Alice is HOME!

Alice & Josh are HOME!

The family is together again!  

We are so happy to announce that Alice's condition has improved enough that she can continue her treatment back home in Jacksonville.  This is wonderful news for all.  Alice is so happy to be home.  She continues to work hard every day to get better.

We are so thankful for all your support!  Please let all your friends and families know of this great news!  Please keep posting us on Facebook, Twitter, and just keep spreading the word about Alice and our effort.  Together we are making a difference!

Give 2 Alice...continuing to support Alice everyday!

When Alice's health took a turn several months ago, she was forced to choose the last available treatment option for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), a bone marrow transplant. That's when we at Give2Alice sprang into action! We LOVE Alice and wanted to help in anyway we could. So we started Give2Alice.com.

Our first fundraiser page reached donations of $16,768 of our $40,000 goal. We are so thankful for everyone's generosity, and humbled by the unconditional love and kindness Alice, Josh and Katie received. Although we feel our first fundraising page was a success in telling Alice's story and raising awareness, we did not meet our goal. But Alice still needs our help! With you, we can reach our goal. 

Our ultimate goal is to support Alice by helping to offset the ever-mounting medical and associated costs of Alice's treatment.  Give 2 Alice, now has a new fundraising page with our new goal of $23,232.  You can access it by clicking on our new widget to the right of the screen, or by simply going to Give2Alice.com.  

Alice, Katie & Josh ~ May, 2013

Alice is an amazing woman, truly amazing. She is a positive and courageous.  Alice has given so much to her friends, family, students and her community. Lets give back. Please consider donating to the Give 2 Alice fundraiser. Every penny will help.

For those of you who do not personally know Alice, but have been touched by an amazing family member, teacher or friend, please join us. You can honor those who have touched you by granting Alice your kindness and generosity.

Don't stop there; you can help even more by letting others know about Alice and what she means to you. Forward our link or post us on Facebook. Lastly, we would like to thankYOU! It is because of people like you that we, together, will make a difference. 

4 Months and Counting

WOW! 

Can you believe it?  It's been 120 days since we started our fundraiser for Alice.

We are in the last 7 Hours of our GiveForward fundraiser!   Many of you have donated, and we thank you for your kindness and generosity.   For those who haven't had the opportunity, we ask you to consider donating ANY AMOUNT to help us reach our goal.

Alice's journey still continues everyday.  She is still in treatment away from home in Tampa, FL. with Josh.  She has endured many struggles, particularly a very serious liver condition as a result of chemotherapy.   She is feeling a little better today, and to quote her words today, "This has been the hardest experience of my life."

Please continue to support our efforts to Give 2 Alice.  If you haven't already, please consider a donation.  Please continue to pray, send positive thoughts and good wishes Alice's way!  Lastly, please continue to post our Fundraiser link on Facebook, Twitter and tell all your friends.  

Help us to alleviate the financial burden from Alice & Josh so that they can focus solely on recovery.

You are amazing friends & family!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!...from all of us at Give 2 Alice and especially from 

Alice, Josh & Katie

The Highs and the Lows...

For all of us, highs and lows happen throughout our lives, but for Alice the highs and lows come weekly, daily, and sometimes hourly.
 
As you all know, Alice was released from the hospital.  We were all overjoyed at the news of her progress.  Although Alice was not in the hospital, she was still required to see her doctors every day.  After just a few days, Alice was upgraded to seeing her doctors every other day.  That was GREAT news.
 

Alice was steadily improving all week.  She and Josh were also anxiously awaiting the day to be reunited with Katie, which was to be Thursday of last week.  Finally, it was Thursday; Alice & Josh could finally be with Katie.  They were all so happy, but their happiness was short lived as Katie came down with a fever.  Although Katie would recover from her fever quickly, Alice still could not be with Katie while she was sick.  She will have to wait another week to see her little girl. This was heartbreaking for Alice and Josh.
 

To top it all off, Alice also has been struggling with her condition, which includes difficulties with her stomach.   But you all know her…Alice remains steadfast in her determination to get well.
 

We know you are all praying and sending extra special thoughts Alice’s way.  She needs all our extra prayers, positive energy and strength right now.  We thank you for your continued support.  

Alice…

Where you have pain, may you find mercy.
When you have self-doubt, may you regain confidence.
When you are exhausted, may you find patience and strength.
When you are afraid, know you are courageous.
Always know that you are loved, and you have so many true friends.

And so the journey continues....

Making Progress!

 On Wednesday, July 24th, Alice was released from the hospital!!  She and Josh have moved into their temporary housing while Alice continues her treatment in Tampa.  

   
      The road has not been easy and there have been many challenges.  Among the challenges, Alice has been battling extreme nausea, but just this Wednesday Alice was well enough to leave the hospital.  This is a wonderful move in the right direction for Alice.  Her doctors continue to assure Alice that she is making progress.  

     All of you, her family and friends have been absolutely the BEST!  Please continue your vigilant support for Alice, Josh & Katie!  They need all our continued love, support and prayers.

     Our fundraiser, especially created just for Alice, @ Give2Alice.com is still active!  There are only 29 days left.  We need your help to continue spreading the word about Alice's fight in order to reach our goal.  Please continue to post us on Facebook, Twitter & tell your family and friends about Alice.  Together we are making a difference for Alice, Josh & Katie.

Thank you for your continued support!  

  

One day at a time...

Alice and Josh take their days...one day at a time.

It has been over a week since Alice received her transplant, and although she has had some not-so-fun complications related to the chemotherapy, she is hanging in there!   Alice's doctors assure her that everything she is experiencing is to be expected.

Alice's blood counts are getting very low now from the chemotherapy, and she is really feeling the effects of that.   Now it is time for Robert's stem cells to do their thing!  We are all hopeful that those little stem cells will start to help Alice to heal and feel better.

Thank you for all your continued love, support and prayers!  Please continue to support Alice in any way you can!

Update your family and friends about Alice's progress.  You can post us on Facebook & Twitter, or email about our very amazing friend Alice.  Please keep spreading the word about our fundraiser that will directly benefit Alice.  Just click on the "Help Today" page of our blog for all the information.

Day 8...Transplant Day

Bone Marrow Transplant Day

Alice receives an infusion of Robert's Stem Cells

Alice and her brother & donor,  Robert

On Day 8,  Alice received her bone marrow transplant from her brother, Robert.  Over the past week, the doctors have worked to increase Robert's stem cell production.  Yesterday, Robert underwent the procedure to remove the stem cells that would be used in the transplant.  A little after 11:00 am on July 2nd, Alice received an infusion of over 7 million stem cells from Robert.

Alice is coping well.  She has had some struggles from the chemotherapy, but doctors assure her and Josh that it is all to be expected. Over the next few days, doctors will be monitoring her blood counts very closely.  Now is a critical time for Alice as her body works hard to overcome the chemo and build new cancer free cells. 

You are all awesome in your support of Alice!  Thank you for all the kind words and prayers that you have sent Alice's way.  Please continue sending those prayers, the love and all that kindness!  Alice, Josh and Katie are so thankful for all the support.

Day 3....a Good Day...

A note from Alice...

 F. Napoleoni

Dear Friends,

     I've had two nights of chemo, out of four, so far.  Then I'll have two days of rest before the infusion.  I'm feeling good right now. Josh and I walk around the hallways every morning and afternoon. Everyone is really nice here, especially our nurses. 

    The doctors come to see me everyday. They say everything's going well so far. They have had to give me some extra phosphorus and insulin, as some of my body's levels are being affected by the medicines they're giving me. But apparently it's very common. They said I probably won't start really feeling the effects of the chemo until about next weekend, so I I'm hoping that I can feel this well for about another week or so. :)

Love,

Alice and Josh

The road leads to Tampa

Alice & Josh continuing their journey...

On Monday, June 24th, Alice and Josh arrived in Tampa.  The latest part of their journey to Alice's bone marrow transplant officially began at the Moffitt Cancer Center today, June 25th.  

Moffitt Cancer Center  ~ Tampa, FL

Alice's first procedure went well.  Alice's doctors inserted a central line which includes a port.  It is through the port that Alice will be administered chemotherapy and other drugs, receive blood draws and transfusions, etc.  

Alice will receive her chemotherapy treatments each day beginning tomorrow through Saturday, the 29th.  The high doses of chemotherapy drugs are used to kill the cancer cells in Alice, but will also kill any healthy bone marrow cells.  After the last chemo day, Alice gets two days rest.  A rest that will be much needed.

Meanwhile, Alice's brother and donor, Robert will also be in Tampa. Robert will begin receiving his Neupogen shots for 5 days.  The shots are critical to increase the production of Robert's own blood marrow stem cells.  This excess of blood marrow stem cells will be collected on Monday, July 1.  These precious cells will be transplanted in Alice.

On Tuesday, July 2nd, Alice will receive her transplant.  Doctors will use the central line to complete the transplant.  As the stem cells find their way to Alice's bone marrow, Alice will begin the rebuilding phase of her treatment.  This is a long process and does not happen immediately.

 

Although these are critical days, weeks and even months ahead, Alice and Josh remain positive and uplifted by the continued support of all of you, their family and friends.  

We continue to support Alice and Josh through our fundraising efforts on www.Give2Alice.com.  The fundraising page is also a great place to show your support by posting a "HUG" or message for Alice.  Just click on the tab and login with an email address or a Facebook account.  You can also leave your encouragements right here on our blog on Hugs and Support.  Either way is a great way to send Alice some love and hugs! 

Lastly, if you would like to subscribe to the blog, simply scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and click subscribe or click here.  You will receive our updates as we post them throughout Alice's journey to healing.

As Alice has stated before, "We have a long road ahead of us...", but we are here for you Alice, Josh & Katie.   We are vigilant with you in this fight against cancer.  

Fundraising results inspire us to keep fighting with Alice

It's a fundraiser yard sale!

Josh, Katie and Alice on Yard Sale Day!

On May 18th, 2013, the Christ's Church Neighborhood Group, hosted a fundraiser yard sale for the benefit of Alice!

The group, headed up by Mark and Debbie Tyre, received donations amounting to hundreds of items.  The yard sale was a huge success with a wide selection of items ranging from tote bags to an official size basketball hoop!

Mark & Debbie, our awesome do-gooders!

There were so many items that the group is planning another event.  They will host a fundraiser garage sale on June 8th from 8 am to 2 pm at 11867 Oldfield Point Drive, Jacksonville, Florida  32223.

Debbie, Mark and your group of awesome do-gooders, we thank you!  The world is a much better place because of people like you.  The Give2Alice team is grateful for all the love, kindness and generosity you have shown our friends Alice, Josh and Katie.

Please join us as we support the Christ's Church Neighborhood Group's effort to Give 2 Alice!  Please share the information about the upcoming garage sale with everyone.  Post us on Facebook or Twitter.  Tell your friends and neighbors!  

If you can't make it to the garage sale, please consider a donation to our Give2Alice fundraiser, by visiting Give2Alice.com or by stopping in any VYSTAR credit union and donating to the fundraiser account for the benefit of Alice Larson. 

Mark and Debbie are also still taking donations for the yard sale, for any questions, please contact us on our blog or through Give2Alice.com.

Together we are making a difference!

Nike Women Half Marathon ~ Washington, D.C. ~ April, 28th 2013

Nike Women Half Marathon

Rebecca is Alice's best friend, her biggest cheerleader, and soul sister.  Just a couple of weeks ago, Rebecca ran the Nike Women Half Marathon in honor of Alice. Please take a moment to read Rebecca's heartfelt recount of the 13.1 miles she ran for Alice.....

On Sunday, April 28th, I was one of some 15,000 (mostly women) runners to participate in the inaugural Nike Women Half Marathon DC to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).   I ran the half marathon with LLS’s Team in Training, and was responsible for raising $1,800. The LLS has done and continues to do so much for people suffering from blood cancers and, considering my best friend has Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), it is a cause that’s dear to my heart.

            On to the race recap! The day started nice and early and by 6 a.m. I had parked on Pennsylvania & 17^th St., right by the White House. I jogged over to the starting area in Freedom Plaza, along with hordes of other women ready to run. There were bright colors everywhere, spectators ready to cheer, music, and in the background, right as the sun was rising, the Capitol!  I knew it was going to be an amazing race as I took it all in – I love DC! I found my corral and was ready to go. I checked and retied my laces, fixed my socks, made sure my Pandora station was set to Euro house music with a fast tempo. This part of the race always reminds me of the horse races – everyone is so pumped to run and the energy is electrifying.  After the national anthem and a moment of silence for Boston, we were off! I have never seen so many people, and this was not my first half marathon. The course was fun and there really is nothing like running in your city. We made our way to Arlington and I could see planes landing and taking off from National airport. We passed the Lincoln monument and ran by the Kennedy Center. It was all so beautiful that the first 7 miles were almost easy because I was so distracted by the excitement of it all. There were spectators with the wittiest and funniest signs – “I love fast women” really made me chuckle. As we made our way through the city I knew I was running fast because well, I could definitely feel it, and I tried to stay well ahead of the 2:00 pacer.  I think I was actually having fun running this hard! We finally made our way to Hains Point, a little peninsula that juts out into the Potomac river, which I knew was going to be the hardest part of the race because it.so.booooring. Beautiful, yes. But boring! Not to mention there were maybe five spectators to cheer us on. I mentally prepared myself for this challenge, until, my Pandora station decided to stop working. The panic! I was sure this was a test. I tried to think of why I was running this race – I played a montage of me and Alice throughout the years: us as little kids playing random games in the pool, bossing our younger siblings around, her wedding, my wedding. The birth of my goddaughter Katie. Her bone marrow transplant this summer. I had to stop because I was getting teary eyed and there was no way I could possibly keep running while sobbing. My mind started drifting to random things while chanting “one foot in front of the other” to keep going. Finally, we were done with Hains Point! Oh the joy! Up a ramp and through the tunnel and back towards the finish. We passed the 10 mile mark and this is always the hardest part for me, because my body feels like it’s breaking down. I started getting chills and cramping and then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my friends Kristin and Boris with massive signs screaming “Rebeccccaaaa!!” When I heard that I’m pretty sure I screamed back and freaked out anyone near me. I started picking up my pace because I knew I could and would finish this race under 2 hours. I was so touched my friends woke up so early on a Sunday morning to come cheer me on, and that really gave me the extra “oomph” I needed so badly at this point. I had a little over a mile left but it seemed so very hard. We made our way in front of the Capitol and I while I was huffing and puffing, envisioning myself collapsing on soft grass after the finish, I saw a woman in purple with TNT Washington/Alaska next to me, smiling. I think she mentioned something about my shirt but I couldn’t hear and mumbled something like “Meeeh whaa I can’t do this!!!” She said “Yes you can! You got this!” and made sure I stayed with her when my body just wanted to stop running. She coached me till the very end, and we crossed the finish line together, at 1:54, my personal record!! I hugged and thanked her and told her I was running for my best friend who was having her transplant this summer, then started crying.  I was not only exhausted from running 13 miles harder than I ever had before, but emotionally drained as well. The journey of fundraising for this race, keeping in mind why and who I was running it for, my wonderful friends being there to support me, and the encouragement of this stranger, was all so overwhelming.  I have never felt more blessed and in love with people than that morning. It was such an incredible experience and one that I will always treasure. 

About Alice's Struggle

Alice is a 30-year-old wife and mother of 1-year-old Katie.  She is also an awesome 3^rd grade teacher, a daughter, a sister and a very special friend. 

          Alice suffers from a type of cancer called Chronic Myelogenous (or Myeloid) Leukemia (CML).  Alice has been battling leukemia since 2008.  For the past 5 years, she has tried all of the chemotherapy treatments available.  She has also participated in a clinical trial.  Unfortunately, all of these have been unsuccessful.  Alice is being forced to choose the only available option to save her own life, a bone marrow transplant.

         A bone marrow transplant produces many obstacles for Alice and her young family.  Although she has a great family and network of friends to support her emotionally and spiritually, she will still need much more help.  The economic toll will be immense and overwhelming.  In order to undergo the transplant, Alice and her family must relocate temporarily to Tampa, Florida.  As a result, they will incur additional living and travel expenses along with maintaining their home in Jacksonville.  All the while, her husband will be at her side, which will result in income loss for him as well.  The medical costs after all the help from insurance companies, will still linger long after Alice has successfully finished her treatment.

         We, the friends of Alice know we can’t make her cancer go away, but we can pool our resources together to ease the load from Alice, Josh and Katie.  We have established this fundraiser to do just that, Give 2 Alice. 

         Alice is an amazing woman, truly amazing.  Many of you have known her over these past 5 years and probably didn’t even know of her struggle.  Alice is a positive, courageous, and selfless person.  She is so full of grace.  Despite the enormous challenge ahead of her, she continues to give so much to her family, her students and her community.  Let’s give back.  Please consider donating to the Give 2 Alice fundraiser.  Every penny will help.

         For those of you who do not personally know Alice, but have been touched by an amazing family member, teacher or friend, please join us.  You can honor those who have touched you by granting Alice your kindness and generosity.

         Don’t stop there; you can help even more by letting others know about Alice and what she means to you.  Forward our link or post us on Facebook.  Give 2 Alice could use some “Hugs” too.  Just click on the “Hugs” tab above and add your special message, story or thoughts.

         Lastly, we would like to thank YOU!  It is because of people like you that we, together, will make a difference.  A priceless difference for someone who deserves so much more.  We thank you.