A Legacy In the "Fight of Her Life"

One of the greatest fears we have as parents is that something will happen to our child that keeps up from protecting them. For us, this fear has come true. Our daughter, Josie, is currently in the PICU at Saint Francis Children's Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

In September, Josie had low hemoglobin which led to a short stay in the hospital for a blood transfusion. She was better for a short time, but slowly her hemoglobin began to drop again. After regular visits to the oncologist, more blood transfusions, a bone marrow extraction, and pneumonia we were left with a questionable diagnosis of iron deficient anemia.

Josie was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, January 28 with pneumonia. Shortly after she was admitted she was put on life support because her lungs were failing. The doctors believe she has a disease called Pulmonary Hemosiderosis which affects only 1 in 1.5 million people. After several tests, examinations, and a lung biopsy we are still awaiting the results for a definitive diagnosis.

I've always had a solid faith, but more than ever I understand the power of prayer. I started a Facebook page, "Prayers for Josie", to ask others to pray for my sweet girl. The overwhelming response leaves me speechless and my heart full of gratitude. 

During this time, I am reminded of our symbol, the anchor. It represents hope. I have hope that the doctors will be able to treat her. I have hope that my girl will be able to live as normal a life as before. I have hope that her body will be completely healed and maybe one day they will find a cure. I have hope that one day, she too, will wear the anchor. 

The friendships I made through Delta Gamma have grown throughout the years. The value of sisterhood is priceless. I continue to humbly request your prayers for our daughter. We don't know the path ahead of us, but we have HOPE that we will make it through.

ITB,
Jesseca Welch, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma