This beautiful smiling face is that of one of my heroes, so say hello to Ingrid.  This young lady has some big courage and has had this over the past year.  Following, her mother reports to me the treatments Ingrid has undergone over the past year:

During the past year she has undergone 26 hospitalizations (from 3-11 days each time): 14 chemotherapy treatments (3-5 days per treatment), 12 febrile neutropenia admissions (fever with no immunities).  She also had 45 radiation treatments, going in twice a day for 5 weeks.” 

Wow, Ingrid, you’re a trooper and most of all you’re an inspiration as you have endured so much and continued to share your beautiful, gracious smile.

Ingrid was 5, going on 6, when she was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, specifically Askin’s Tumor.  Thankfully, she has completed her treatments and her latest scan show no signs of tumors!!! Yes!!!

When I come into contact with children and families, such as Ingrid’s, I am reminded to treasure life and to strive to love those around me at the deepest of levels. Children, like Ingrid, restore us as we discover the treasured elements of life and restore in us the desire to engage life in a meaningful way.