Sweet Alyssa

When people find out where I work as a nurse their first repsonse is.."oh, that must be so hard". I always say, it has it's moments but we see a lot of success and happiness too.

This last week was one of those heart wrenching moments. This is a picture of Alyssa Chappell who I became quite attached to as I have told you in previous letters and emails. I was her nurse when she was first diagnosed in March with stage IV neuroblastoma. I was instantly drawn to her and her amazing parents. A bond of friendship was formed in that first couple of weeks while I was their nurse that will be forever.

Her parents, Lori and David were devoted to Alyssa and in the fight to win the disease that had taken over her little body. Things looked good going into the summer as she had responded well to chemo and the plan was in place for a stem cell transplant. A few weeks ago though, we learned that her neuroblastoma had progressed. This sweet picture was taken a couple of weeks before she passed away.

So to say the least it has been an emotional week for me. Alyssa would always say to us when we were in the room doing some procedure, "all done? all done?" We would reassure her, all done. I was able to attend her funeral where I was inspired by her parents who both spoke. They are amazing examples of people who have great faith in Jesus Christ, I was uplifted by them and their words at her funeral. David, her dad, told us about Alyssa a a few days before she died, where she mostly slept and was comfortable. She opened her eyes for a moment and said "all done, no more, all done".

Sweet Alyssa, I feel so privileged to have been able to care for her and know her and her parents. They have made an impression on me that will stay forever.