2013 … THANK YOU!

I am immensely humbled by humanity.

Despite all odds, individuals I know from various aspects of my life had stepped up to assist, to provide comfort, and most of all - to offer HOPE.

I thank you.
I thank you for all that you do.
I thank you for being you.
I thank you for creating a future we are all living into with pride, peace and safety.

Yay! Bucket list - CHECK!

Hi, this excerpt is published in the Perspectives in Genetic Counseling column featuring Global Genetics.  Since not everyone have access to this publication, I thought I'd share what I wrote.  

As a reference, here's the website where you can get the published copy:
http://bulletin.arcadia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Spring2012Perspectives.pdf

Global Genetics

A Dream Fulfilled: The Philippines’ Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program

By Mercy Laurino, MS, CGC, LGC 

I vividly remember when Dr. Carmencita Padilla, a medical geneticist from the Philippines, asked me to collaborate with her in creating the first Master of Science in Genetic Counseling training program in the country. We initially met in San Diego at the American Society of Human Genetics meeting in 2007. Over a cup of coffee, Dr. Padilla told me that the Philippines urgently needed a training program in genetic counseling, given the increasing application of genetic and genomic technologies. She told me about the expansion of the country’s National Newborn Screening Program, the Philippines Birth Defects Study Surveillance Study Group, and the proposed implementation of the Telegenetics Program.

Honestly, I was initially apprehensive to accept the offer, because I couldn’t foresee being able to take on such great responsibility so early in my career. In 2007, I had only been a genetic counselor for about four years, and I did not have any experience implementing training programs. However, just as W.H. Murray’s passage in The Scottish Himalayan Expedition says –

   Until one is committed
    there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back,
    always ineffectiveness.
    Concerning all acts of initiative(and creation),
    there is one elementary truth,
    the ignorance of which kills countless ideas
    and splendid plans:
    that the moment one definitely commits oneself, 
    then Providence moves too.

As a Filipino immigrant, I feel I was offered the chance to make a remarkable contribution to my home country. I was invited to collaborate with the Philippines’ highly motivated medical genetics team to promote health in the Filipino population. The care of the Philippines’ 92 million people, in terms of clinical and research genetics, was in the hands of only seven medical geneticists. It was evident that more support from health care providers with specialized training in genetics and genetic counseling was needed. I realized that I could really make an extraordinary difference – I didn’t have to wait.

Then the moment came when I fully committed myself – the time I did say “yes.” I shifted my conversation with supporters from “I don’t know if I can do this,” to “how I am going to make this happen?” I gave my word to Dr. Padilla in 2008 that I would take part in this partnership, and I gave myself one year to prepare. I ended my work at the University of Washington’s Genetic Medicine Clinic in May 2009, and went to the Philippines to start curriculum development in a formal way.

Given the current needs of the country, we committed to developing a curriculum not only to train Filipino students in didactics pertinent to genetic counseling, but also to train them how to best integrate this field into the existing public health care infrastructure. My work began by reviewing several existing genetic counseling curricula from various programs around the world.

Early on, we realized that one of our challenges was finding faculty members who had the expertise to teach specific courses. We ultimately ended up requesting a U.S.-based expert in genetic epidemiology to teach some of our modules via web-based communication. In the end, the curriculum became a compilation of both genetic counseling and public health didactic courses, as well as clinical training rotations.

In January 2011, the Board of Regents at the University of the Philippines (UP), Manila formally approved the curriculum of the M.S. in Genetic Counseling Program. It was certainly a historic moment to welcome and teach the Philippines’ first cohort of genetic counseling students six months later. The students came from diverse backgrounds: nursing, cell and molecular biology, medical technology, social science, and medicine. Some of the students had previously worked at the country’s Institute of Human Genetics Department as newborn screening program managers and nurse coordinators. As part of their training, the medical fellows are also now required to obtain their genetic counseling degrees – a major accomplishment.

I am proud to share that one of these pioneering students, Mr. Peter James Abad, has an accepted publication in the Journal of Genetic Counseling to reflect how the issue of cultural awareness in genetic counseling impacted him. He states, “In the Philippines, culture plays a powerful role in shaping the people’s understanding of what is normal and deviations from normal, the latter often attributed to supernatural and mystical retributions. Acknowledging the already existing folk understanding and perceptions about the cause of their illness is important prior to explaining its probable genetic etiology.”1

Furthermore, the UP Manila and Stanford University’s M.S. in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling departments have established a “sister program” partnership. The intention is to promote cross-cultural awareness and clinical exchange through bi- monthly video-conferencing. We had our first collaboration in November 2011, which proved successful. Stanford made the connection to UP Manila’s secure network, while I was on Skype, since I had been back in Seattle since September. I crossed my fingers the whole time for technology to cooperate, and thank goodness it did! The UP Manila and Stanford genetic counseling students met virtually, and a second-year-student from Stanford presented the first patient case for international discussion.

If left to my own timeline, the fulfillment of this dream would have not happened until 35 years from now – as my retirement work. Indeed, it was the ongoing gracious support and valuable guidance from my family, friends, and esteemed medical genetics and genetic counseling colleagues that fueled my commitment and determination. I am especially grateful to receive insightful words of wisdom from my own program director, Carol Walton, MS, CGC, in the midst of this work.

And no matter how much I pinched myself (and had teary eyes) during my recent flight back to Seattle from Manila, this dream – not just a dream anymore – had manifested into reality.

Reference
1. Abad PJ. Explanatory models of illness may facilitate cultural competence in genetic counseling. J Genet Couns. 2012 Jan 28. [Epublication ahead of print.] 

Why am I doing it?

In the past months, several individuals asked me "why am I doing it?" Why did I leave a good paying job right in the midst of a global economic crises?  Why did I choose to go back to school and incur more student loans? Why did I walk away from financial security when my family was faced with an additional commitment to heal our mom? She got sick without any health insurance.

Why?

I am pursuing my PhD and also work on my commitment to bring genetic counseling to the Philippines simply because I want to LIVE A LIFE BEYOND MY SELF DOUBT.

I have this lingering fear that as biotechnology and genomic diagnostic capabilities continue to advance, these tools can potentially be applied without taking the time to ponder the ethical, social and legal consequences.  It is probable that individuals, sub-populations, ethnic groups are targeted, stigmatized and will face significant challenges to live a life they love.  I cannot let this happen.  Not on my watch.

I see for myself as an individual who educates and set up training programs in genetic counseling in emerging countries.  I do have other personal goals too but I'll focus my share specifically on the topic of genetic counseling. In case you are wondering, genetic counselors are health care professionals who are trained to address the ethical, legal and social implications of being diagnosed and/or making the decision to pursue genetic testing. There are over 30 training program in North America and a handful in other countries.  To know more about training program availability, please check out the National Society of Genetic Counselors website.

AND if you know of another way to expand the ethics literacy in the global sector, than do let me know! You are welcome to peruse the working draft of our website - www.globalhealthgenetics.org - and please freely share your comments and suggestions.

" In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. "                                                                                ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

Excerpt from homeafhome.blogspot.com 11-23-11 post

This year, I attended the American Public Health Association  meeting in Washington DC.  I went to several talks on refugee awareness, their rights (or lack thereof), and the obstacles they are facing as they resettle in countries like the United States. Indeed, it is very humbling to live in a country where we do have the foundation of freedom and starting anew.  While acknowledging the various groups of people who continue to advocate for equal rights, the fact of being in this country provides the space for voices to be expressed and the opportunity to be heard.

During one of the afternoons in DC, I decided to take a walk and visit the new MLK memorial.  Etched on the marble wall, I'd like to share with you one of Dr. King's quotes as it tremendously inspired me.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that."  ~ MLK

May you and everyone around you have an amazing
LOVE-filled thanksgiving.

Hugs and Smiles,
Mercy

"Time bows to authentic commitment" ~ Will Hewett

Right after the eventful 11-11-11, I attended an all day TEDxRainier 2011 independent and inspiring talks at Kane Hall (UW).  Speaker topics ranged from 'culture rethink' to 'evolutionary change makers' to 'beyond frontiers.'  These people are making a difference by pushing the edges of their personal boxes to shift the already always perspective of the reality they are born into.

I especially like Jim Sorenson's question to the audience " Is my perspective giving me the results that I want? " In some areas of my life, my answer to this is a resounding YES but in other areas ... well, its as dim as I can imagine an infinite darkness to be. Our notion about reality is in conflict when our present-need-to-embrace reality butt heads with our perceived reality.  His top three lessons were (1) Embrace Reality, (2) Have a Context for the Reality and (3) Do the work!  Its the last one that trips people up ... When it comes down to it.  People actually don't do the work and not because they don't know how; but simply - they don't want to!  Lots of Words and NO actions to back it up.

This same mantra was shared with speakers, Patti Dobrowolski and Amy Jo Martin.  I loved Amy's visual image of an "integrity compass" and aligning ourselves with our truest self! Work, Family and Self.  Patti then requested all of us to draw our dreams into reality.  Well, I did mine! As she shared with us the story of Joe, I started drawing my current state of being in terms of relationships with myself, family, friends, and career and the future I want to live into.  Lets just say that the picture I drew has a big heart on it with a family of my own :) Yes, I am loving it .... and I now need to rewire my brain to transform my initial perception that this life is not possible for me to a perspective that this LIFE is what makes MY LIFE worthy :) I can SEE IT, BELIEVE IT, and NOW ACT ON IT!

We had a surprise guest visit by Rick Steves as he was an amazing replacement for one of the confirmed speakers who couldn't make it.  Such an inspiring talk indeed!  He showed us pictures of his travels and his undying love of culture transcends through his words.  As Mr. Steves said eloquently "Fear is for those people who doesn't travel" and the measure of a human being's experience on earth is how much he/she had traveled.

There were other speakers there who spoke about the future and how the designs of the present makes everything we dream of so tangible.  From the Human Genome Project to cultivating bamboos, the paradigm is indeed shifting.

I truly appreciated Andy Himes' vulnerability as he shared the story of his mother.

I got choked up watching the 2 minute documentary video showed by Chris Jordan and the profound message on what is happening in the Gyre.

I want to high-five with the monkey and the shark in front of an explosion to express my awesomeness as shown by Joe Justice. 

I admire Chrystie Hill's public confession for stealing a book during her childhood because she loved it too much to let go.

I can go on and on ...

These messages are my needed fuel to propel me forward.

Rest assured -

I am indeed taking on Paul Shoemaker's challenge to look in the "depths of my human passion and the breath of my connectedness."

AND I am declaring my chosen life mantra as shared by the Interfaith Amigos' (i.e., Pastor Don Mackenzie, Rabbi Ted Falcon and Imam Jamal Rahman) to be:

" The transcendent ONE awakens within each of us as our God. Its all ONE as I am as I am." 

2010-2011 Whirl Wind Adventure

Wow .. two years almost passed without any posts from ME. Excellent!!! This must mean that I am busy living life that I forgot to write about it ... oh well ...Truth is ... I started my PhD program training at the UW Institute for Public Health Genetics and totally drove my life into books, journal articles and long nights of writing at least 10 page papers!!!

My nephew "TomTom"

Before I go into some details, I want to share an exquisite gift bestowed upon our family. My all-smiles-nephew "Thomas Patrick or TomTom" was born on March 24, 2010. Since my blogging was non-existent last year, I will spare the monthly baby photo update but will only post his most recent (an amazing personal shopper if I may add) photo at 18 months. Such a cutie pie indeed!!!

Back to graduate school update: I am happy to report that one of the biggest hump (taking the preliminary exam) is over and done with (June 2011). I am now gearing myself to take on the next biggest hump (taking my general exam - hopefully May 2012). Better make this timeline show up in reality and thus committee must be formed by Dec 2011/January 2012.

Post-Exam Party
with my Grad Cohort

A special shout out to the MPH in public health genetics students. They are already done and are moving on --- while the PhD'ers like me are still sticking around.

Megan, Nick and I
Home Away From Home 2010

On Travel

2010 - traveled to the Philippines and stayed there for a month (June). My primary mission was to finalized the curriculum for the MS genetic counseling program :) So awesome to share that the University of the Philippines Board of Regents approved the proposed curriculum in January 2011. Yippppeeeee!!!! I also accepted a job at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and I love .. love .. LOVE the people that I work with and the difference they are making for humanity.

The Pioneer Genetic Counseling Students
in the Philippines

2011 - traveled to the Philippines again to teach for 3 months (June - Sept). We accepted nine PIONEER students (so proud of them!) to begin their MS in Genetic Counseling training at UP Manila. This is very timely since the Philippine Genome Center is recently established and thus, we surely need additional health care providers knowledgeable on the ethical, legal and social issues on the application of genetics for disease prevention and health promotion. The amazing Mary Guiden at UW communications wrote a great piece entitled "Around the World, with Medical Genetics" and super stoked about this publicity for our department program.

Mitra and his family at 2010
Home Away From Home Event

On Another Note

The Home Away From Home thanksgiving event continues to flourish and with this work, I was chosen as the American Public Health Association 2011 recipient of the Trong D. Nguyen Memorial Award For Student Leadership. In addition, my volunteer work at the International Rescue Committee Seattle chapter and the Northwest Association of Biomedical Research also provided great support for my commitment at the local level.

To end this "its-about-time-you-share" post, I want to leave you with an inspiring statement that fuels my inner spirit now and - hopefully - for years to come.

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.

Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." ~ Goethe

Peru to Ecuador Crossing

June 21st - Blah! blah blah blah. Blah blah, blah blah blah blah. blah blah blah blah blah and blah ;) Translation = longest bus ride ever!

We crossed the border and another country stamped in my passport. We are now in Guayaquil waiting for another 8-10 hour bus ride to Quito. My travel companions and I were discussing that as we are nearing the equator, the people we are encountering are a lot taller and most have lighter skin tones. From Quito, we found another trek to visit the Amazon Rainforest and we decided to do the 4days, 3night adventure with Gulliver´s travels.

I called my parents yesterday to wish my dad a happy dad day. My mom reminded me if we had stopped by Lima since one of the Mother Mary statues in Alegria, Cebu (where my mom grew up in the Philippines) was donated from Lima, Peru. Note to self - I will find this statue when I am in Alegria in about three weeks.

Trujillo and Mancora, Peru

On June 18th we took a day trip visiting Trujillo and Huanchaco. We went to the Chan Chan site and it looks to me like a huge sand castle. This site is presumed to have been built in the 9th century by the Chimos civilization. It is on my to do list to read up when I get back home to Seattle since I have not heard of them but there are certainly a lot of stuff in our world history that I don´t know about :) The Chimos were sea loving (if I understood the history correctly) and in time, they would meet with the Incas.

The Chan Chan is estimated to be 400 years older than the Machu Picchu. After visiting the Chan Chan site, we then took the taxi up to Huanchaco and had lunch. The picture depicts a type of a surf board that Huanchaco is famous for but I wasn´t able to witness any of the locals using it.

We then took another overnight bus from Huanchaco all the way to Mancora. We stayed at their newest Loki hostel and the accomodations are worth it. For about 8 bucks a night, we had hot shower and our bed. There is a pool as well and only a few minutes walk to the beach. I am also showing a picture of an eel (?type) that some people thought was a baby dolphin.
 
Almost everyone would stop and examine this eel (maybe even poke it to wake it up?). I wonder if its still going to be there tomorrow on the beach. We are staying another night here before we take another bus to Tumbes, where we will cross the Peru-Ecuador border tomorrow, June 21st.

We are still trying to figure out the best way to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador. Before I forget, advance Happy Father´s day to all fathers!

Lima, Peru

We took a flight from Cusco to Lima since the bus would have taken us 22 hours and we were not up for that :) Arrived safely in Lima and we stayed at the Loki hostel again. We found this really cool cebicheria right in the small alley beside the hostel. They had really cheap food and Brent loved their salsa! We even came back for dinner the next day. We met up with Kat and her friends. Christie and Jill knew Kat while they were in the Peace Corps in the Domican Republic. It was good for us to hear about their project through their master´s program from Colorado State University. Kat and her friends are in Lima for the next two months to implement their project with some of the local Peruvian families.

The next day, Brent, Jill, Christie and I walked around the city. Our first stop was the Lover´s park - hence the photo of the provocative couple right in the middle of the park. We then took a taxi and visited their Museum de Nacion which is a must see. Lots of old artifacts and great exhibits. Lastly, we took another taxi and had a tour of the San Francisco Church (in Spanish!) . There was also and English version but Brent and I decided to join the spanish one for our language immersion for the day. This was really a cool tour of this historical church. I recommend it for everyone. Too bad we couldn´t take pictures inside since the architecture was amazing. Visiting the catacombs (underneath the church) was very creepy. Our guide said that there were over 120,000 dead bodies there. Mostly composed of the priests and the locals. We then checked out from our hostel and took the 9 hour overnight bus ride to Trujillo and Huanchaco.

Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu

June 14th - we woke up at 4:20 am to have a little bit of breakfast before we catch the bus to Machu Picchu from Agua Calientes. There was already a long line of tourists lining up for the very first bus at 5:30am. There were some tourists who hiked up the mountain instead but most, if not all, of our group members were already so exhausted from our three day hike in the Andes that riding the bus was a much needed relief. Learning about the Inca culture and the the building of the Machu Picchu about four to five hundred years ago was great and the views were stunning.

I can only imagine what Machu Picchu would have looked like if the Incas were able to finish it. They had to abandoned it when the Spaniards came to colonize Cusco and the surrounding areas. We also decided to climb (rock climb to be exact) Wayna Picchu to see the Machu Picchu from atop.


Wayna Picchu is the triangle looking hill over looking Machu Picchu. There´s a picture of Jill, Christie, and I when we reached the top. Before I left Seattle, my co-workers Britta, Corrie and I trained by walking up the 18 floor stairs at the UWMC twice.

It truly helped with my hike up to Wayna Picchu. The altitude on the other hand is another story ----- so, either come here several days earlier or take meds! In the end, the whole trip 
was worth it.

 It is inspiring to witness the commitment of a civilization to build a structure such as Machu Picchu.

My Family in the Lares Trek

My Lares Trek family bonded for four days as we tested our mental and physical capabilities. We had a couple from Belgium (Vincent and Alexandria), a couple from France (Yannick and Cecillia), our fiesty friend Hayley from Australia, our Dutch comprade (Antoinette), and our Malaysian friends (Ling and Tan). Every segment of our trek was exhausting but Cesar and his team always gave us our perfect shelter and awesome food.

Until now, I am still really amazed on how he baked a cake for our 2nd dinner together. The closest next birthday was Jill´s so we celebrated it as well. Raul, our guide, surprised us with his fluency with the Japanese language and Juan, our head guide, entertained us with ghost stories before we headed to bed. I think we were all too exhausted to be frightened by it and tried to slept as best as we can on top of the chilly mountain. I had my first taste of the ¨Macha Tea¨with rum to help us stay warm throughout the night.

Here are pictures of our amazing team and our campsite. I also have a picture of the coca leaves offering once I reached our highest peak.

Children in the Andes

As mentioned, we were able to visit a couple of homes of a local family living in the Andes. Our guides also recommended we bring treats for the children (candies, pencils, pen, etc). A shout out to my dental friends - we need to give away pediatric toothbrushes as well ;)

The children were very lovely and their families were very accomodating. We were greeted with a lot of smiles and encouragement to continue on our trek. A genuine smile truly is a universal language of love.

I have to admit --- trekking the Andes is pretty physically draining.  I couldn't breathe in most parts.  Well, I didn't really train for it and not sure if its even possible to train at sea-level on breathing tactics on this altitude.

Nevertheless, as I keep walking and walking ... the children living in the Andes are RUNNING towards us .. up the hilly mountains ... SMILING.

As I continue to be amazed of the children's high-altitude breathing capabilities, I stop and ponder if they have Newborn Screening in Peru!  I realized that I didn't do my due diligence to read up on the public health efforts in this country.  These children, however, seem very fit and patiently await their daily gifts of sweets.

Note to self:  Read up on the health statistics of every country I visit from now on .... might as well include an informal meeting with the local health care providers ... when possible ;)

Cusco, Peru

Alrighty, I am leaving Chicago today -June 8th and heading to Peru. The flight to Miami (2 1/2 h), then to Lima (5 hrs), then to Cuzco (50 minutes ) went very smoothly. I kinda was worried that I would miss my connection between Lima and Cuzco since I only had 40 minutes to spare but in the end, it was just perfect walking from one airline to the other. Everyone I´ve met so far in Peru are very friendly. The food is great. The altitude, however, I needed to get used to. I knew we were so high up in the mountains when the plane heading to Cuzco was flying right beside some peaks! Very stunning and humbling at the same time. My cousin, Christie, picked me up at the airport and it was so great to see her :) I was joking around that I couldn´t carry my backpack since I can barely breathe. We took the taxi to our Loki Hostel and I met our other fellow travelers. Only 8 bucks a night and the view from the common room windows is stunning. We can see the city of Cuzco. We also have hot water too and the hostel´s tenants are mostly Europeans and Australians. I have yet to meet another set of American travelers. Lots of English accents everywhere!!!

Anyways, I arrived in Cuzco at around 7:30am and then I started drinking Coca tea (recommended by most for it will help with the altitude issues). I had breakfast and though I was so excited to see the town - I went to bed instead. I slept until 4pm and I woke up with my head so heavy and congested. Dang it, I did get affected with this high altitude stuff. Now I got worried. When I moved to Denver for grad school, I was nauseated for two weeks until I was used to being several miles up from sea level. Bad news is that I don´t have two weeks here in Cuzco! We start hiking to MachuPicchu by thursday and some parts of the hike will take me so much higher up in altitude that our guide, Juan said that one of the evenings will feel like you are in the North Pole! Hmmmmmnnnnn ..... what to do? I can´t even imagine what North Pole will be like since I have not been there but the sound of it (cold and my pounding headache) is not a good mix. Juan´s recommendation is for us to pack a bottle of Rum for the cold :)

That said, I continued to take advice from everyone who is so nice to give me some. Though I still did not get my bottle of Rum (I think another group will bring that instead for there are 12 of us total).

Basically, for two days - I´ve only been drinking Coca Tea, water, and eating lots of food .... not to mention, putting my feet up. I periodically would take some tylenol and these pills that Christie gave me for altitude sickness. Before I left my work in Seattle, Dr. Tom Bird recommended that I should take this medication for altitude sickness because he was just here several months ago. Time passed by so quickly that when I called the UW Travel Medicine clinic, their first appointment was already way after I left Seattle. So totally ¨My Bad¨that I am not prepared. Good news is that my head right now (after 30 hours) is feeling so much lighter and well adjusted. I just hope that it continues to be this way for our hike :)

Overall, the city of Cuzco is amazing. They had a street festival the second day I was here and the locals are so nice. We walked around, had great food, and also had some ice cream. I haven´t had ceviche yet and I will do so when I get back from our hike. There are several fried guinea pigs being sold but I just took pictures of them for now. My travel peeps (Christie, Jill, Brent and I) will be more adventures in our food tasting following Machu Picchu. Its 6pm already on June 10th and we will have a bus pick us up at 5:20am to take us to our hikes´s starting point. Truth be told - I am nervous and excited at the same time!

Chicago

Chicago is a great city. I can feel the beat of the town and witness the artistry (They had an Art Festival right along Michigan Ave!). The 25th Annual Gospel Music celebration was going on too in the Park. I came back to Chicago on June 5th to June 7th since it was one of my Landmark weekend courses. I missed the one in Seattle since my older brother got married on the same weekend (After June 20th, please check out their wedding photos at www.lightphoria.com). It was truly great to meet the participants from Chicago, Wisconsin, New York, and I even met an awesome person, Jo who works for Oxfam in Toronto (www.oxfam.ca) Everyone is up to something on how to better the world we are living in. As an example, Oxfam is an organization that supports the poor people in developing countries and ensures that they are part in making the decisions that affects them.

I also connected with Jocelyn, who is a stand for the greatness, love, and anything is possible for all Filipinas. Jocelyn is in the Introduction to Leaders Program through landmark education. She also started her own business promoting corporate social responsibility (ppsolutionsllc.com) which is totally a conversation my younger sister, Mae (aka Carmel) is highly interested in. Of course I had both of them connect following our conversation so they can start brainstorming ideas and creating an awesome future for all of us.

Savoy and Preoria, Illinois

Woke up early today, June 4rth, to accompany Noah and her mom to Saint Frances´ Children´s Hospital for Noah´s chemo. Lion King was playing as we drove for an hour and a half to the hospital. As Simba´s father said in the movie that ¨being brave doesn´t mean that we have to go looking for trouble¨, well - Noah is a true testament of this statement. At age 2 1/2 years, he is one of the bravest man I know. All the nurses knew him by his name and he knows the protocol in regards to his blood draw and chemo administration. It will be a couple of years until his treatment is completed. They are off to St. Jude next week in Memphis for Noah´s follow-up appointment. Since his chemo will continue to be administered in a weekly basis, I am planning to have my immediate family celebrate thanskgiving this year here in Savoy. I am sharing some of the photos taken during Noah´s chemo treatment, and our visit to the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana campus.

Chicago - Savoy, Illinois First Stop

I left a sunny Seattle on June 1st, 2009 and headed straight to Chicago. I was greeted with cloudy skies and light rain (totally felt like home!). Took the train directly to Joanna's place and I waited for her to come home from Europe. Her place in downtown Chicago is AWESOME! We spent a few hours catching up until it was time for bed. She is again off to a couple of conferences in the upcoming week while I am taking the bus or train to Champagne, Illinois to be with my cousin and his family the next morning. I woke up late -- totally had to catch up from missed sleeping time for having an amazing weekend (My bro got married on May 30th -http://lightphoria.com and check out Amy and Joseph ). If you know of any special events AND of course there's a lot, let me just tell you that Siang is an amazing photographer to capture all those memorable memories in your life. I recommend him without any reservations.

I finally was able to find the Greyhound station and took the bus leaving 3pm and arrived safely at 6pm in Champagne. My cousin, Cocoy and his family picked me up. So great to see all of them for it had been years. His wife Raquel, and their two children Aidan (8) and Noah (almost 3) were in the van waiting. Their smiling faces greeted me as we headed to their immaculate home in Savoy. Noah is the first photo I am posting. This is his first trip to the mall following his diagnosis of leukemia this past December. He is truly a darling. You will never know that he is still undergoing weekly chemo treatment (we are off to the hospital tomorrow) because he bounces all over the place. We watched the movie "Robot" in the van as we headed out to the mall to help me find some hiking pants. The one I brought is too small and I want to eat as much food as I can this week since Noah's mom is such a great cook. She just made me chicken adobo for lunch! The mall adventure was a success, and now I am all ready for the upcoming Peru trek on Monday. We watched the ending of Robot all the way home as Noah drifted off to sleep and for me taking it all in the moral of the story --- " It doesn't matter what we are all made of, we are all going to shine " -this is indeed so true.