Hazel’s Journey: Courage, Faith, and Family Through the Hardest Battles.1268

Today should have been a day of relief — a discharge from the hospital and the return to the familiar comfort of home. Yet, for Hazel and her family, it is a bittersweet milestone. The last round of chemotherapy lasted longer than expected, complicated by the neurotoxicity caused by ifosfamide. On Sunday, treatment had to be held, and Monday required running the chemo at half speed to protect Hazel’s delicate system. Adding to the strain, her electrolytes went awry, necessitating an entire day of correction yesterday. Each complication is a reminder of the fragility of her tiny body and the vigilance required to care for her. 😔

This morning brought a spine MRI, which confirmed what the family had anticipated — the tumor on Hazel’s L2 and L3 vertebrae remained. But there was no new disease detected. For a parent, this news is a mixture of relief and fear; relief that nothing else has appeared, fear that any new development could be too much to bear. The scans between now and the next treatment round will guide the next steps. Her brain and spine require separate treatments from the rest of her body, creating entirely distinct treatment plans, layered on top of an already complex schedule. The thought alone is dizzying, almost incomprehensible. 😵‍💫

Despite being discharged, Hazel’s family made the difficult decision to stay in New York City while she recovers from this harsh round of chemo. For Hazel’s mother, this choice was heart-wrenching. She has spent only eight days at home in the last fifty, and knowing that leaving now could mean being away from home for months was almost unbearable. Yet, given Hazel’s need for platelet monitoring, the risk of neutropenic fever, and the illness of the youngest siblings at home, the family concluded that staying put was the safest choice. Returning home for a brief window could expose both Hazel and her mother to dangerous illness — a risk they could not afford. 😭

The separation from her husband and other children is deeply painful. She misses her family, the comfort of home, and the small but precious moments with her other kids. The family is exploring options to have visits in the coming weeks, but logistics are daunting. Hotels are expensive, outpatient windows are narrow, and the Ronald McDonald House has a strict occupancy limit. Despite these hurdles, the family remains determined to find a way for Hazel to connect with her siblings, even if only for brief moments. 😬

Prayer remains central to their journey. They ask for divine intervention — for Hazel’s healing, relief from side effects, increased appetite, comfort, and joy amidst the pain. They pray for Tim, who bears the immense responsibility of managing both his and his wife’s roles at home while caring for the other children. They pray for strength, endurance, and guidance as their family navigates an emotionally and physically exhausting journey. Hazel is fighting a very hard battle, and her tiny body requires not just medical care, but the unwavering support and love of her family and their community. 💛💜

Even in the midst of these challenges, Hazel’s family acknowledges the army of supporters walking alongside them. Friends, relatives, and countless others provide prayers, encouragement, and practical support — a reminder that no family has to face this fight alone. Gift cards, care packages, and messages of hope serve as lifelines, easing the burden of daily logistics and reminding them of the collective love surrounding them. 💙

Hazel’s journey is a story of courage, heartbreak, and unyielding faith. Every treatment, every hospital stay, and every moment of separation carries profound emotional weight. Yet, through it all, her family’s focus remains unwavering: Hazel. Their devotion is relentless, their prayers constant, and their hope unshakable.

This is more than a battle against cancer; it is a testament to resilience, love, and the strength of family and community. Hazel may be tiny, but her fight, and the love surrounding her, are immense. In every scan, every infusion, and every sleepless night, Hazel and her family remind us that courage and hope endure, even in the most challenging of circumstances. 💜💜💜💛