May Miles

Hi Everyone, this is Cathy (Ali's sister)

Thanks to everyone who is submitting miles in May for Ali.  We are almost halfway to our goal of 50,000 miles in 2014...and that is a good thing because we are almost halfway through the year.  


Miles Submitted so Far:
January -- 2,059
February --3,968
March  7,183
April 5,490
May 4,867

Total  23, 567


For those who want to participate, here are the rules:

1 mile of walking, running or biking = 1mile
10-15 minutes of exercise (classes or sports) =  1 mile
1 lb lost = 10 miles (you can't keep loosing the same pounds)

Submit total  monthly miles  at the end of the month to 50kforali@gmail.com






We had a mini family reunion (with 5 of the 8 siblings and 17 grandkids)  this past week in Utah.  As we visited, I realized that Grandma and Grandpa have turned Ali's home in a "clean safe bubble". And they have done a super job!




Grandpa and Desi are a bit like bouncers at the front door.  They could refuse entry to anyone at anytime.  Yes, those two men pictured below, one sweetly holding the baby and the other riding children's rides at Lagoon, just might tell you to get lost without even checking your ID.

And Saint Grandma, the kind,  smiling party going woman who can throw together a great reunion lunch, tackles the Lomax kids at the door and smothers them in hand sanitizer and  removes their shoes.  It's all part of the plan to help keep Ali healthy.

Tables and Tables of food and family!

   So we couldn't party in Ali and Desi's house because she can't have the germs that company brings.   But we played and ate in the park across the street.   We also went swimming and and went to Lagoon.
 Ali did come to the park for a few minutes to visit, but had to wear the mask and gloves and couldn't stay long.   And she definitely had to avoid Lagoon.  There are moments of humor, like when family members overhear someone asking about that "lady wearing the mask".     There are also frustrating moments when we all want Ali to get back to "normal" quickly so we can enjoy her company completely.  But above all, we thank our Father in Heaven for one more day to enjoy each other...the cousins had a blast!

Even with the mask, It was so wonderful to see Ali home and her kids are thrilled to have mom back in the house again.  Her lab values are going in the right direction and that is good.  It will continue to take weeks for her immune system to return to where can safely get rid of the mask and gloves.  


Just a couple more pics of the reunion...

Grandma and Grandpa with a handful of the grandkids.  Yes, they brought hand sanitizer to this event.

Sisters are the best!   (As you can see, the fluffy mask is not so fun in family pictures, but Ali told us she was smiling).  It has been a long time since we have been able to take a sisters picture, as we are rarely all in the same location. (grandma was inside cutting watermelon? or getting more sanitizer?)

5K Race Information and Garage Sale Information

Hi All, this is Cathy (Ali's sister)--

We are so happy to hear that Ali was able to come home!  Thanks for your prayers in her behalf.  She will continue to need those as she is recovering over the next several months.  

As friends and family of Ali, we have organized two events to help cover the cost of medical bills.  Thank you to all who have helped in many ways to get these events in motion.   Please note that there is different contact information for each event.

• Benefit Garage Sale on July 18th & 19th (Idaho)
• This garage sale is being organized by the Idaho groupies.  If you have items you would like to donate or if you would like to help on the day of the sale, please send an email to 50kforali@gmail.com
• In addition to many garage sale items, we will have PC tuneups available and some baked goods and treats to sell.  

• "5K Ali's Way" on August 30th (Utah)
• Ali loves to run!  This event is being organized by friends and fellow runners in Spanish Fork (Thank you Becky!)  This race is not only to honor her, but to try and beat her.  She is hoping she will be well enough to get out and race with you.  This is a family friendly event.  There will also be items to be raffled off.
• For information about the race and how to sign up:
• Visit the blog  5kalisway.blogspot.com
• Questions about the race can be emailed to 5kalisway@gmail.com

Day 13-14

Well the hospital send us home last night!!! Alison's white blood cells are about 1200 (normal range is 4500-10000). Her fighting infections white blood cells are 750. All in All she is eating, breathing, pooping, and walking so they saw no use in keeping her longer. She had a horrible skin problem during this whole thing that is looking a lot better today. She is resting and getting some well needed sleep.  I brought a thermometer so I can check her temperature twice a day. Due to the low level of white blood cell fever is the best indication that something is not right.

There have been a lot of wonderful people who want to come and see Alison. We thank you for your kindness but would ask that we be given a few months for Alison to build her immune system up.

If everything continue to go well she will have her iv port removed next week. Look like we will have a few rounds of radiation as well now sure on when that going to happen.

It's great to have her home. We walked about 4 miles today along the Spanish fork trail and it was truly beautiful. Thank you all for your prayers and kindness.

Desi and Ali.

Day 12

Alison's white blood count is to 600! and her fighting infection white cells are at 500 which mean she has enough of an immune system to be taken off of her many antibiotics and is clear to walk outside again!!! Her platelets are staying in a decent range and her red blood cells are great. We are hoping to have my sweet wife home by next week!! This is a real tender time in our lives. We hope everything will continue to run well. We are starting to plan for the next step. Alison's parents already have a system to keep the house clean and sanitized and they are getting the kids whipped into shape. We could not have done this (Me being at the hospital) without them. I also have a great supervisor at work who has been very supportive. I could not ask for better in-laws or a better place to work right now.

Alison sends her love. She is ready to get out of the hospital. She is currently filling her time with resting, walking and making sure I complete my honey-do's ( which is a sign of health). We thank you again for your prayers.

Day 10-11

Day 10 brought no new results. Today Alison white blood count went to 300. We are celebrating every increase. Today Alison was at the line to have a platelet transfusion but create her own platelets so she did not need the transfusion. I am just over joy to watch this process. Just hoping and praying things will continue to progress.

Day 8

Great news! Alison registered 100 white blood cells today. Which means she is working her way back up to regaining her immune system.  They populate quickly but she will need thousands more before she can go home(And will need about a year to return to normal levels). So she is still eating, breathing, pooping and walking which are the basic requirements at this time. As silly as that may sound its a big deal! So we are going to sit here today and enjoy her 100 white blood cells and pray on white blood cells will continue to go up.