As you've read in previous entries, all of us in the family are taking turns heading out to Montana to spend time with Eric and J... and also to help them make life a little smoother (yes, brothers and sisters CAN be helpful from time to time).  I've just returned from my week there and am still struggling a bit to comprehend it all... I'm so damn grateful for the time I got to spend with them... and so heart-sick for what I see happening too.[...]

Time is passing too quickly, and I probably keep putting off an update from my trip because it's hard to put all my feelings into words. 

It was wonderful being able to spend a week with Eric and J! I was grateful that I could be there and be helpful...not just in the way and annoying. But, let's be honest, I'm Eric's littlest sister; of course, I was annoying (and bossy). Yet, Eric's disease continues to progress. As Emily said, this disease is mean and slowly stripping Eric of many physical abilities. Texting, reading, video chats, and long conversations with friends continue to prove challenging even on his best days. However, Eric is still hilarious, generous, and incredibly kind. [...]

It has been a particularly challenging few weeks for Eric and we felt like it was time for a Post Hope update.

This disease is mean and has taken a toll recently. Eric's mobility has decreased dramatically and he has lost much of the function of his right arm and leg. His vision also continues to be impacted.  As you can imagine, this makes walking, typing, eating ... challenging. In true Eric style, he has reluctantly accepted the help of a walker and occasionally the wheel chair. Occasional in home help, and a steady rotation of family members, are there to ease the load. But this change has been a lot to carry for both Eric and Johnanna.[...]

Just after Eric and J had returned from Kansas City, my crew from Oregon road tripped out to Helena, MT to visit. We closed out the summer with a boat trip to see the Gates of the Mountains, checked out the farmers market and all the playgrounds in Helena, picnicked in the back yard, and helped Eric and J pick up their new tandem bike![...]

It's hard to believe that the Head for the Cure 5K was almost two weeks ago! I'm very overdue in writing this post! 

For the second year, my family and I decided to participate in the Head for the Cure 5K event here in Kansas City. Head for the Cure is an organization committed to defeating brain cancers of all types. They are a great organization that helps fund research and helps "build awareness, raise funds, and ignite hope" for the patients, caregivers, and families dealing with a brain tumor diagnosis. The event is a fantastic opportunity to be surrounded by many people passionate about and dealing with brain cancer! This year's event raised $550,000![...]

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Eric finished another regimen of radiation therapy in La Crosse, Wisconsin this past week caping off the 6 week trip that became more like 8 weeks. I can't imagine what a relief it must have been for him to finally ring the "I'm Done" bell after the last session on Friday.   Mom, Dad and I are so grateful to have had them so close by for that time and it was certainly hard to see them leave yesterday... BUT, we are SO happy for them that it is finally time to head back home to Montana!!  Hard to say if the therapy did what it was supposed to ... it was a hail mary opportunity and the true outcome will be measured in time.[...]

There are not sufficient words to describe our time in WI therefore I thought I would share a few more photos. After all, they say pictures are worth a thousand words. The one word that keeps coming to the forefront of our minds is "grateful". Eric and I are both so very grateful for everything: special treats that have been delivered to the house, meals that neighbors randomly bring by, the generosity of others, the connections we are making-both old and new, the Gundersen Cancer Center care team, the Sullivan family's ability to both help and cause chaos, the ability to try new things, the ability to find fun wherever we are....I could go on and on. There really has been so much to be grateful for. But instead of droning on and on, I thought I would share a few cute pictures of Aspen, Service Dog in Training and I will post another with some water skiing pictures. [...]

4 photos are never enough![...]