On May 28th, 2009, before Bree left the hospital for the final time, the staff on the pediatric oncology floor threw her a big party! Every time a child completes their chemotherapy treatment the nurses have a celebration for them and the latest 'to-do' is to ring the GONG! This gong was donated by a family that experienced & conquered cancer this past year. 
The gong symbolizes the end of treatment. It is something tangible for the kids to "hit!" In fact, Caleb and Gunner had the chance to hit the gong after Bree did and after Gunner took his turn he said, "I killed the cancer!"
The video below is Bree's last day in the hospital. Keep in mind, this was only 6 days after surgery and she was already standing up again! Children are so resiliant, it's amazing!
Wyatt's writing
9 years ago
34 comments:
so happy for Bree and for your family!!! What a blessing!
what a blessing, happy tears :) God is good
I'm Jenny, Ryan and Krista's sister in law. I've been following your story and I am so happy for you guys, you deserve everything good this world has to offer, congrats on the end of treatment!
Bree is so beautiful...I am so happy for you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers! :) KIM
Yay momma and daddy! Yay Bree. Couldn't you guys do anything now? You have made it through the toughest!
Oh my goodness Kares. I balled my eyes out watching that video! Ironically, "I Have a Dream" was playing in the background. Now that dream has come true!! We are SOOOO HAPPY that Breezy is in remission! She is such an amazing little girl. And no wonder--look at her amazing parents! We love you so much!!
I certainly hope you're feeling better sis. I think I have something similar...yuck! We need to get together as soon as I get back from girls camp! I love you!
I am so excited for your family! I currently have a mom going through Chemo ( due to breast cancer) and it is extremely hard to watch. I cant imagine watching my little girl go through what Bree has. My family has kept you in our prayers, and we will continue to do so. Congrats!!
Loved the video. She is so beautiful and so sweet. I really loved her reaction to the "gong"! I hope you are feeling better. Can't wait to hang out this weekend!
Kari, I am so, so very happy for you, little Bree and your entire family. You deserve all the happiness in the world and your baby deserves a long, healthy and happy life.
That video is the BEST!! thanks for posting it and sharing that special time with all of us. Bree is so strong and it's so awesome to see her standing and with a huge smile. So happy for you guys, you are amazing! Love ya
Je suis vraiment très émue et heureuse pour votre petite famille, jolie route à vous ;-)))
Pascale
I cry everytime I read your blog. Thank you so much for keeping us posted. I am so pleased that all the many prayers were answered. Your sweet little Bree, what a strong little fighter! Enjoy your sweet little family. Kari you and Justin are such great examples!
yay! we are so happy for you guys! little bree is so amazing--we wish the best for you guys!
emily and peter
What a blessing! Thanks for sharing the video. We love your family and will continue to keep you in our prayers.
So fantastic!
That video is priceless! Bree is beautiful, and it was a treat to hear all the nurses and staff sing the ceremonial end-of-treatment song, as well as witness the gong striking. My eyes watered, and I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for taking care of your little girl.
Kari, for some reason i just cried and cried when i saw this little video. Cried cause I am so happy that your baby daughter is going to be OK. What a sweet sweet girl.
Kari!
I am so happy!!! Ive been following the progress and have been praying for Bree! You are such a strong woman...youre whole family is. I am so thankful for miracles. Please know we are thinking of you and if you ever need anything...I would love to help.~Micaela (Anderson)
smganderson@hotmail.com
My heart is so touched as I watch the hospital staff wish Bree & her family well. What you've been through is one of those trials that you just can't understand until you're there...or until you're one of those doctors/nurses who experience it every day. I'm so thankful that you let us all experience some of what you've gone through so that we can be more compassionate of others and wiser in our own trials along the way. Bree is such a cutie pie--love her in that yellow outfit with the flower on her head!
What an inspiration your family is. God is good all the time. Thank you for being an encouragement to myself and others. I pray blessings on your sweet family. My friend sent me an e-mail about your blog. I have no idea where you are but just know that prayers from N.M. are coming your way.
Thanks for posting the wonderful video!!!!
I am soooo happy for you! You guys are amazing!
Congratulations! I've been following little Bree's story through Summer Drigg's scrapbooking blog and just couldn't resist coming over to see for myself. My daughters insisted on watching the video 3 times...they think she is so cute! Congrats again!
So great! Congratulations Bree! Were so happy for you and your family!
I'm so happy for you and your family! I love the symbolism of the gong (and especially Gunner's line about killing the cancer). We'll continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers and hope that Bree continues to experience healing and renewed strength!
Many tears of joy and thanksgiving! Congratulations! Bree has a special mission on this earth!
Congrats! I am so amazed by Sweet Bree! Thank you for sharing that special moment with me. Tears of JOY!!! May you continue to be blessed and touch others lives. All my love to you!
I don't actually know you but I have followed Bree and your family through Summer. I just wanted to tell you what an inspiration you are to me. I have an 11 month old daughter and I can't even begin to imagine the strength and faith it took to work through these trials. Thank you for sharing with us. I am so happy for you that the cancer is gone from Bree's body! I hope she continues to be blessed with health. You will be in my prayers.
I am a stranger to you and your family - but I have followed your story for awhile now. I couldn't leave today without letting you know how happy I am for baby Bree and your family. I hope you can finally exhale. Best wishes - always.
Hi,
I am another follwer from Summer's scrapbooking blog. I'm so glad your little girl is cancer free! Best wishes to you and your family. Thanks for sharing your inspiring story.
I came across your blog somehow a while back and I have been following your posts. You are amazing and have given me so much inspiration. You have been in my prayers and will continue to be. God bless you and your family!
Melisa
We are so happy for Bree and your beautiful family!!! God Bless ya! :)
I have been and will continue to follow your blog.
hugs and tears of joy,
The Patterson's
I am so glad I got to meet your sweet little Bree :) we hope to see you guys at many cancer survivor days in the future!
Congrats to you and your family for this amazing blessing!
I'm soooo happy for Bree and your family!!! I'll keep you guys in my prayers and God bless!
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