A few months ago though a friend's blog, I heard of this amazing family who was going through a tragedy. The Smith family, currently lives in Buffalo while Ryan is attending UB Dental School. Megan, who was pregnant went into labor on a Sunday Morning in July, and while doing routine blood work, it was discovered her white blood cell counts were much higher then normal. (when 2 weeks earlier at her routine dr. appt it was normal) It became clear over the hours, how serious Megan's condition was, and immediately after delivery, after only holding her sweet newborn baby girl, Rylee for a short time, she was rushed to Roswell Park Cancer Institute here in Buffalo. She was at that point Diagnosed with AML - Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She began Chemotherapy treatments immediately and a search for a bone marrow donor was immediately started. In short, her brother was able to be her donor, she was given the transplant and was recovering from that when the effects of the cancer to the rest of her body were taking it's tolls. During this time, her lungs were weakened, she suffered from some heart problems and a stroke, not to mention other things as well. Last week, after running tests, it was found that the cancer was NO Longer in her body, however the damage had still been done. Within days, her lungs began leaking, and collapsed. The doctor's at that point could no longer do anything medically for Megan and she would need only a Miracle to survive. Unfortunately Megan passed away yesterday morning.
(I stole this picture from Ryan's blog...)
I have followed this story from the beginning, and can't help but feel so touched and close to this family. Her amazing husband was courageous enough to share their story though a blog and keep family, friends and complete strangers like us updated on her progress. We kept Megan in our prayers everyday moment of the day, and even had Colin wishing her lungs better before bed each night. Mike and I would go online a couple times a day to check on updates, and view pictures of her and her family. She was only 27 years old, a wife and a brand new mommy. Rylee most definitely was Megan's last Miracle here, and she will live on though Rylee for many, many years to come. I can honestly say, I've never been so touched by a story, from people who I never came in direct contact with ever. I think Megan changed me forever. She leaves behind an amazing Legacy, not to mention a wonderful husband and beautiful daughter. Megan fought long and hard in these short 4 months, but unfortunately, the cancer beat her. We will continue to pray for her family.
You can read her entire story here on the website
Megan joins Les, Jennifer, our grandparents and many many other loved ones, friends & family, in Heaven now, Angels that will always be watching over us.
