History

Sunday, December 19, 2004 9:20 PM CST

Merry Christmas everyone!!! This will probably be our last posting before Christmas. I don’t think we have to tell you how special this Christmas is going to be. Though it’ll be special for us, we also have to remember those who have lost their battle this year with this dreaded disease. We’re truly lucky for all of the blessings that we have received, the people that we’ve met, and Prayers that have been answered since this all started just 11 months ago. In many ways we find ourselves this Holiday Season as the luckiest parents in the world, for He has given us our fair share but also the strength to carry on. He has brought us you, love, support, and the will to fight and educate people about this disease. It’s in that hope and spirit that we optimistically look forward to next year; a year that we Pray will bring us one step closer to finding a cure.

In today’s world the true meaning of Christmas sometimes gets overshadowed. With the focus sometimes shifting to the presents and who got what and who didn’t, lets not forget it’s a celebration of Christ, His life, and new beginnings.

As we wrap up and get ready for this weekend, we would like to say Thank You again for all the Prayers and support. Without your Prayers and support, I’m sure we wouldn’t have the best Christmas present ever…. our little angel here to celebrate with us. So from our family to yours, HAVE A SAFE AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Sincerely,

Dan, Gene Ann, and Avery Hildreth

Monday, December 6, 2004 9:31 PM CST

Hey everyone… I’m still on the go. I’m currently in Jasper to attend a Christmas parade on Tuesday. Then Wednesday I’m going to the Zoo in Montgomery and then it’s back to Birmingham for my Doctors appointment on Thursday morning. I’ll see my ENT Doctor who will evaluate how I’m doing with my trach. We don’t expect anything earth shattering and we don’t believe he’ll be ready to take it out. We’ll post more later this week about my report.

From there we’re now going to the beach for a long weekend. We changed from Calloway Gardens to the Beach because everyone had so many things going we all couldn’t go at the same time. Daddy is going to take Friday off and spend a long weekend with us in Gulf Shores.

Over the weekend I attended the Camp SAM Christmas Party and a tree lighting at Children’s Harbor. The lighting was to honor and remember children who are battling cancer. I got to see many of my friends and had a wonderful time at both.

I also gave Mommy and Daddy a wonderful gift for Christmas. I stood up and grabbed my toy and started walking wherever I wanted to go. Mommy and Daddy started clapping and cheering as I made my rounds around the living room. Now you can’t stop me… I’m all over!!!

Please say a prayer for my friend Molly (see our picture in my photos), her MRI is tomorrow (Tuesday 12/7). We’ll all be thinking of her tomorrow. And as usual, I ask that you remember me in your prayers as well.

Sorry for the quick post…. I’ll post again soon. I hope you enjoy the new pictures.

Until next time…..

Hugs and kisses,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Sunday, November 28, 2004 6:42 PM CST

(More Pictures Coming Soon)

Well its been a busy couple of weeks since I last updated. Unfortunately, we didn’t get word of the date change in time for us to make our church visit. It had been moved up a week and it ended up that we couldn’t make it. I’m sure it was a very special and moving event.

Lets see…. in the past few weeks I’ve been shopping in Birmingham, had my Christmas pictures made, visited Jasper, had a crowd over for Thanksgiving, and I’m currently at the beach with Mommy, Grandmother, and Granddaddy. Daddy went home to Michigan for a few days to see his family; we decided it was too far for me to go right now. Maybe next time!!

I’ve got a clinic visit on Wednesday, therapy on Tuesday, and hanging out at home the rest of the week. This weekend we’ve got Daddy’s work Christmas party on Saturday and the Camp SAM Christmas party on Sunday. The following weekend we go to Calloway Gardens for Christmas with all of Mommy’s side of the family. Oh boy…. I’m going to be one busy little girl.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we certainly did. We celebrated all the things that we have to be thankful for. We enjoyed having friends and family join us to rejoice in the wonderful progress that I’ve made. I also wanted to tell everyone Thank You for all of your thoughts and Prayers. This is the time of year to enjoy your family and without your Prayers I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank You.

I ask that you continue to keep me in your Prayers, as we still have a long road to travel. My next MRI is January 11th and then another one in April.

Until next time…

Hugs, kisses, and waves,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Sunday, November 28, 2004 6:42 PM CST

Tuesday, November 9, 2004 5:59 PM CST

Hey everybody…. I had a busy week and a half. I stopped by to see Dr. Reddy on my way through Birmingham last Wednesday. She checked my head where I had fallen into the window ledge. They said it was most likely just a blood knot and not CSF fluid… that was good news. Unfortuately, it may take up to six weeks for my knot to go down.

After my Doctors visit, I went on to Jasper to visit with Grandmother and Granddaddy for a few days. It was over the weekend that I got to be in my first parade. I rode with Mommy and Natileigh on the float. Daddy, Granddaddy, and Grandmother walked along side waving and taking pictures. I had such a good time, I can’t wait to do it again.

Next weekend I’ve been asked to come to Church as a special guest. A friend of the family is going to tell his story about battling cancer and wanted me to come as his friend and fellow cancer survivor. It’ll be a lot of fun meeting some of the people who have been praying for me.

You know me a girl on the run….. My next Doctor visit will be December 1st and my next MRI will be January 11th.

Until next time… please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Hugs and Kisses,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Sunday, October 31, 2004 7:15 PM CST

Hey everybody…. As you can tell I was a ladybug for Halloween. I went visiting in my ladybug outfit; I saw Nana, Grandpa, John and Elaine. Then I came home and helped Mommy pass out the candy. That was the fun part of my weekend.

The other part included bonking my head and a fat lip. On Saturday, I climbed up on the nightstand to play with Daddy’s rock fountain. I spun around and pushed off at the same time. I went crashing into the window ledge with the back of my head, scaring Mommy and Daddy to death. Now I have a knot on my head. Then today I started chewing on my lip for no reason. Mommy saw what looked like red lipstick on my mouth and realized that it was blood. Mommy and Daddy kept telling me not to chew on my lip, but I did anyway. When I got up from my nap, my lip was poked out like I was chewing tobacco.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween. I’ll write again soon. Please don’t forget to keep me in your prayers. January 11th is my next MRI, but I have a couple of appointments between now and then. If I keep going like this weekend, I may be back at the Hospital before you know it.

Hugs and Kisses,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Tuesday, October 19, 2004 6:56 PM CDT

NEW UPDATE!!!!

We just got home from our MRI and other Doctor visits. We had great news.... the MRI showed no change from the last one. That means it’s possible that those few remaining abnormal cells could be scar tissue. I have to go back in 6 weeks for an office visit and three months from now to do another MRI. We're all so excited.

As for my trach, we're not quite sure when it's going to come out. My ENT Doctor wants to review my entire medical chart and run another swallow study before we take it out. Based on how thick my records are, it may take him several years just to review them. I'm just kidding, we should hear something in the next couple of weeks.

Overall we were quite blessed with the results today. I'm on my way to the beach as this is being typed. I'll be home on Sunday to tear up the house again.

Thank you for all the love and support you have given me in the past nearly 9 months. Please remember me in your thoughts and prayers, as we all pray for your support.

I'll post another update and some new pictures later this weekend. Until then.....

Hugs and Kisses,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Sunday, October 10, 2004 8:48 AM CDT

Hey everybody only 9 more days until my MRI!!! I went to see an OT about my swallowing. They said that I did good at first and then I got tired. Since I haven't used my swallowing muscles in a while, I need to get them back into shape. So Mommy and I do a 30-minute eating workout everyday. I'm slowly getting better, but it may take some time before I'm eating like a pro.

Sorry about my pictures on the website, Daddy said that they are having trouble with the traffic at zeocast. Hopefully they’ll get that straightened out soon. Daddy also fixed the problem in the guest book. He had to delete an entry, but that took care of it.

Nothing else is really new; I’m still motoring around the house making Mommy (mostly) and Daddy chase me. I’m wearing Mommy out, but she loves being a full-time Mommy. I’m walking around the coffee table now and I’m starting to walk between the coffee table and the couch more often. It won’t be long before I’ll be running around the house. I’m into everything and want to help everyone do what they’re doing. So… Daddy had to baby proof all the cabinets, but I’m betting that I’ll figure those out within a month!!

I’ll update again soon. Until then please remember me in your prayers.

Hugs and kisses,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Sunday, October 10, 2004 7:56 AM CDT

Hey everybody on 9 more days until my MRI!!! I went to see an OT about my swallowing. They said that I did good at first and then I got tired. Since I haven't used my swallowing muscles in a while, I need to get them back into shape. So Mommy and I do a 30-minute eating workout everyday. I'm slowly getting better, but it may take some time before I'm eating like a pro.

Sorry about my pictures on the website, Daddy said that they are having trouble with the traffic at zeocast. Hopefully they’ll get that straightened out soon. Daddy also fixed the problem in the guest book. He had to delete an entry, but that took care of it.

Nothing else is really new; I’m still motoring around the house making Mommy (mostly) and Daddy chase me. I’m wearing Mommy out, but she loves being a full-time Mommy. I’m walking around the coffee table now and I’m starting to walk between the coffee table and the couch more often. It won’t be long before I’ll be running around the house. I’m into everything and want to help everyone do what they’re doing. So… Daddy had to baby proof all the cabinets, but I’m betting that I’ll figure those out within a month!!

I’ll update again soon. Until then please remember me in your prayers.

Hugs and kisses,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Sunday, September 26, 2004 9:27 PM CDT

Today I did something else for the first time. I went for a motorcycle ride. I rode with Ronnie and Jan Barton in the “Ride for Kids 2004” event. The event was held to raise money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. I’m happy to say that $101,000 was raised to help find the cause and cure for pediatric brain tumors. I’ve got pictures of today’s activities on my site. They include pictures of other “All-Stars” who came out to participate. Fun was had by all!!! I enjoyed my ride, but I had to get up early so I didn’t make it through the whole ride. I fell asleep on Daddy’s arm towards the end. But I woke up in time to see all the presentations and go on stage with all the other kids. Daddy got to tell the whole crowd about me. They all clapped for me and the other kids too. It was just plain neat.

Now I’ve gone to spend a few days at Grandmother and Granddaddy’s since Daddy has to go on a trip. I’m looking forward to wearing them out with all my tricks.

My next MRI is scheduled for October 19th; we’re already counting the days down. We’re praying for no changes since my last MRI. If that is the case, we’ll assume that the abnormal cells are just scar tissue.

Hopefully a few days after my MRI, I’ll get my trach out. Once it’s out, Mommy and Daddy are going to start taking me to all the Churches that have been praying for me. It’s a long list but we’re going to try to hit them all. I’ll keep you posted as to when we start.

Until next time….

Please say a prayer for me!!

Hugs and Kisses,
Avery Ann Hildreth

To learn more about the ride or to make a donation, you can go to the following websites:

www.rideforkids.org

www.pbtfus.org

Saturday, September 18, 2004 11:14 AM CDT

Hey everyone..... we survived my first (and hopefully last) hurricane. Hurricane Ivan landed on Daddy’s Birthday, I bet he won’t forget that. I had my follow-up visit with the radiation-oncologist last week before the storm. She told me I looked and was doing great!!!! She told me that I wouldn’t have to come back and see her anymore.

We were planning on going to the beach this weekend, but Ivan changed that. Granddaddy’s house in Gulf Shores is ok, so maybe in a few weeks I’ll be able to go visit it again. I’ve also learned a new trick that scares Daddy to death. I learned how to climb the stairs. Mommy and Daddy only let me do it when they are there to follow me. It’s SO much fun.

My next MRI is scheduled for October 19th; we’re already counting the days down. We’re praying for no changes since my last MRI. If that is the case, we’ll assume that the abnormal cells are just scar tissue.

Hopefully a day or two after my MRI, I’ll get my trach out. Once it’s out Mommy and Daddy are going to start taking me to all the Churches that have been praying for me. It’s a long list but we’re going to try to hit them all. I’ll keep you posted as to when we start.

Until next time….

Please say a Prayer for all of those people affected by Ivan and one for me too.

Hugs and Kisses,
Avery Ann Hildreth

NEW PICTURES COMING SOON!!!!!!

Wednesday, September 8, 2004 9:54 PM CDT

Hey I'm home from the beach. I had a great time and the weather was fantastic!! I've been playing with Mommy and Daddy around the house this week. Next week I have to go for my radiation checkup. It should be a breeze since I'm doing so well.

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be home and at the beach again. I can't wait to get my trach out so I can go swimming. I've been one time and I really enjoyed it, but it has been so long we'll have to see if I still like it. Plus I'll be able to take a regular bath. Yeah!!!!

Check out my new pictures from the beach. I'll update you again in a few days.

Until next time, please don't forget to say a prayer for me.

Hugs and Kisses,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Tuesday, August 31, 2004 3:58 PM CDT

Hey everyone I’m at home hanging out with Mommy and Daddy. This weekend is a beach weekend for us. I get to my Uncle Sammy for the first time in about two months. I’ve been playing and playing around the house. I help Mommy cook in the afternoon and chase Daddy around the house in the evening. I think I’m wearing them out!!

Last Sunday morning about 2:00 am we had to make a trip to Children’s Hospital. I started running a fever, plus I was holding my head like it hurt and pulling at my ears. Mommy and Daddy raced me to the emergency room, but by the time we got there my fever had broke. We ran all kinds of test and they all came back ok. The Doctor seemed to think I might have a virus that was causing the fever along with a sore throat from my trach that was hurting my ears. They sent us home with some medicine that I have to take for 7 days, and then I should be as good as new. I’m already feeling much better.

I’ll have lots of new pictures when I get back from the beach, so check back next week.

Thanks for all the prayers.

Love,
Avery Ann Hildreth

PS. Only 6 more weeks until my next MRI and my trach comes out!!!!

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 9:29 PM CDT

NEW PICTURES!!!!

Wooooooo Hooooooo..... I had a BIG day today. First I had my swallow study done. Although I was fighting mad and screaming the whole time (not because it hurt, but because I had to sit still and my hands were being held), I PASSED!! I PASSED!! I PASSED!! My natural reflex to protect my airway and swallow to my stomach functioned normal. I had several different consistencies of fluids and all of them went to the proper place, I didn’t aspirate any of them. Now I get to start eating some food by mouth again.

Then came the BIG surprise. After seeing Dr. Reddy, she told us that we weren’t going to do any chemo right now and that I wouldn’t have to come back to see her until October when I have my next MRI. That came as a big shock to all of us, we were expecting to start chemo next week and then BAM… we get two more months off. After I have my MRI in October, my trach will be removed. We’ll all be happy when that happens!!

If things go well and I start eating on my own and my MRI results are clear, it’s feasible that I could have my trach and G-tube out and only have to go back for my MRI tests. We’re all praying for that. As Mommy and Daddy said this day couldn’t have turned out any better.

Thank you to all of you that have been praying for me. I keep telling everyone that it seems to be working… and after today, we know it’s working. We still have a long road to go, so PLEASE don’t forget to keep me in your prayers.

Until next time,

Hugs, smiles, and kisses,

Avery Ann Hildreth

PS. Daddy’s got some new pictures that he’ll post tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 4, 2004 9:58 PM CDT

I’m a girl on the go. I had company in last weekend and I enjoyed every minute of it. I had so many people to wear out it wasn’t even funny. I think Mommy and Daddy enjoyed me wearing out someone other than them. My new trick is to crawl as fast as I can to another room when you’re not looking. It only takes a second for me to take off and then it’s off to the races. I’m standing more and more and I can actually pull up on my own. It won’t be long before I’ll be running like Barry Sanders through the house, then Mommy and Daddy will have to call in reinforcements.

We’re still waiting to see Dr. Reddy on the 18th to find out what my next course of treatment will be. Until then I’m going to play as hard as I possibly can. This weekend we’re going to the beach for a getaway. I’ve posted 10 new photos in the scrolling pictures, once I get all the ones that were taken last weekend I’ll post some more. I’m sure I’ll have more from the beach this weekend.

We just heard some great news about the “Curing Childhood Cancer” license plates. We’ve been told that the initial 1,000 pre-orders have been met. That means that the State of Alabama will produce this plate. I encourage everyone to inquire about these special plates when you renew your plates.

Until next time.... many smiles and laughs.

Love,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Friday, July 30, 2004 5:15 PM CDT

As usual, it has been a busy couple of weeks. We moved out of our apartment in Birmingham this week, so our home away from home will have to be a memory. It was nice and served its purpose, but we’re thankful that we no longer need it.

I also attended a food show in Birmingham this week. I got see a lot of people who have been praying for me. It was both fun and uplifting for everybody. After dinner at the food show, they had a Las Vegas night of gambling. We were actually gambling for tickets for the door prizes. I think that I’m a good luck charm because Mommy and Daddy won flat screen TV and a barbeque grill. I think since I’m so lucky, the TV should go in my room for me to watch cartoons.

This weekend I have all kinds of company coming from all over to visit. I’m so excited to see everyone and we’ll have lots of new pictures to post early next week. Don’t be surprised if you see pictures of me crawling around or even standing up, because those are my favorite things to do these days.

Until next time, please say a prayer.

Smiles and laughs,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Monday, July 19, 2004 8:32 PM CDT

Hey everybody I got some more good news today. We called to see what time my appointment was on Wednesday with Dr. Reddy and her nurse told us that we didn’t have to come back for ANOTHER MONTH!!! Mommy was sooooo excited that she called everybody to tell them the good news. It was a big day for Mommy; she got that good news from Dr. Reddy’s office and she resigned from her job to stay home with me. We’re going to have so much fun playing at home when Daddy’s working. We tell Daddy every morning to make sure he makes us some shopping money.

I do have to go back to Birmingham this week to have my G-tube changed. It shouldn’t take long but it’s been over a month since it was changed. We also learned that when I go for my next appointment with Dr. Reddy in August, we’re going to do another swallow study. I hope I pass this one and get my trach out soon.

I hope you enjoyed my new pictures.

Until next time,

Avery Ann Hildreth

Thursday, July 15, 2004 6:13 PM CDT

After nearly 7 hours at the hospital, we got the news that we’ve been waiting to hear for nearly 6 months. After the MRI we waited for Dr. Reddy to come talk to us. She had really good news....

First she had said that my ventricles were back to the normal size and the fluid in the brain looked great. Then she told us that the cancer hadn’t spread to the spine, in fact as aggressive as this type of cancer is and that we haven’t tried to keep it from spreading (with chemo) in several months, we should celebrate that huge accomplishment. Then Dr Reddy told us that they did find a very small amount abnormal cells next to my brain stem, BUT they weren’t sure if it was cancer or just scar tissue. We're leaning towards scar tissue. Either way, it’s much smaller than it was at my last MRI. We’ll have to wait for my next MRI in three months to see if there’s any change in those cells. It’ll be a week or two before we decide on what to do next.

Dr. Reddy told us that she knew that we’ve been celebrating my progress, but this is another BIG reason to celebrate!!!!!

Thanks for all your prayers and messages of support... they have been very uplifting.

Until next time, laughs and smiles…

Avery Ann Hildreth

Saturday, July 10, 2004 2:06 PM CDT

Hi everyone!! I hope you like the changes to the website, this will allow us to post more pictures for you to see.

My checkup on Wednesday went as expected, they were all surprised by my progress. We won’t know exactly what the radiation did until my MRI next Thursday. We’re praying that we get the results that we’re expecting. Dr. Reddy said that it would be a couple of weeks after the MRI before she would decide what my next course of treatment will be.

I’m getting more and more active everyday. I’m doing all kinds of neat stuff for Mommy and Daddy. This afternoon I’m going to the mall to get my picture taken along with some other local kids. They are looking for photogenic children in the area and Mommy thinks I’m one of them. I wonder why she would think that. After the photos we get to go to a picnic and see a bunch of people that I haven’t seen in awhile. That should be fun, fun, fun.

Please remember to say an extra special prayer for me next Thursday…. for they have worked thus far.

Until next time.

Love,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Monday, July 5, 2004 9:38 AM CDT

Hey everyone... it's been a busy week and a half. As you can see in the picture above, I was the lifeguard on duty at the beach. Oh that was FUN. Mommy and Daddy took me to the fireworks last night and I waved at all the loud ones. Those were my favorites.

We had a cook out today for the 4th and I got to visit with everyone. I showed off some of my new tricks, (look at the other photos to see one of them). I laughed and played and we all had a good time.

Some of my other new tricks are: sitting up all by myself, flopping onto my belly, scooting and crawling anywhere I want to go, and cruising forward and backward in my walker (plus one more... look at the photo).

I go back to clinic on Wednesday to see Dr. Reddy, and we all think that she'll be quite surprised at my progress. As well, Nana and Grandpa will be surprised to see my progress in the last month.

I'll update you on my visit next time.

Until then... smile and say a prayer for me.

Love,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Monday, July 10, 2004 9:38 AM CDT

Sunday, July 4, 2004 8:37 PM CDT

Hey everyone... it's been a busy week and a half. As you can see in the picture above, I was lifeguard on duty at the beach. Oh that was FUN. Mommy and Daddy took me to the fireworks last night and I waved at all the loud ones. Those were my favorites.

We had a cook out today for the 4th and I got visit with everyone. I showed off some of my new tricks, (look at the other photos to see one of them). I laughed and played and we all had a good time.

Some of my other new tricks are to sit up all by myself, flop onto my belly, scoot and crawl anywhere I want to go, and cruise forward and backward in my walker (plus one more... look at the photo).

I go back to clinic on Wednesday to see Dr. Reddy, and we all think that she'll be quite surprised at my progress. As well, Nana and Grandpa will be surprised to see my progress in the last month.

I'll update you on my visit next time.

Until then... smile and say a prayer for me.

Love,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Thursday, June 24, 2004 1:58 PM CDT

Hey everyone I had a great checkup with my Doctor yesterday. She took me off of my last medicine for breathing and she said I was simply amazing. In the last few days I surprised everyone by pulling myself up and standing with only a little help. Mommy and Daddy clap and cheer every time I stand. I give them a big smile and think I knew I could do it. It won’t be long before everyone will be chasing me around the house.

My trach will stay in until I have my MRI on July 15th. Then we’ll evaluate how much longer I’ll have to have it. Hopefully when all the swelling from radiation goes away, I’ll be able to swallow good enough to take it out. We’ll have to wait and see.

I’m gone to the beach again. I hope this time the weather will cooperate so I can go to the beach. I’ll post more pictures after the weekend.

Until next time.... please say a prayer for me!!!

Smiles and waves,

Avery Ann Hildreth

Sunday, June 20, 2004 6:27 PM CDT

Hey everyone it’s Father’s day!!! With all this special attention that Daddy’s getting, I vote that we create a Kid’s day. I guess for me Kid’s day would be everyday, oh well it was a good thought.

I’ve been home for a few days now and we’re all having fun. We went to see the M.O.N.K.E.Y. charity motorcycle ride yesterday. We got to see the motorcycles take off from Barber’s Vintage Motorsports museum going to Camp Smile A Mile. About 300 motorcycles raised $53,000 for Camp SAM. It was hot and loud as they took off, but I sat up like a big girl and waved to all of them. When they got to camp they visited with other children who had cancer. They spent some time getting to know the kids and some of them actually got to go for a ride on a motorcycle. I’m just a bit too small for that but I’m sure it was fun. Thanks to Barry, Ron, Janice, Joey, Vickie, and Bo who rode in my honor.

I check in with my Doctor on Wednesday. Other than that we’re just waiting for July 15th for my follow-up MRI.

Thanks for all the kind messages. Please keep me in your prayers

Have a Happy Father’s Day.

Love,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Sunday, June 20, 2004 8:07 AM CDT

Hey everyone it’s Father’s day!!! With all this special attention that Daddy’s getting, I vote that we create a Kid’s day. I guess for me Kid’s day would be everyday, oh well it was a good thought.

I’ve been home for a few days now and we’re all having fun. We went to see the M.O.N.K.E.Y. charity motorcycle ride yesterday. We got to see the motorcycles take off from Barber’s Vintage Motorsports museum going to Camp Smile A Mile. About 300 motorcycles raised $53,000 for childhood cancer research. It was hot and loud as they took off, but I sat up like a big girl and waved to all of them. When they got to camp they visited with other children who had cancer. They spent some time getting to know the kids and some of them actually got to go for a ride on a motorcycle. I’m just a bit too small for that but I’m sure it was fun.

I check in with my Doctor on Wednesday. Other than that we’re just waiting for July 15th for my follow-up MRI.

Thanks for all the kind messages. Please keep me in your prayers

Have a Happy Father’s Day.

Love,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Sunday, June 13, 2004 10:29 AM CDT

Wow its Sunday already!! I’ve had a big weekend. I went to the zoo with Mommy and Daddy yesterday and we saw all kinds of animals. My favorites were the elephants and giraffes. I took a picture with Mr. Giraffe over my shoulder. I also got to watch a gorilla and orangutan eat their lunch. When Mr. Orangutan finished his lunch he swang from one end of his house to the other....boy that was funny. We were going on the train ride but as it came by we stopped to wave at everybody and it derailed!!! So much for that idea.

After we finished at the zoo, Mommy went to get her hair cut and I took a 45 minute nap. Just before Mommy was done I woke up. I was well rested and ready to GO… We went to Babies ‘R’ Us to buy me a big girl car seat. Daddy had me sit in it so he could fit it to me. I felt like a big girl, I was kicking my feet and laughing up a storm. Mommy and Daddy told me I would be facing forward and I could see what was going on in front of me. Look out world here I come!!!!!

It was early evening and I was lying down to go to sleep when we all heard some music outside our apartment window. We looked outside and it was a PARADE!! My first parade!! We all went down stairs to watch the vehicles and floats. Everyone was throwing candy and beads to me. I also got a stuffed animal from one float. I really enjoyed seeing all those people and costumes.

Next time I update my website I should be done with my treatments. Only Monday and Tuesday left!! Then I start my vacation for a whole month.

Until next time....Thanks for all the prayers.

Big Girl,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Thursday, June 10, 2004 8:13 PM CDT

It’s now Thursday and I only have three more treatments left. I would like to thank Mr. Joel, Mr. Jerry, Ms. Anita, Mr. Ronnie, Ms. Soyna, Ms. Kathryn, and Ms. PJ for all the special care and attention that I got. I’m going to miss all of you. I’ll be back in three months for my radiation checkup and hopefully by then I’ll be able to walk in for my appointment. I’m also going to miss Nena and Elle, Lisa and Cowboy, Kathy and Gypsy, Janet and Annabell, Phylis and Winston, JoDee and Maya from Hand-In-Paw. To learn more about how these very special people who brighten the day for people in need, visit their website at www.handnpaw.org .

I had my follow-up swallow study this morning. The good news is that I did swallow some, but not enough to pass the test. We’re going do another test in a couple of months once the swelling goes down from radiation. I’m still on one medication for my breathing, but my dosage has been cut in half. When I go back to clinic on June 23rd we’ll probably discontinue my last medicine.

This weekend Daddy is coming to Birmingham and we’re going to hang out with Mommy. We may go to the zoo or to the park. It just depends on the weather.

Until next time….

Have a good weekend and please don’t forget to say a prayer.

Many laughs,

Avery Ann Hildreth

Thursday, June 10, 2004 8:11 PM CDT

It’s now Thursday and I’ve only have three more treatments left. I would like to thank Mr. Joel, Mr. Jerry, Ms. Anita, Mr. Ronnie, Ms. Soyna, Ms. Kathryn, and Ms. PJ for all the special care and attention that I got. I’m going to miss all of you. I’ll be back in three months for my radiation checkup and hopefully by then I’ll be able to walk in for my appointment. I’m also going to miss Nena and Elle, Lisa and Cowboy, Kathy and Gypsy, Janet and Annabell, Phylis and Winston, JoDee and Maya from Hand-In-Paw. To learn more about how these very special people who brighten the day for people in need, visit their website at www.handnpaw.org .

I had my follow-up swallow study this morning. The good news is that I did swallow some, but not enough to pass the test. We’re going do another test in a couple of months once the swelling goes down from radiation. I’m still on one medication for my breathing, but my dosage has been cut in half. When I go back to clinic on June 23rd we’ll probably discontinue my last medicine.

This weekend Daddy is coming to Birmingham and we’re going to hang out with Mommy. We may go to the zoo or to the park. It just depends on the weather.

Until next time….

Have a good weekend and please don’t forget to say a prayer.

Many laughs,

Avery Ann Hildreth

Tuesday, June 8, 2004 8:34 AM CDT

Check out my new pictures!! I’ll post an update in the next couple of days.

Rain Rain go away… come back another day. Rain Rain go away…. its not working. I’m in Gulf Shores and it’s been raining most of the day. This was supposed to be our beach day; I’ve got my clam diggers on and I’m ready to go. But it doesn’t look like we’ll be able to get to the beach. Oh well, I’ve spent the weekend playing as hard as I can. I’ve been zooming around in my walker, mostly backwards but it still counts as zooming. We’ve got a 4 hour drive back to the apartment this afternoon and then we’ll get ready for my last full week of radiation.

Once I complete this coming week, I’ll only have two days the following week before I’m done. That’s right, only 7 more treatments!!! I’m down to one medicine for my breathing and one on the weekends to protect me from airborne viruses. I’m feeling better and it won’t be long before Mommy and Daddy will be chasing me around the house.

This weekend I got to call Grandpa to wish him Happy Birthday and I got to play with Granddaddy and Grandmother. I also got to see Gerry and Ann. I know Gerry kept stopping by to check on the family, but I haven’t got to see him in quite some time. Oh boy… I waved up a storm. I wonder if that’s why it’s raining today. I also got to see John and Joan.

I hope I get to see Ms. Nena and Ellie this week, if not I’ll only be there one more Monday before I’m done.

Mommy and Daddy took some pictures of me in my clam diggers, but they used old technology…. a dinosaur film camera. Once they have them developed on Monday or Tuesday, Daddy will update my photos.

Until next time…..start the countdown D-Day minus seven.

Please keep praying.

Love,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Sunday, June 6, 2004 12:39 AM CDT

Rain Rain go away… come back another day. Rain Rain go away…. its not working. I’m in Gulf Shores and it’s been raining most of the day. This was supposed to be our beach day; I’ve got my clam diggers on and I’m ready to go. But it doesn’t look like we’ll be able to get to the beach. Oh well, I’ve spent the weekend playing as hard as I can. I’ve been zooming around in my walker, mostly backwards but it still counts as zooming. We’ve got a 4 hour drive back to the apartment this afternoon and then we’ll get ready for my last full week of radiation.

Once I complete this coming week, I’ll only have two days the following week before I’m done. That’s right, only 7 more treatments!!! I’m down to one medicine for my breathing and one on the weekends to protect me from airborne viruses. I’m feeling better and it won’t be long before Mommy and Daddy will be chasing me around the house.

This weekend I got to call Grandpa to wish him Happy Birthday and I got to play with Granddaddy and Grandmother. I also got to see Gerry and Ann. I know Gerry kept stopping by to check on the family, but I haven’t got to see him in quite some time. Oh boy… I waved up a storm. I wonder if that’s why it’s raining today. I also got to see John and Joan.

I hope I get to see Ms. Nena and Ellie this week, if not I’ll only be there one more Monday before I’m done.

Mommy and Daddy took some pictures of me in my clam diggers, but they used old technology…. a dinosaur film camera. Once they have them developed on Monday or Tuesday, Daddy will update my photos.

Until next time…..start the countdown D-Day minus seven.

Please keep praying.

Love,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Monday, May 31, 2004 10:57 PM CDT

What a weekend!!! I got to spend three whole days with Mommy and Daddy at home. We didn’t make it to Toys ‘R’ Us because I decided to take a long afternoon nap on Saturday and Sunday. We had people over on Saturday to visit and eat dinner with us. We decided to grill some fish. Mommy made some really tasty sides and everyone brought a little something to go with the meal. I was happy to see all those faces that I haven’t seen in a while; boy I got tossed around like a hot potato. Besides getting excited about playing with everyone, I also decided to start crawling this weekend. It took me getting mad at Mommy and Daddy, but I showed them I could get across the bed to my toys.

Tomorrow I get my 20th treatment, which means I’ll only have 10 more after that. Then we’ll get to go somewhere on vacation during my month off. I think we’re going to New Orleans for a few days to visit with some friends and go to the D-Day museum. This coming weekend we’re going to go the beach and enjoy the sunny weather. Daddy said he’d take me back to the water and let me put my feet in again. It has been about 8 months since I got to do that for the first time. I’m looking forward to that!!

Until next time… Please keep me in your prayers.

Laughs and smiles,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Monday, May 31, 2004 10:04 PM CDT

What a weekend!!! I got to spend three whole days with Mommy and Daddy at home. We didn’t make it to Toys ‘R’ Us because I decided to take a long afternoon nap on Saturday and Sunday. We had people over on Saturday to visit and eat dinner with us. We decided to grill some fish. Mommy made some really tasty sides and everyone brought a little something to go with the meal. I was happy to see all those faces that I haven’t seen in a while; boy I got tossed around like a hot potato. Besides getting excited about playing with everyone, I also decided to start crawling this weekend. It took me getting mad at Mommy and Daddy, but I showed them I could get across the bed to my toys.

Tomorrow I get my 20th treatment, which means I’ll only have 10 more after that. Then we’ll get to go somewhere on vacation during my month off. I think we’re going to New Orleans for a few days to visit with some friends and go to the D-Day museum. This coming weekend we’re going to go the beach and enjoy the sunny weather. Daddy said he’d take me back to the water and let me put my feet in again. It’s been about 8 months since I got to do that for the first time. I’m looking forward to that!!

Until next time… Please keep me in your prayers.

Laughs and smiles,
Avery Ann Hildreth

Thursday, May 27, 2004 3:23 PM CDT

Only 12 more treatments to go!!! I’m excited to be on the down side of my treatments. I got good reports from my weekly checkup. I’m being slowly weaned off of the final two medications that I’m on. Next week I’ll get my “button” put on my G-tube. I won’t have this long tube sticking out of me anymore. Dr. Reddy also told me that I would have a whole month off after I finish my radiation on June 15th. Then we’ll do an MRI to see how I’ve progressed. We’re also going to do another swallow study in the near future. Shhhhh…. Mommy gave me some ice cream and I swallowed it. I know I’m not supposed to have ice cream, but it was good. Once last medical update, once I reach 20 lbs (I’m almost 19 lbs now), I can have a forward facing car seat. Mommy and Daddy will be in real trouble when I can see what’s going on in front of me. Look out world here I come!!!!!!

I’m looking forward to spending the weekend at home playing with my toys and visiting with everyone who stops by. We also get to go to Toys ‘R’ Us to buy a toy box for all my toys. Mommy and Daddy only think that the toy box will give them their living room back. Little do they know.

Until next time….. Please keep praying.

Avery Ann Hildreth

Monday, May 24, 2004 10:45 PM CDT

WOW…. I’m halfway done with my radiation. Everybody tells me that the second half goes by faster than the first half. I hope that’s the case…. I feel better and I’m starting to do some of the things that I did before I got really sick. Daddy brought my walker to the apartment and I’ve been tooling around in it ever since. My legs are now strong enough that I can jump in my jumper for hours at a time. Boy with all this fun I’m having, how do I have time to be sick?

This Wednesday when I go for my weekly visit to clinic, Dr. Reddy may take me off of the final two medicines that I’m on. Wow, I will have gone from about 10 or 12 to none. We’re all excited about that.

I went to a baby shower and graduation last weekend. I really enjoyed seeing all those different people. Mommy and Daddy say that I’ll probably be a politician because I like people so much. You never know; besides if Bill Clinton was good enough for politics, I should be a shoe in.

This weekend I’ll go home and spend three days playing with Mommy and Daddy. We’re going to cook out, go for a ride in the stroller, and visit with everybody who comes over. Then when I go back to radiation next week, I’ll only have 11 more treatments.

Well I have to run it’s my bedtime. Please don’t forget to say a bedtime prayer for me, for He is listening.

Many smiles and laughs,

Avery Ann Hildreth

Monday, May 17, 2004 8:03 PM CDT

Hey everyone.... I just completed my 10th treatment today. Only 20 more to go.... Thank you to everyone who's left me a message, they've been very uplifting and encouraging. I've had mommy and daddy read all of them to me and I feel very special that sooooo many people have been praying for me.

I got really excited today because I was on TV. My friend that I met in the hospital, Kari Gonthier, and her class raised some money to buy wagons for Children's Hospital. I was asked to come and ride in one of the wagons for the Birmingham news at 5 o’clock. I looked at the camera and gave a big smile. Unfortunately, they didn’t play the part when I was waving at the camera. Oh well, they got my pretty smile.

My mommy and daddy had some misinformation. They thought that we were going to get an update on my progress last week. However, it turns out that we’ll have to wait until I’ve completed my treatments before we know how well the radiation worked. The Doctors keep asking mommy if she can tell a difference in my breathing. Mommy keeps telling them that everyone around me can tell. I hope that that’s a sign of good news to come.

Check out my new pictures and don’t forget to leave me a message. I like it when Mommy and Daddy read them to me.

Until next time, please keep praying!!!!

Avery Ann Hildreth

Monday, May 10, 2004 10:29 PM CDT

New Update....

I hope everyone is enjoying the new pictures that we posted this weekend. As you can see, Avery is feeling better and is really getting back to her old self.

She got to come home and sleep in her own bed for the first time in a few weeks. We think that did her more good than anything else.... well other than driving her car. We also got to spend Mother's day at home as a family; boy that was a great feeling. We played in the bed most of the morning with Ms. Avery and she enjoyed every minute of it. Mommy also took her to her Toastmasters meeting on Saturday and let everyone play with her. She loved that too.

We're beginning the second week of radiation, with the anticipation that we'll only have five more weeks including this one. Hopefully by mid-week we'll have our first update from the radiation. Keep your fingers crossed and please say a few extra prayers!!!

Until we have a new update.... Be safe and keep praying!!!!

Sincerely,
Dan and Gene Ann Hildreth

Thursday, May 6, 2004 4:28 PM CDT

We just wanted to let everyone know that Avery was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon!!!!

To date she's had three treatments of radiation; so far she's handled them without any complications. She'll continue to receive radiation on an out-patient basis for the next 5 1/2 weeks. Fortunately for us, the doctors have decided to document (film) her progress on a daily basis. Essentially that means we'll have very frequent (positive) feedback on the effects of the radiation.

Avery will continue to stay at our apartment in Birmingham during the week. On the weekends, she's free to go anywhere she wants. Actually the same is true for weekdays, but we'll probably keep her close to the radiation center.

Hopefully we'll have the initial results of the radiation treatments sometime next week.

Until then.... Please keep praying!!!!!

Sincerely,

Dan and Gene Ann Hildreth

Sunday, May 2, 2004 1:36 PM CDT

Check out Ms. Avery’s new pictures!!!

New update!!! Ms. Avery has been moved to her own room. She’s up and ready to GO!!!!!!. In fact, she’s found a new favorite toy. She loves to get in the “Little Tikes Police Car” and go for a ride around the 5th floor. She’s successfully worn out both Daddy and Granddaddy on her many journeys. It’s so nice to see her happy again.

She also started feedings through her G-tube yesterday. They’re gradually increasing the amount of her feedings until she reaches her goal of being fed six times a day.

The plan is for her to start radiation treatments on Monday, and go every weekday for six weeks. After her treatment on Monday, she’ll come back to hospital. On Tuesday, she’ll have her trach changed and hopefully released from the hospital for six weeks. Unfortunately because of her radiation schedule, she’ll have to stay at the apartment in Birmingham during the week. Hopefully she’s able to make it home every weekend.

Keep praying!!!!!

Sincerely,

Dan and Gene Ann Hildreth

Saturday, May 1, 2004 9:09 PM CDT

New update!!! Ms. Avery has been moved to her own room. She’s up and ready to GO!!!!!!. In fact, she’s found a new favorite toy. She loves to get in the “Little Tikes Police Car” and go for a ride around the 5th floor. She’s successfully worn out both Daddy and Granddaddy on her many journeys. It’s so nice to see her happy again.

She also started feedings through her G-tube yesterday. They’re gradually increasing the amount of her feedings until she reaches her goal of being fed six times a day.

The plan is for her to start radiation treatments on Monday, and go every weekday for six weeks. After her treatment on Monday, she’ll come back to hospital. On Tuesday, she’ll have her trach changed and hopefully released from the hospital for six weeks. Unfortunately because of her radiation schedule, she’ll have to stay at the apartment in Birmingham during the week. Hopefully she’s able to make it home every weekend.

Keep praying!!!!!

Sincerely,

Dan and Gene Ann Hildreth

Wednesday, April 28, 2004 12:19 AM CDT

We had two successful procedures yesterday afternoon. Both the trach and G-tube were completed without any complications. Unfortunately, Avery will have to be in PICU for the next week in Birmingham, AL. They did transport her to the radiation center two blocks away this morning to have her simulated for her radiation therapy. That too was a success.

She's now back in PICU resting and recovering. Even though she's probably not too happy with mommy and daddy, she's in good spirits and already showing signs of being her old self.

Thanks to everybody for the wonderful words of encouragement and support.

Keep Praying..... It's working!!!

Dan and Gene Ann Hildreth

Sunday, April 25, 2004 10:04 AM CDT

Avery's MRI results were mixed. The resected tumor hasn't shown any signs of re-growth. While the portion of the tumor that was not removed, did have some slight growth. Now we're going to proceed with Radiation Therapy to try to kill the remaining portion of the tumor. Avery will have to have surgery on Tuesday 4-27-04, to have a temporary tracheotomy done. That will allow her to be sedated on a daily basis without having to put a tube down her throat. The radiation therapy will be 5 days a week for six weeks.

Hopefully at that point, the tumor will have shrunk and her normal swallowing will have returned.

Thanks for all of the kind words and prayers. Please keep little Ms. Priss, as we like to call her, in your prayers.

Check back often for new updates. Be sure to sign her guest book and check out the latest photos in the photo album!!!

Sincerely,
Dan and Gene Ann Hildreth

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