As I mentioned above, Ty was recently invited to participate in the Relay For Life in Wake Forest as a survivor. It was really an emotional experience. We were so moved that we decided to have our own team in Fayetteville's Relay For Life - team 'Helping Others'. We have been so blessed by the love and support that we've received from everyone during this trying time, we want to do what we can to help others. Maybe one day there'll be a cure and no one will have to experience the ugliness of cancer.

If you have never participated in a Relay For Life, you need to. This is something that everyone should experience. Join a team, make a donation, purchase a luminary to honor a loved one who is battling cancer or in memory of someone who's lost their fight. If nothing else, come out to honor the survivors in their survivors walk or experience the magic during the Ceremony of Hope; when the luminaries are lit with the names of loved ones lighting the way along the track.

If you know a survivor, invite them to come out and walk in their survivors lap. They will  receive a survivors t-shirt and, afterwards, they're invited to a survivors dinner.

 Hope to see ya there!!!

~Carmen

"You've Been Flushed"

There's a purple toilet making its rounds in Gray's Creek. I hear it was last seen in Mr. & Mrs. Witherow's yard. Don't be surprised if you find it in yours. For a donation it can be removed and placed in a yard of your choice. Uh oh Mr. Culbreth, you better watch out, I think you're next!

20 April 2008

We're back from Duke and just like we had faith it would be - everything was just fine! All of Ty's x-rays were clear! Everyone was so excited about Ty's new prosthetic and his progress! He was like show 'n tell and he was loving it! His next appointments are in July.

It's been about 2 1/2 weeks since Ty received his prosthetic. He's still doing good other than having a blister on his little toe which has healed now and the top of his foot has rubbed raw. We believe this is from him sweating and doing a lot of walking Friday. We are tending to that and will keep you posted. But as far as everything else concerning his prosthetic, all is still looking good. He's still going strong! After meeting with Dr. Brigman, we have agreed that Ty needs to remain in therapy to continue with the evaluation and treatment for gait training. This is to help insure he doesn't acquire any bad habits walking and to continue strengthening his muscles. The goal is for Ty to walk as normal as anyone else.

All is good!

~Carmen

Posted: on 4/20/08 by Ty's mom   0 comments

14 April 2008

It has been a while since I last posted. My apologies. But my focus has been on Ty lately.

If you're like me, no one watches your child more than you do. You might not can put your finger on it, or have the medical terminology to explain it, but you know when something isn't right and as a mom you can't stop until you find out what it is and what you can do to help them. That has been my quest.

After Ty's second prosthetic he began complaining that his Achilles Tendon and hip hurt constantly. This was in addition to an ongoing problem with his toes bottoming out and a constant ingrown toenail. We knew something just wasn't right. We were told that everything had been done that could be done, that everything else was up to Ty. We didn't know what else to do to help him. We were at wits end and very frustrated. Ty's progress had begun to regress. He was becoming more and more discouraged. No matter how hard or consistently he worked he felt as though he was to blame for his lack of progress. Were we to accept and prepare Ty that this was the best it was going to get and that the pain and discomfort he was experiencing was going to be a part of his life. I began feeling like we had made a bad choice. It seemed like the basis on which we had made our decision to choose Rotationplasty wasn't being utilized to Ty's advantage and was actually hindering him in his progress.

Then we were given the name and number of a prosthetist who also had Rotationplasty. . . Steve Miller!

Steve Miller works at Hanger in Savannah, Georgia. We were able to meet with him and ask him a few, OK., A LOT of questions. We were so relieved that he knew exactly what we were going through. He knew the frustration we were feeling. He renewed our faith in that we had made the right decision in chosen Rotationplasty. You could see a sign of relief and hope in Ty's eyes.

Ty's new prosthetic not only didn't look like his foot was on backwards, but immediately we could tell that he wasn't having to slump over when he walked and he could sit in a chair with both feet squarely on the floor (that meant he could ride in the back seat without having to stretch his leg across the seat). By that night he was standing on one foot again, hopping back and forth on each foot and jogging. Three days later he realized he could ride a bike! I have to admit, it brought tears to my eyes. It has been a week and a half and Ty hasn't showed any signs of stopping.

We've been fortunate that everyone involved in Ty's care and rehabilitation has went that extra mile for him. But the truth is no one knows more about this procedure and what needs to be done than someone that has experienced it first hand. Please understand that Rotationplasty is not a common procedure. It is definitely a learning process for all involved.

We return to Duke Wed. and Thurs. for Ty's 3 month appointments - we know that God has been answering our prayers and we have faith that everything is going to be just fine!!!

Until next time,

~Carmen

Posted: on 4/14/08 by Ty's mom   0 comments

2 February 2008

I want to start by saying how truly blessed we are.

We are surrounded by wonderful people and live in such a caring community.  We are so thankful that each and every one of you are a part of  our lives. I couldn't begin to name everyone but I hope you know who you are and how sincerely thankful  we are for everything you have done. You will never know what you have done for us and how grateful we are!

God Bless You All

The fundraiser was a big success! A big "Thank You" to . . .

- Lisa Hall for everything you've done. You are such a genuine, compassionate person with an even bigger heart.

- Ronnie Davis and his family for allowing us the use of his Gray's Creek Turkey Shoot and hosting it for us as well (and teaching us how to shoot).

- George Jones and Lauren Sherrill for donating and cooking the BBQ.

- Paradise Acres, Bruce and Mickey's, & Kinlaw's Groceries for their donations.

- The City Hall Bluegrass Band for their performance.

Thank you to everyone who came out. It was emotionally overwhelming to see such a turn out. Even though it rained and snowed that day, it was a beautiful day!!!

I hope to get some pictures up soon. 

Congratulations to Destiny Williams - Winner of the 50/50 raffle

Posted: on 2/2/08 by Ty's mom   0 comments

16-17 January 2008

Ty's doctors appointments at Duke were good. His x-rays looked good and his chest scans were clear. His next appointments are April 16 & 17th.

Some of Ty's concerns at this visit was pain at his Achilles Tendon and his hip hurting. Dr. Brigman told us that the titanium rod in his leg protrudes from the bone a little (for easy access if needed to be removed) and could be causing some hip discomfort. It's Ty's choice if he'd like to have it removed but his leg wouldn't be as strong and he probably wouldn't be allowed to continue wrestling. You guessed it, Ty's choice is to leave it in. He's enjoying wrestling to much to take it out. We are still working on why his Achilles Tendon is hurting. It could be a combination of things. We'll keep you posted.

Please continue to keep him in your prayers. God Bless

Correction from an earlier post:

I stated I learnt that cold weather made the medal on Ty's prosthetic shrink which caused his leg to loosen and turned - this is not true. It would have to be extremely cold (below zero) for this to happen.

Posted: on 1/18/08 by Ty's mom   0 comments

10 January 2008

Can you believe how fast time flies!? Here it is . . . already a new year! Hope everyone had a blessed holiday and an opportunity to enjoy some time with your family. I don't know why, but I always enjoy when the kids are home, even in the summer. It always saddens me when they have to return to school. I guess this is something I need to work on (since they are getting older, LOL).

There is so much to catch you up on with Ty, but here goes . . . He received his new prosthetic. This one is so much better. This is good because he is able to get back into full swing at therapy and already we are noticing some changes. You can actually see his muscles building up in his thigh and he is has even gain more flexion in his foot. We know this because he can actually do leg extensions on a weight bench now. He hasn't been able to bend his leg enough to do this before. He's been complaining about one thing though and that is his Achilles tendon. He says it hurts when he is trying to do single leg stands. He was able to do a single leg stand on his prosthetic leg for up to a minute without pain, now he can barely stand 2 seconds before it starts hurting. Is it the prosthetic or is it because of the extension of his foot? Hoping to find out next week. We've learnt something kind of funny about his prosthetic though; We were at Wal-mart one day and I was watching him walk (as I always do, lol), one minute he was walking and his foot was straight in front, then the next minute his foot had turned completely inside. Why? The metal shrinks when its cold causing his foot to loosing up and turn in. Lol

He received the OK from Dr. Brigman to participate on the school wrestling team. What a difference this has made. It has been so hard trying to find a sport that would not only be vigorous for Ty but he would also enjoy. "Thank you Coach Culbreth for giving him this opportunity." I was asked after Ty's first match how did he feel because he had lost and I told them . . . "Ty went out on that mat proud and he came off that mat just as proud!"  =D

Yes, it has been already been 3 months. Next week we return to Duke. All I can say is, "its the dreaded  . . . ANTICIPATION."

Before I go I just have to say that with all the bad in the world, there's a lot of really good people. Lisa, "thank you" for everything you're doing and thanks to everyone that has offered their help and support. We are so blessed and thankful  to have so many wonderful, caring people apart of our lives.

God Bless

Carmen

Posted: on 1/10/08 by Ty's mom   0 comments

23 November 2007

To My Son

by Amy R. Campbell

Oh how the years go by,
Oh how time can certainly fly.
From once just a thought in far away dreams,
now into my arms and in my eyes gleam
the presence of you.
Your laughter and smiles
which go on for miles,
warms my heart and soul.
You're growing up so fast,
as I wish each moment with you to last forever.
My little boy will someday be a man
and right by your side I will forever stand.
I will pick up the pieces when you fall,
I will hold your hand and help you stand tall.
And when the day comes when you are on your own,
never feel that you are alone.
No matter how near or far apart
I am always right there in your heart.
Always remember whatever you go through
that no matter what, I will always love you.

"Happy 14th Birthday, Ty!"

"I Love You"

Mom

oxox

Posted: on 11/23/07 by Ty's mom   0 comments

14 November 2007

Oops! Didn't mean to take so long to post but time flew by. There just isn't enough of hours in a day (whew).

Ty is doing wonderful! He's adjusting being back in school and getting in the routine of things.  He has decided that he wants to join the schools wrestling team this year. We're waiting for the OK from Dr. Brigman. Although Dr. Brigman has already told Ty he can do anything he wants to do, mom here, needs to check just to make sure.

Ty was having problems with his new prosthetic. It wasn't fitting right, which caused him not to walk right, which caused his hip and knee to start hurting. . . a sign that something isn't right with the prosthetic. Thank goodness Louis agreed to redo the prosthetic. So that's where Ty's at right now. He's been wearing this one for a few days right now. So far it looks good. We'll go back next week so Louis and Jeremy can finish the leg and make any adjustments. There are a few things that are bothering Ty that I believe Louis can correct. I can't help but wonder though. . . will Ty always feel discomfort when wearing a prosthetic or will it eventually feel natural?

I've been working on getting video of Ty uploaded on his website but so far I am the only one that can see them. I'm trying something new tonight, hopefully it'll work and you'll be able to see them too. Cross your fingers!

Bye for now

Mom

Posted: on 11/14/07 by Ty's mom   0 comments

17 October 2007

We're just getting in from Duke and we wanted to let everyone know the good news. . . NO CANCER!!! A year in and Ty remains cancer free. Our prayers are being answered. Will write more later but right now we are ready for some rest. It has been a long two days.

Mom  =D

Posted: on 10/18/07 by Ty's mom   0 comments

10 October 2007

Updates on Ty's prosthetic: We found out there was a mistake concerning our insurance and we didn't have to wait for authorization from the secondary insurance after all. Ty was finally able to pick up his prosthetic. However, there were some problems with the alignment and such, and we had to return.  Louis and Jeremy stayed until after 8:00 pm working on it. We are schedule to return the end of the month so they can finish fixing it. We never realized how frustrating and stressful this process would be on Ty (or us). My hope is that in the future it will get easier for him. Until then, Ty has made an 'UNDER CONSTRUCTION' sign and used velcro to attach it to the front of his leg. (LOL)

By the way, the surprise he couldn't wait for everyone to see. . . he had it done in UNC colors, with UNC emblems (e.g. ram, foot, UNC, etc.) all over it! I'll have to take a picture and post it.

Posted: on 10/10/07 by Ty's mom   0 comments

24 September 2007

We are returning to Hanger today for some alignment work on Ty's prosthetic. We learn Friday that there is still another set back with Ty's receiving his prosthetic. He want be getting it today. We are having to wait approval from the secondary insurance.  :( 

Posted: on 9/24/07 by Ty's mom   0 comments

13 September 2007

Well Ty's disappointed today. He thought he would be going to school showing off his new leg.  He was so excited, he couldn't hardly wait. But when we went to Hanger yesterday  to pick it up (we thought), it wasn't ready. To see the look of disappointment in his eyes broke my heart. There's nothing harder on a mother than to see your child hurt and disappointed. He's had to deal with a lot this year but he has learned a lot also. He has learned some important qualities that will help him through the rest of his life, one being 'patience'. He knows that anything pertaining to himself, from here on out, will require time and he will have to be patience. He is accepting that. But he is a child and when you're in pain to just walk and getting around, there's just one thing on your mind. . . your leg!

We are schedule to return to Hanger Sept. 24. I pray that everything will go well and that the prosthesis will have the time needed to work on Ty's prosthetic so it will be ready.

Update on Cassidy: Friday Cassidy will undergo surgery to remove the lower part of her leg. The Rotationplasty isn't  healing properly and they feel that it would be best to remove it. The family and friends are asking that everyone  stop and drop everything on Friday, Sept. 14 at 2:30pm and whisper a prayer for Cassidy as she undergoes surgery.

Posted: on 9/13/07 by Ty's mom   0 comments

31 August 2007

We were at Hanger in Raleigh yesterday for the final adjustments on Ty's new leg. Louis was waiting on the special hinges he had ordered from Germany and he said they are in, and they just needed to make sure everything is fitting good. We went on Aug. 21st to start the process for a new prosthetic for Ty.  We thought that if we went then, his new one would be ready in time that he wouldn't have to wear the old one for much longer. It's hurting him to wear it and causing him ingrown toenails. Since school is fixing to start and he will be going all day, we wanted to make sure he wouldn't have to wear it for very long. He has grown so much since Dec. (his 1st fitting), he's toes are bottoming out!

Ty also talked to Louis about taking his old leg and making it like a water leg. Ty loves to go to the beach and fishing along the shore. This way he can do so without either worrying about his prosthetic getting wet or trying to do so with one leg. Louis said this would be no problem.

He continues to work hard to get more range of motion and it is paying off. Our last visit, Loius measured him at 46, this time he was at 32. In March he was at 60.  Louis told him he  could put whatever designs he wants on his new prostheitic, so we went this week to pick out some material. I can't tell you what it is but Ty can't hardly wait for everyone to see it. He's so excited. We're schedule for September 12th to pick it up.

It's hard to believe that it has been a year (Aug. 29, 2006) since we were told the news about Ty. He has started back to school full time this year. I don't know who it was the hardest on. . . me or him. Probably me. =D We have spent so much time together this past year and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I know he was glad to get back to school though, to see everyone and to get a break from me, ha, ha. It's going to be difficult for him but I have no doubt he will persevere just like he has done all year. He is a strong young man. I'm so proud of him.

This month another of Ty's therapist has left. Hilary, who has worked with Ty one on one since Shannon left, has married and moved away. We really miss her. =(  She broke the monotony of therapy for Ty, by changing up his exercises or by adding new challenges. She would make it fun. So far we have been blessed with wonderful therapist like Tracey, Shannon and Hilary. They all have took a personal interest in Ty. Worked with him one-on-one. It's hard to accept changes and there's bound to be some changes as long as Ty has been going to therapy. I just hope that the next therapist that he gets will do the same. After all, Ty has been in therapy since his first surgery July 31 2006. This is a long time for anybody, especially a child. A good therapist really makes all the difference in the world.

Congratulation Hilary

but

WE MISS YOU!!!

Posted: on 8/31/07 by Ty's mom   0 comments

3 August 2007

Good news. . . Cassidy made it through surgery and is on her road to recovery!!! Praise God.

Posted: on 8/3/07 by Ty's mom   0 comments

2 August 2007

I've just learned of a little girl named Cassidy, who is suffering from Osteosarcoma.  Cassidy is scheduled for surgery at 8:00 this morning. There is fear that complications may keep them from performing the Rotationplasty. Please add her and her family to your prayers. Please join their prayer page at http://powerpray.blogspot.com/. May His blessing be upon you.

19 July 2007

Hello everyone. What a busy week. It's been almost 10 months and we have just returned home from Duke for Ty's 3 month visit and good news . . . Ty remains cancer free!!! Praise the Lord, Thank you God. He continues to answer our prayers. Although I do have to admit I get a little scared and tensed whenever it is time for us to return to Duke. Sometimes it's hard to totally put your trust in God, especially when its your child,  but as He has done time and time again assuring us that we can.

Dr. Brigman gave Ty a good clean bill of health. His leg has healed and everything looks good. He told Ty what ever he wants to do, to go for it. He said Ty will continue to see him every 3 months for the next 2 years, after which, if everything continues to look good for Ty his visits would increase to 4-6 months apart.

Dr. Rosoff also gave Ty a good clean bill of health. If everything is good after our visit in October, Ty's visits to him will increase to 4-6 months apart. And he will only have to have the CAT Scan of his chest and leg x-rays done. 

Its such a big relief after the visits. (sigh)

O.K. . . . deep breath :-)

Ty was excited that he got to see everybody that he hasn't seen since his surgery. Dora, his therapist in the hospital. He hasn't seen her since he came home from the hospital. He really likes her a lot. When Ty was in the wheelchair before he came home from the hospital they would race down the hallways.  He also got to see Darcie, the child life specialist. She walked Ty through everything before his surgery. She really made him feel comfortable. This trip seemed to be especially good for Ty. It seemed to lift his spirits. I think it gave him the boost he needed. Everyone's so upbeat and optimistic. They're always so glad to see him. So impressed with everything he's done. It does wonders for Ty. It seems to just rejuvenate him. Although it was late when we finally made it to the motel the first night, Ty was so motivated that he worked out on the treadmill, some type of  stepper and even did laps in the pool for over 30 minutes. WOW!!!

17 July 2007

We are so excited! Yesterday we met with the good people of Ossur, Barbara Roesch & Henry Cotrastaner, at A.O.P. Inc.. Thanks to our good friend Rich Davis, who contacted Ossur and told them about Ty, they donated him an athletic foot. We can't thank them enough. You don't know what this means.  Not only does he have  a lot more movement but he can actually start doing so much more, like running and playing baseball. I know he can't hardly wait. He is already talking about getting on a skateboard. Look at that smile on his face. He is so excited.

"Thank you Ossur"

We'll keep you posted on where he is at. . .

Look out cause here he comes!

God Bless

Til' next time,

Mom

6 June 2007

I cannot close tonight without acknowledging the teachers and administrators at Gray's Creek Middle School. They made it possible for Ty to excel this year.

I know that it was extra work on everyone and I Thank You! Thank you for your interest in Ty. Thank you for your time. For visiting him at home. Preparing his work, keeping him on task with his studies and remembering him in school activities. For the phone calls to just touch base. Thank you for your support and understanding.  Thank you for caring about my child.

"Thank You"

Ms. Durden and Ms. Spain you will be missed!

Good luck in your endeavors!

Mrs. Hair (Homebound) it was wonderful getting to know you. We miss you. Our prayers are with you & your family.

Our lives have been touched by such wonderful people.

Thank You, God Bless

and Have a Great Summer!!!!

Carmen

6 June 07

Wow! What a week! What a year! 

The school year is coming to an end and I sit here tonight as a mom overwhelmed with  emotions and pride. 

God blessed me with two wonderful kids!

My oldest is graduating Friday - "Way to go Jenice, I am so proud of you!"  And Ty not only was able to keep up with his school work but excelled.  Like the old saying goes, "when the going gets tough, the tough gets going,"  boy did Ty get going.

Ty not only made straight 'A's, he passed the 7th grade writing test and gained points on the EOG.  I don't know what to say. I'm so emotional right now. He's amazing!!! :D The whole week has been filled with activities awarding the students for their achievements. Although he didn't get to participate Tuesday (we had to return to Hanger in Raleigh to have some adjustments made to his prosthesis) he did get to go to lunch with the principle on Monday to MiCasitas and skating today. Tomorrow is the end of year celebration. I know I will need some tissues.

A page dedicated to Ty in his school yearbook says  it  best. . ."Ty Williams - A true representation of Determination."

Gods Blessings

Carmen

20 May 2007

Hi everyone,

My apologies for not keeping you updated with Ty's progress as I had intended. It just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. A lot has been going on since we last posted, so here goes. . .

Ty continues to go to therapy twice a week. He's been going to therapy so long now (since Oct.), that everyone at CCRC are like family, especially Tracey, Shannon, Hilary & Page. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people involved in his progress.

He is wearing his prosthesis up to 4-5 hours a day now. He continues to work hard everyday to get the range of motion he needs for his ankle to completely work as his knee. His prosthesis is also made so that it is stretching his foot as he wears it, which makes it a little painful for him to wear. He has had some set backs in wearing his prosthesis, mostly with his toes (ingrown toenails).

He returned to school this month. He is able to attend for a half a day, three days a week. This did a world of good for him to be among his friends. He's worked real hard to keep his grades up and not fall behind while he was out of school. He made 'A' Honor Roll and won 2nd place in the Patriots Pen Essay. When they called his named to accept his certificate everyone started clapping, it was the longest applause I had ever heard. It took everything I had to fight back the tears.

Ty returns to Duke every 3 months to have Bone Scans, CT Scans and x-rays done to make sure the cancer hasn't returned. His last appointment was in April . . . NO CANCER!!! The Power of Prayer is working, so please continue to keep him in your prayers. His next appointment is in July.

I am in such awe of Ty. Everyday I watch him work at doing things that we take for granted. His attitude and personality gone unscathed. Although I know that God has a plan for Ty, I can't help but wonder why a child should have to endure so much.

Jenice, Ty's older sister, is graduating this year. I'm so proud of her. She has turned out to be a beautiful, strong, compassionate young lady. She has had a really hard time in dealing with what her brother has had to go through. This being her senior year has been especially hard, since it has had to take a back seat. We are planning her a graduation party and I hope it turns out really special for her.