September 8, 2016 🔴🔵 TeamCole Win!

So last weekend was the KU Football #TeamCole game which we were all really excited for. Unfortunately, Cole was not able to attend the game as hoped, but he was able to listen to the game at the hospital as the Jayhawks went on to victory in honor of Cole. So wonderful and exciting!

I did not expect what came at the end of the game however... I was taken into the locker room, presumedly to answer follow up interview questions from the media (as I was told), but much to my surprise I came in on Coach Beaty speaking to the team about the win, which was very emotional for all, and then he had special words as I was presented with the official game ball/first head coach win ball for Cole. How incredible and amazing!

Of course it brought me to tears (they caught me in that second picture)...not just to receive the ball on behalf of Cole, but because I was so incredibly proud of the team and this program. Words cannot express how my heart has felt with all of the amazing support from all, and to receive this recognition on behalf of Cole was beyond words...yes, even for me.

I have a wonderful work family with such caring, generous giving hearts and the support they've shown us is beyond amazing. I'm still almost at a loss for words regarding ALL of the incredible support we've received from ALL of you!

Cole was happy when I took the ball to him at the hospital and thought it was so cool. Of course, he doesn't really understand or realize all of the media attention his story has received, but he does think it's special when we talk about how his story can help others and we share with him the incredible amount of support and prayers he has and currently receives. We make sure he knows how LOVED he is by all!

After four nights Cole was finally able to go home on Tuesday as he met his markers for being discharged. We did have to make a trip to the ER early this morning as he spiked a fever and that's our protocol since he was neutropenic this week. Fortunately, he did not have to be admitted - he received treatment, antibiotic and his counts are at the levels they need to be in order to start chemo tomorrow as planned.

So tomorrow we check in at clinic and will then be admitted for his 2-day in-patient chemo treatment. Of course we hope that means he'll get to come home Sunday or Monday at the latest but we'll have to see how chemo goes, how he feels and where his counts are.

I can't tell you how incredibly proud of Cole we are, and how STRONG this kid is. The pain we see him endure is hard to bear, but he fights and pushes through every time. I don't know if any of us could be as strong as him! He's fighting through the extreme bone pain right now and just feeling yucky all the time. But he continues to impress and amaze everyone with his strength and continued will to fight.

So as of now we are scheduled to check in tomorrow for our two days of chemo and then we will expect to blow that popsicle stand right after! Must stay positive!

Bless you all, and thank you for the continued support!

#TeamCole🎗