This was written by one of our closest friends, Genessa. She helped to set up the CaringBridge site for us to update when we had so many wonderful people worried about us. This was ground zero.
Feb 14, 2016 2:38pm (Genessa Dopf)
Sara and Scott are filled with extreme gratitude for all the love, support and kind words that everyone is showing. During this difficult time we ask that you refer to the Caring Bridge site for updates and information. In such an overwhelming time, it’s hard for Sara and Scott to check text messages. Sara and Scott will be able to post on this site at their convenience. There is a section on the site that offers an opportunity to ask questions and we will do our best to address those questions.
On Thursday Feb. 11, Sara and Scott noticed some unusual bruising on Maya . Lincoln had a Dr. appointment with their pediatrician on Friday Feb. 12 in the morning, so they decided to piggy back on Lincoln’s appointment and have Maya checked out. The Dr. recommended that they take Maya to Carson Tahoe Hospital to do lab work. The results came back within a few hours with the shocking news that Maya had leukemia. They rushed to Oakland Children’s Hospital immediately and Maya was admitted late that evening. The initial diagnosis was confirmed; Maya had leukemia cells in her blood. She received a blood transfusion and platelets that night. Her liver and spleen were enlarged (typical for leukemia) and her cells can turn on her and throw her into organ failure. Maya is receiving IV antibiotic and fluids which will keep the organ failure at bay. She is under close surveillance, having multiple blood samples taken per day.
We received a text from Sara on Feb. 14 stating, “This sucks. It is very scary and sad. I pretty much feel like I am floating in space and the world is whizzing by. I am so grateful my parents are here and Scott is so strong. Lincoln isn’t allowed up to see Maya and I get torn in to 2 pieces each time I have to leave one or the other. It just happened so fast and we left in a panic on Friday. Still feels like a dream. She 100% has leukemia- found it in her blood. Waiting for a bone marrow biopsy tomorrow morning to determine the type. Then a central line placed Tuesday. I am scared and sad for her to be put under 2 days, but it all has to happen quickly to get treatment going. Monitoring her organs. Enlarged liver and spleen and lots of fevers. But all in all she is so much better after blood and platelets. White blood cells came down from 28k to 13k- probably fluids. HGB (Hemoglobin) was 6.3 and plates at 6 too…. Not sure what it is at after transfusion. She really is doing better. Scared but adapting. Thank you so much for the support!”
We have set up a Go Fund Me account, any and all contributions will be greatly appreciated. The link for that is:https://www.gofundme.com/PrincessMaya
Thank you for all your love and support.
By Danielle Reinhardt — Feb 14, 2016 4:29pm
Sara and Scott … Sending all our love and prayers to you both, Maya and Lincoln… We love you’
By Marian & Ron Hill — Feb 14, 2016 4:39pm
Sara & Scott – We are so with you in spirit – sending love and support across the miles. We love you all.
By Kelly Schnaible — Feb 14, 2016 4:45pm
Sara and Scott, we love you, are praying for Maya and your whole family often, and are thinking of you all always. Maya, Maggie loves you!
By Shelby Francoeur — Feb 14, 2016 5:03pm
Sending you all love and light, especially Miss Maya.
By Shanna Honkomp — Feb 14, 2016 5:23pm
Sara my heart is breaking for you and your family. Love you so much. I’m sending all of my love and prayers to you, Scott, Lincoln, and especially sweet Maya.
By Scott Morrison — Feb 14, 2016 5:28pm
Talking with Maya about getting blood taken. ..
Dad: last time you said it didn’t really hurt. Did you cry because it hurt or because you were scared?
Maya: I cried because I was scared.
Dad: you said the needle looked kind of like a butterfly.
Maya: yep it does.
Dad: maybe you can just imagine a butterfly landing on your arm.
Maya: (pauses)…. well, it’s a kind of pokey butterfly.
By Nancy Upton — Feb 14, 2016 5:41pm
Sara and Scott and of course Princess Maya, sending you all love and prayers. Thinking of you all. Still in a state of shock after reading this. Children are very strong and she will take care of you both as you will of her.
By Rachele Stephens — Feb 14, 2016 5:52pm
Sending you all my love and healing prayers to Maya. Her smile is so amazing and you can see her strong spirit shining through even as she goes through this difficult time! Just know your whole family is being surrounded by endless love being sent from all over by your family and friends❤️
By Matt Moore — Feb 14, 2016 6:03pm
Joni & I send love & hugs to you all. We too are in shock. We are just down the road if you need anything.
By Kathy Moore — Feb 14, 2016 6:24pm
What a clever, beautiful brave little girl. Sending love and hugs to all.
By Adam Whitney — Feb 14, 2016 6:43pm
God bless your beautiful family!!! You are in my prayers and my heart!!! Always and forever.
By Amber Harrison — Feb 14, 2016 8:11pm
❤️
By Laura Deverse — Feb 14, 2016 8:37pm
Mark and I are sending all our prayers!
By Kerrie Kramer — Feb 14, 2016 9:05pm
I love you all so much. Please give that beautiful girl all my love.
By Tami Jennings — last edited Feb 14, 2016 9:19pm
I just love you all so much!! You are in my constant thoughts and prayers!! I know you will be better real soon Miss Maya!! XOXOX
By Courtney Schulman — Feb 14, 2016 9:25pm
Sara, Scott and Family…I can’t even imagine what you all are going through. Just know that kids are very resilient and will teach you about strength that you never knew you had. Know you all are loved and I am thinking of and praying for your family every day. Prayers for a speedy recovery for miss Maya.
By Jennifer Pavlik Rynerson — Feb 14, 2016 9:46pm
Sending your family love and strength right now.
By Sarah Ferris — Feb 14, 2016 9:53pm
Thinking of all of you! Stay strong sweet Maya!
By Gina Davis — Feb 14, 2016 10:09pm
My sweet Maya. We will be missing you in ballet and tap. Ask mommy if you can practice your shuffle. I love you so much and hope you feel better soon. Love you sweetie.
By Stephanie Arrigotti — Feb 14, 2016 10:22pm
Maya, use that magic wand and make those bad germs disappear. You are a superstar! We love you all very much.
By Siara Freyer — Feb 14, 2016 10:25pm
Sweet sweet Maya, hope you are listening to tons of frozen music. I’ll miss our morning play time. Stay strong I’ll be sending toys as soon as possible
By Stephanie Hernandez — Feb 14, 2016 10:26pm
I am so sorry to hear this. I can’t even imagine being in your shoes. I’m crying reading the update and writing this. our prayers are with you and I am so glad that you got her checked out and diagnosed quickly. hugs.
By Brighid Fronapfel — Feb 14, 2016 10:31pm
Scott and Sara-you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
By Franceska Quintana — Feb 14, 2016 10:37pm
To sweet Lil Maya, its with all of our love and support that we can send to you at this time. We are all there with you in spirit, wanting to take this pain away from you. Keep shinning bright our sweet little love. Stay strong, you’ve got the best mommy and daddy and all the love from Carson City with you always . Get well love bug . Love you the Quintana’s
By Tami Battaglia — Feb 14, 2016 11:03pm
I am so sorry to hear that you are all going through this. Poor sweet little Maya. My thoughts and prayers are with you that she can beat this and be back to playing with her little brother soon.
Sara & Scott – I am not that far away and would love to help in any way I can. I am only working a few hours a week right now so I have a lot of free time. Please don’t hesitate to call for anything I can help with. Love you!
By Trishia Haahr — Feb 14, 2016 11:26pm
My heart hurt when I saw this is happening to Maya and your family. I’m sending lots of good energy and love your way and I hope little Maya feels better. Stay strong. And don’t worry about ballet, consider it taken care of. 🙂
By Alisa Blackmore Thompson — Feb 14, 2016 11:26pm
My thoughts and prayers and with you all. I wish Maya the very best and I hope you are back to dancing in no time.
By Deanna Bradburn — Feb 14, 2016 11:30pm
I am so sorry to hear this news, she is an absolutely beautiful girl and has the strength to get through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time for you and your family! If you need anything at all that I can help with, please don’t be afraid to ask!
By Janet Hughes — Feb 14, 2016 11:33pm
We love you and are here for you. I pray that God’s peace and healing power surround Maya and your special family.
By TRISH STEPHENSON — Feb 15, 2016 12:17am
Sara…sending positive thoughts and prayers your way…Tyson had cancer 16 yrs ago…so I know how you feel and what you are going through. …the medical community has made such great strides with pediatric leukemia that I KNOW she will be as good as new in no time. Rely on your family, husband and friends to help you through this…healing prayers to Maya….we love you!!
By Marli Herzing — Feb 15, 2016 12:28am
Maya, I am praying for you and your family. Stay strong and kick this thing’s butt! Xxoo
By Katelyn Francoeur — last edited Feb 15, 2016 11:23pm
Sara you have been in my families life for as long as I can even remember. I love you and your family very much. Here for all of you and sending all my love. Miss Maya you are a Strong Warrior Princess!
By Laurie Kasa — Feb 16, 2016 10:17am
Wow this is like life repeating itself. In 2004 Dec 20 I began my year journey of living at Highland, Stanford and then St Francis with my oldest daughter for the next year. It is surreal and it sucks. Love you guys Laurie
By Kendall Stieber — Feb 16, 2016 11:10pm
Hi Maya! Karoline, from your daycare, and her family are sending you lots of love and prayers. Stay strong princess girl!!! Karoline says she loves you and can’t wait to paint together again soon!
Sending lots of love and prayers, the Stieber family