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We have a long road ahead and there will be bumps, but we've very grateful to have the love and support of our family, friends, and community - like that of the Michael Magro Foundation! Our social worker Alannah has been so wonderful about connecting us with fantastic organizations like yours and checking in on Fiona, but she also checks in on us parents. The silver lining of this horrifying situation is that sweet little Fiona will hopefully never remember her time in the hospital, the wicked diaper rash she developed from her harsh chemotherapy, the fevers and rashes she broke out in as a reaction to certain drugs, and much more. She is blissfully unaware and generally a happy, smiley, poopy, hungry, wonderful baby. She grows stronger every day! It sure is taking a toll on mom and dad though - mentally, physically, and emotionally. That outstanding bill was for an ER visit of mine from a stress induced kink in my neck back in February. That was not a fun week! Thankfully we have found a resilience in ourselves that no one should ever have to tap into, but we stay strong for Fiona. It will be hard, but we will get through this as a family. Thank you to the Michael Magro Foundation for being a resource and support system during this impossible time. It's a reminder that we're not alone in this and we take great comfort in that.
I read about Michael's story on your website and am so honored that he has been able to help families like ours. His memory lives on in fighters like our little Fiona. I saw your maiden name Combatti means “fight” in Italian and that is what we will continue to do!
Here are some photos of our incredible little human being. She is the fighting example of who the Michael Magro Foundation is helping and we are beyond grateful to have been connected with you. She was born on 10/1/23 and diagnosed on 11/16/23 - so much has happened since then! She still has the same bright, curious sparkle in her eyes that she had when she was born. Cancer will never take that away from her! It's amazing to watch her grow and learn things. She is currently very into her tongue, figuring out solid foods, and finding her voice, which straddles a screech and a warble right now.
A thousand thank yous!
Fiona, Julia, & Brendan (Fiona's mom & dad)
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