Wow! It is amazing how fast time goes by. As a child, you always think it will be forever before I can drive or move out of my parents house. Then all of a sudden reality hits you right upside the head not with a stick but with a log. I never thought we would be able to get through all that we did. But with the love and support of our family, here we are able to thank God for all the love and support. We have been so blessed in this last year for so many reasons. When we first got the news, I don't know how many prayer lists Brayden and our family ended up on. We had people from all over the US praying for Brayden. I remember talking to my grandma on the phone and she alone I think put us on 3 or more prayer chains. When she told me I cried, I can't believe how much we are so blessed to have that much love.
Another great event took place for Brayden to help with his medical expenses. Our family and friends set up a benefit to honor Brayden. They put a lot of time and energy into helping make it a great success. We were able to make enough money to pay for Brayden's medical expenses and some of his future medications and procedures. So thank you to all of you that made this event happen and for those of you that came to support Brayden! When Kyle and I reflected on this event it still gives us tingles on how much we are blessed and the people that came out. We were so pleasantly surprised by the amount of people that donated and supported us. Words can't describe our reaction to this event.
There have been other events that have taken place to spread the word about JRA. We attended a Walk for JRA at the Mall of America. At this event we met some other families that are affected by this disease. We will be attending this year to the same event put on by North Central Arthritis Foundation. The Justin Morneau Casino Night was a blast certainly for Vicki and Kyle. It was held at the New Twins Stadium and almost all the Twins were there and some other professional athletes. Greg and I hung out, while Vicki and Kyle stalked the players for a picture. It was fun and Kyle made a new best friend...But when is Kyle not making friends with strangers. Lets just say Kyle and Delmon Young were like long lost friends!!! We were also very blessed, when we received a card in the mail by our cousins Kristi and Jeremy. Over the 4th of July they went camping with some friends and dedicated the weekend to Brayden and JRA. They sent pictures, which I will post of the weekend. Each time I read this card even to this day, it brings me to tears. What a unselfish act and the kindness we have received. It is just so unbelievable. Tomorrow, we will be in Edina walking again for JRA. Hope it doesn't rain!!!
I also have to report Brayden is now being seen at the Mayo. We did end up getting a second opinion and couldn't be happier. We love his doctor and he took him off the Kineret. He has been doing fabulous and hope this continues. His next apt. is in November, if everything goes well we get to push his apts to every 6 months instead of 3 months.
