Candace’s Granddaughter: Baby Isabel and Cancer          

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Unbelievable, the day was shocking, July 4 , 2005 who knew that this day would change our lives forever. In a moment words spoken can leave you- stunned, shocked, frightened, angry, terrified..... that describes the varying emotions that ripped through our family at the news of our dear little Isabel's illness! The scramble to contact family members trying to tell them the news without breaking down. The phone calls and emails desperate for prayer from anyone, anywhere, regardless of the differences in faith to pray. The beautiful, loving words, care of strangers sending love and interceding for someone they have never met; human love in a common bond for one another in action.

Please read about Isabel and her journey from July 2005 on her blog.

That was the reaction that rocked our family just a few short weeks ago. All of us, Sarah Jane's family here and in Eastern Canada, our family out west and in the US, all of us went into a place of reverance, prayer and feeling helpless, but not hopeless. We did not know what each moment would bring and we certainly did not know that these prayers would be answered so quickly!

Click here to view some of her photos    Click here to watch some of her videos

My heart reaches out to the parents right now that are suffering, watching their babies hurt and wondering why the answer to prayer hasn't come for them. But we were prepared to face whatever came and knowing that life is a gift for how long it has been given and we don't feel that we are more important to God than anyone else. He just has a different plan for Isabel at this time.

Her current report: REMISSION! Chemo now by mouth at home and once a week visits to the hospital for blood tests, bone marrows and lumbar punctures! However, it is a good report and in the next few days I will have some recent pictures up of her!

Her hemaglobin is 86 today (July 26, 2005), (not too bad consider 3 1/2 weeks ago it was 44!!but we do anticipate that she might need another transfusion before she has to return next week!
Her platelets are 249
Her Neutrofils are : .44 ( they were .017 at diagnosis)
Her White blood count is : 5.7

What this child's illness has accomplished!

Nothing is ever in vain and those who know how to walk in this world remembering to be senstiive to the little things , know that life is fragile, like a heart beat and can change in a minute! Isabel's illness has changed the heart for many of us. Where there was division, there is now unity with family relationships for the most part being restored. Where there was no faith, there is hope that something greater than us exists and we can and should be willing to embrace that. We have all learned that deep within us there is a faith, a love and a care for one another, the embracing of our trials to weep when people weep and rejoice when they rejoice.

A little child shall lead them:

Isabel is teaching all of us as she moves forward that we can rejoice with her and see how life is to be lived through the eyes of a child. Thank-you to everyone, for your love, care, prayers and practical help for our family. Because you have blessed us, in His name we bless you!
Candace and Family.

Through the eyes of a child - C. Newton
Through the eyes of a child
The world is still sure,
No matter the tempest
Their heart is still pure,

No innocence lost
When life's trials come,
It's to be expected
The battle's still to be won

With eyes up to heaven
They reach for their hope
Their joy comes from knowing
That He's in control

So for those who have walked
A little farther up the road,
And have learned how to carry,
A heavier load,

Go back to a time
When you were once small
And remember the lesson
The greatest of all,

The innocent child
Can lead us to peace,
If we only remembered
That used to be me!

Please read about Isabel and her journey from July 2005 on her blog.

Disclaimer
Candace Newton is a facilitator, motivational speaker, and educator and is not a professional counselor. Candace Newton does not give advice, but redirects it to our onboard counselor and to other resources. The topics discussed on-air and at speaking engagements are to be taken as informational, motivational, and as another point of view. Her comments expressed are in the context of "generally speaking" and may not be suitable for all and as a facilitator takes no liability or responsibility for any information disseminated on the program or in person. Personal judgment and evaluation of one's own situation is the responsibility of the listener.