, so nice to spend it with some of the family. Haleigh still not feeling up to par, but Kylee can always get a smile out of her. Today Haleigh gets her third dose of chemo. Two more Friday and Saturday. Mark Jr. working long weekend. Really nice to have Matthew, Rayland and Kylee so close to Haleigh, Lisa and myself. GOOD FAMILY TIME!!!! Would like to thank a few family members, two very special mothers Grammie and Grandma, we love you so very much. We do not have the time or space to tell everything you two have done for Haleigh and your other loved ones. Uncle Phillip and Aunt Linda thank you, thank you for taking Kylee in and giving her a little stability. Roland (papa gray) and Ellen thanks for the transportation. John and Teresa again thank you. Thank everyone for your prayers, support and your love......
***Friday 11/23 Haleigh beginning to feel better. Blastlike cells decreasing along with good cells. Bruising that broke out when blastlikes were high starting to look better also. Large bruise above belly button. Eye redness going away too. More fun and games with kids. They try to play this game called MONOPOLY.
***Saturday 11/24 Haleigh again is feeling good and more importantly smiling, laughing and enjoying her company. It is so tough to see Haleigh not enjoying every minute of the day. She truly deserves so much more out of this life. Haleigh's Aunts Karen and Robbie, Grandma, and cousins Jeffery and Shelby came to see her today. Grandma staying and will make trip to Stanford with us Monday. Cousins brought Haleigh beautiful balloons. Grandma spent night with Haleigh. Lisa, myself and kids spent night in trailer after hours at Camelot Park. Good night of sleep for a supermom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
***Sunday 11/25 Haleigh in really good spirits, more energy today, more sparkle in those eyes. Many faces of Haleigh have return, she is feeling good. So so very hard to beleive she is so very sick. Teresa and Nickie came to visit today, also took Kylee home to Grammie. Lisa left in the afternoon with Matt and Rayland. Papa Gray and Ellen, Uncle Daniel and Aunt Debbie, Kim and Cristen came up to visit. Lisa return later with Mark Jr. Late night......
***Monday 11/26 Haleigh is going to Stanford's L.P.C.H. We all left at 5:30am Haleigh, Lisa and Diane who is a Nurse at the hospital. Mark Jr., Grandma and myself follow in the car. Doctor Agarwal said she had communicated with Minnappolis, St. Johns and Seattle and they said the procedure could still be done if... Haleigh has more testing done on her lungs and heart at V.C.H. Doctor very concern with her cough. Kept stressing how hard it will be on Haleigh. Stated that Haleigh would have a 9% chance for two years. That was as much data she had on this study. Talked to Mark Jr. and gave him a one minute physical. Haleigh was knocked out for her irradiaton set-up. Haleigh came out of it a little cranky. She had not eaten all day and now it was 7:00pm, time for a bottle. Back at V.C.H. at 10:30pm. Left for home with Grandma and Mark Jr......
***Wednesday 11/28 very bad news, and it hurts so much, right now hard to think, NO BONEMARROW TRANSPLANT AGAIN....
***THURSDAY 11/29 Haleigh is so loved my Lisa and myself. There has to be someway to defeat this thing. Doctor Lammers told Lisa yesterday that she had talked to Dr. Agarwal from L.P.C.H. at Stanford. She said due to the spots on Haleigh's lungs, that her and her colleagues agreed that Haleigh wouldn't live through even the second of eleven radiation treatments. I do not have any answers. Talking to Lisa on the phone last night and today I get a feeling of numbness, helplessness, and then anger at not knowing what to do or can be done. Dr.Lammers wanting to talk to Lisa and me tomorrow when I get there. Just want to hold Haleigh more and more......

***Shanna thank you for your kind words, your concern and care you continue to pour out to Haleigh. Thank you for the love you show to are daughter.........

* 9:40pm going to call the girls

* LOVE MARK

Monday, November 19, 2001 at 06:55 PM (CST)

Quick update, spent good, quality time with Haleigh this last weeekend. Lisa really knows her kids. Haleigh has good reason to be feeling bad, her WBC has climbed to 8.1 which is good but, 46% of them are Blastlike/Leukemia. Other counts RBC 2.81 low needing blood transfusion today, HGB 8.0 again showing need for blood transfusion, ANC of 50, and Platelets of 6 very low needing platelet transfusion today also. Our girl had some high fevers Saturday 104.8 and Sunday 104.5 shortly after her platelet transfusions. Fevers burn off platelets, it seems, as fast as they are injected. Doctor Palmer is on today and of here lately bearer of bad news. But he does truly care for our daughter and for that we love his effort and determination in battling this horrible cancerous disease. He brought us news from Stanford that they would still do the BMT if the Leukemia could be controlled/decreased the next 7-10 days here at V.C.H. So sometime today Haleigh will start intense chemotherapy for the 4th time. Stanford says Haleigh has only a 9% chance of being cured. But those folks apparently do not know OUR HALEIGH, OUR GOD, OUR FAMILY, OUR FRIENDS, OUR CHURCH or OUR COMMUNITY. Thank you everyone and do not forget your prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!! Got home Sunday night, taking Mark Jr. back up to V.C.H. tonight for some tests tomorrow. Have to get ready, talk to Rayland and leave. Bye now, Love Mark

Friday, November 16, 2001 at 09:10 PM (CST)

Going to see my girls tonight. Haleigh hasn't felt good the last two days, Lisa says she just isn't her cheerful little self. Counts continue to rise, WBC 1.5, RBC 3.85, HGB 10.97, PLT 48. She continues to receive platelets about every other day. Lisa says Haleigh has more lumps on her head. Doctor Crouse worried adout Blastlike and "Other" counts. Still no word from Stanford on blood slides sent earlier. Just want to get up there, leaving after Rayland comes home from last Foothill varsity football game. Everyone!!! Mark Jr. turns the big "21" Sunday. Hard to celebrate, but must. He is such a great young man. Praying that he has a chance to give his baby sister a new bone marrow (LIFE). Will kiss and hug Haleigh for everyone. BYE BYE Love Mark

Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 09:30 PM (CST)

Actually it is only 7:30 PM here in Bakersfield CA. Talked to Lisa at noon today, Haleigh is still in a good mood. Saying high, high, dada, dadada, eye, eye. Looking just beautiful this weekend, she was. More teeth trying to come in. No fevers in about a week now!!!... Her blood counts starting to rise, praying that leukemia blasts stay at ZERO... Can't remember exact numbers but, WBC, RBC, HGB rising, no ANC, Platelets still dropping. Counts associated with Liver high, had been dropping but rose yesterday.... Brenda, Aunt Linda, Aunt Terresa, and Ashley spent last Friday night with Haleigh. Lisa got out of the hospital for the night. Spent the night with Kylee, Rayland, Matt and me (dad) in J&T trailer. GOOD NIGHT WITH SOME OF THE FAMILY.....PRAISE GOD, PRAISE GOD.....NEEDED THAT MIRACLE, HEALING HANDS, OH GOD, PRAISE GOD, THANK YOU LORD...... Doctors sent slides to Stanford, still worried about lumps on Haleigh, possible sign of BAD GUYS returning. Waiting to hear what team at Stanford thinks. So so terrible waiting for results, news, directions etc......... Our girl just doesn't look, act and as far as I can tell, feel sick, weak, bad or grumpy. When she is awake she's alert, she's playing, she's smiling, she's laughing, she knows whose there and who comes and goes. You leave the room and if she's in her bed, she waits for you to walk by the window, because she knows you have to leave that way. She emits happiness when she is awake unlike any baby I have ever known. The nurse continue to laugh at the many faces of Haleigh and she can make a few hundred of them. We are truly blessed to be part of her family. LOVE HER SO SO MUCH.... Not eating much still, lots of TPN into her IV. Maintaining weight a about 24lbs. which is good........ Done-in, bye bye. Love Mark

Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 01:48 AM (CST)

Had a nice weekend+, 4 days with Haleigh and Lisa. Haleigh what a fighter, 2 weeks after very intense chemotherapy consisting of ARAC, IDA and G-CSF she continues to laugh, play, jabber, smile just to keep mom and dad in good spirits. Count update WBC 0.1, RBC 3.50, HGB 10.0, PLT 20, and ANC 0. She is still getting Blood and Platelet Tranfussion when needed. Here's a list of Meds she is taking. Fluconazole 60mg, IV, 1x/day; Ceftaridime 600mg, IV, 3x/day; Pen VK 75mg, Oral, 4x/day; Nystatin 3cc, Oral, 3x/day; Flagyl suspension 75mg, Oral, 4x/day; G-CSF 60mg, SubQ, 1x/day. The last Med is to help in speeding up the return of her WBCs. Monday 11/05/01 met with Dr. Rajni Agarwal, nurse Lisa Penner, and social worker Andrea. They still want to do BMT, thank you GOD for Mark Jr., keep him healthy. They said that without a sibling donor (that Mark is !!!) and Haleigh's Leukemia being so advanced/agressive they would not attempt a BMT. Again they want to talk percentages, 10-40 remission and by having her brother Mark as her donor closer to the 40 percent. Their research study consists of Fractionated Total Body Irradiation (FTBI), Epoposide (VP-16) and Cyclophosphamide (CY) followed by Allogenic BMT. If that isn,t enough to scare you nothing ever will. With GOD, Mark JR., the Doctors and all of our prayers we are looking, waiting for Haleigh's true miracle of a grand scale. When I get to a IBM compatible machine we'll have some beautiful pictures. Worried adout lumps on back of head and mid right jaw, but some good news from BMA preformed today 11/07/01. No leukemia in bone marrow!!!! also at this time no bone marrow at all, still waiting for it to return. Again if we haven't talk to you lately, THANK YOU for your concern, prayers, kindness and love. By for now, Mark

Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at 11:50 PM (CST)

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLEE, 7 years old two days ago, dad loves you!!!!!!! Spent last weekend with my baby girl Haleigh at VCH. Haleigh had a little cough, but no fever at all. She was in her normal good mood, playing in her bed, in her walker or on the floor with me and her smile that lights up her face and brings twinkles to them eyes. Truly beleive GOD is answering everyones prayers and is keeping Haleigh from feeling bad and having any infections. Still waiting for some White Blood Cells to return. Her counts today are WBC 0.1, HGB 8.61, PLT 31, ANC 0. More blood and platelets tomorrow likely. Haven't been able to update as much as I would like, just so, so busy. Thank you Moms Brenda and JoAnne for especially the last two weeks and weekends. Need to sleep be back later. Love Mark

Thursday, October 25, 2001 at 10:30 PM (CDT)

Talked to Lisa at 4:pm, Haleigh is having another good day today. No fever, no aching as far as Lisa can tell. Haleigh continues to act like any 16 1/2 month old should. She is so beautiful and full of energy trying to pull herself up in her hospital bed. We are looking forward to those first steps, I hope this place is ready for her (ha,ha,ha). Her counts today are WBC 0.0, HGB 3.81, PLT 41, ANC 0. More news from STANFORD (L.P.C.H.), Lisa and I are to meet with them again on Nov. 5th. I"m sure they want to discuss Haleigh, Mark Jr. who is her Bone Marrow donor and their health. We continue to hope and pray that with God's will and this Bone Marrow Transplant, Haleigh will be cured. It's time for my 9:pm check-in, have to get off line. Love Mark

Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at 09:46 PM (CDT)

Such a special gift from God, Haleigh was born to Mark and Lisa on June 4, 2000. She instantly was a hit with her 3 brothers (Mark Jr. 19yrs., Matthew 16yrs. and Rayland 12yrs.) and sister (Kylee 5yrs.). Haleigh is like the icing on the cake, the last rose in our family garden. Always full of joy and happiness she soon had us all rapped around those little fingers, with mom and dad drowning her with love. At ten months of age, after two days at Bakersfield F.M.C., two days at B.M.H., we were sent to Valley Children's Hospital three days later it was confirm that Haleigh had AML. This page has just been created, less history and more updates to come. Love Mark

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