Good R&R at the Beach

What a wonderful treat it was to get to see Brandon and Katie this past weekend in Newport Beach. Ryan and I haven't been able to get to UT to see them for a couple months, so it was AMAZING for us to finally get to see his progress first hand. He looks GREAT! As you can see, his hair is growing back in and his face has a nice, healthy shape and color. His arms and legs are showing muscle tone again and to witness him walk through the sand with very little need for the cane was amazing. When we last saw him in UT, Doan was just learning to manipulate a small set of stairs with his crutches. Now it's a whole other story...Katie's family was staying in a 3rd floor condo, and Brandon was going up and down them like they were nothing! I was so impressed with the fact that he didn't even have to bring both feet up to each stair, rather, just one foot and one stair after the other. Doan- you really are a walking miracle! And to see how loving, patient, and supportive Katie and all of her family are with him was particularly touching.

Brandon will be heading in for another intense round of chemo and another bone marrow transplant in the next couple of weeks, so let's keep climbing those stairs of progress together! I feel so blessed to be able to be a part of this family, immediate and extended, and this entire experience. That includes all of you who have left your comments, fasted, donated time and money, and kept Brandon and Katie in your prayers. Truly inspiring.