The Natalie & Alice Fish Story

We are the Fishes. In 2011 two of our five children; Natalie and Alice were diagnosed with a rare gene disfunction called Leaky SCID (Severe Combined Immune Deficiency). Their condition is so rare that only two cases are reported in the U.S. each year. Both girls have endured much, and have spent most of their young lives in and out of hospitals due to common illnesess a healthy immune system would overcome. The required treatment for our girls is a bone marrow transplant.
Although the new marrow could mean a normal life for them, it will be a long and arduous road. This blog is to share our experience as parents and the courage of our children.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Natalie's Touch

Hello Family and Friends,

I thought it would be appropriate to add a little of Natalie's touch to the blog. A sweet friend of mine helped me incorporate some of Natalie's art work; and created a lovely designer logo.

Natalie loves art, and she especially loves to draw turtles. Last time she was in the hospital the child life specialist gave her a little notebook just for her turtles. She spent the whole day making the cutest turtles, so we scanned them in and now she can see them on the blog as wallpaper. Not sure how I can add a bit of Alice yet. I would have to think of something loud and wild. Also, thank you for your sweet comments. We read to Natalie all the kind and encouraging things you say. She loves the support. Tyler and I are endlessly thankful for the amazing family and friends we have.

This is Day Plus 8- she has had 3 blood transfusions and 1 platelet transfusion.

Lisy

9 comments:

  1. cute turtles......love them. hope Natalie is enjoying the books we gathered together and sent with your mom. We enjoy seeing her and all of your updates. Keep up the fight Natalie
    Love
    Sue Christiansen

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  2. Natalie, I LOVE your little turtles! When our daughter Emily was in the hospital she LOVED to draw rainbows...she wanted to have an art wall...the Child specialists created an art wall and all the kids were able to display their pictures in the hall. Emily got to see all the pictures before they hung them up to vote on the best one...she decided all of them deserved a prize! It was a lot of fun. Maybe you could get Mike to do another art wall :) You are SO brave. I am so proud of you!! I promise it will get better! I hope you have a better Friday! Love the Heaps family

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  3. We just got home from a cabin and haven't had internet service. I was dying to read your blog while we were gone. While we were gone, I came down with Strep and it made me sad to read about Natalie's mouth sores. Mostly because I know her pain is about 100 times worse than mine and I can't imagine. Plus my throat only hurts in one spot. Natalie, you are so brave to swish that mouthwash around when it hurts so bad. It helps to know that it will help to make it feel better later. We love you and we are praying for you. Keslee and Bria were excited to give you some books - we hope you like them.
    Get feeling better! Love, the Shumways

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  5. I am loving the turtles! You are a great artist Natalie. Maybe you will be able to post more of your artwork on this blog. I know I'm not the only one who would love to see it. Did you know that the turtle is an ancient symbol representing Endurance, Strength, Stability, and Longevity? Those are some really big words that fit you perfectly. Keep up the good work little turtle!
    Love- Sis. Strong

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  6. I was just noticing how wonderful those little turtles are. Natalie is an amazing artist. I'm glad that she can do something fun while she's in the hospital. Turtles have always been one of my favorite animals, but I've never been able to draw them. Maybe Natalie can give me a lesson sometime.

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  7. I love the turtles! Love the new look! Our prayers are with you, Nat. Love you, kiddo

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  8. I love the new design on your blog! The turtles are so cute and I love the header. I can't wait to see more of Natalie's artwork!

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  9. May you and your children always stay healthy and strong.By the way I just see you new design images.they are so cool and lovely.your turtles are really adorable and enchanting.thanks for sharing with us

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