Jessica's Page

Welcome to Jessica's web page, devoted to keeping family and friends updated with the latest information on Jessica, her health and her treatments. Check back often as we will be updating this page frequently. To send Jessica an email, you can click here (jessicaparido@yahoo.com)

November 6^th-We apologize for the time between updates. We had a fairly uneventful summer. Jessica’s health has been excellent and she continues to be extremely diligent with her medications and after care program. Her doctor has pulled back some of Jessica’s activities due to Flu Season. We are nearly a year from diagnosis and all signs point to a full recovery. Jessica has been busy this summer with some tremendous opportunities to bring awareness to Children’s Cancer. She is currently on a billboard at the East Bound off ramp of the 10 Freeway at Anderson/Tippecanoe that is themed “Giving Back Life” She has also had the opportunity to do a few radio interviews to help bring awareness to Children’s Cancer. She and Kristina were on KFRG otherwise known as K-Frog to discuss their journey along with Dr. Morris. It looks like Jessica will be able to return to school at the beginning of the 2^nd semester in early February. She is working hard with her Home School Study Program and will be on grade upon her return. We would once again like to thank everyone for their kindness and prayers this past year. All and all this has been a rewarding experience for all of us and has truly put life in perspective. On behalf of our entire family I would like to wish everyone a Healthy and Safe Holiday Season.

God Bless you all,

The Parido’s

August 11^th^- Jessica’s surgery went well and she is home resting comfortably.

August 8th- Jessica has developed Gallstones and will have her Gall Bladder removed tomorrow. She will be in the hospital at least one night. The doctors tell us that the surgery is very common and the recovery time is minimal. Jessica’s health has been excellent and her counts continue to be stable. She is now able to COMB and STYLE her hair. She said she feels like a girl for the first time in a long time. We are attaching a letter from a close family friend, Ryan Duclos who opened his heart to raise money for Leukemia research. If you get a chance please take a minute to read his well done letter. Kristina will turn THIRTEEN on Tuesday and is off at church camp in Northern California until Saturday. Thank you to all and have a safe and healthy summer.

Prayer Request: That Jessica will continue to stay in Remission and remain healthy.

July 19^th-Today is DAY 114 post transplant! I had a Bone Marrow Biopsy and the results showed that I am still in REMISSION. A test was also done on the percent of New Stem Cells that I have and the results showed over 97% of my stem cells are the NEW BONE MARROW. The doctors are very happy with that result. Everything has been going great and getting better everyday. I am being weaned off of my IMMUNE SUPPRESSANT and over the next few months my Immune System will build back to normal. I am continuing my studies for school and my teacher comes over 3 times a week. I hope to be able to go back to regular school late this year or early in 2005. I also got my Learners Permit and am having a good time learning to drive this summer. The doctors are letting me join my family for vacation for our annual trip to Morro Bay in late August. I am truly grateful for all of the people who have supported and prayed for me during the past several months. I wish everyone a happy and safe summer. I will update the website as we have new information however feel free to send me an email (jessicaparido@yahoo.com) and I would be happy to give an update anytime.

Prayer Request: Please pray for a full recovery and for all others who are going through a similar situation.

June 28th- Erin has been diagnosed with breast cancer. We will be keeping this link updated with news on her progress. http://www.home.earthlink.net/~suenettleton/. We are so grateful to all the wonderful people who have been praying for Jessica and our family and hope you will do the same for Erin.
Prayer Request: For Erin's quick recovery.

May 25th: Today is my two month anniversary since transplant! Everything is Great! We found out some very good news today, My body is now 99% Kristina's stem cells! We are all very happy and grateful! I am going to continue through the summer with my home schooling and until January when I get to return to school. Tricia and I only go to the clinic on Wednesdays now for a check up and to test my blood counts. My blood counts have all been very stable week after week! Thank you to all of you that have given the great love and support throughout this entire experience. God Bless!

May 3, 2004: Jessica is doing great. She has been getting out when there are no crowds to do a little shopping and went to a movie. Jessica and Tricia have been going to the clinic a couple of times a week for medications however she has not needed a Blood Transfusion or Platelets since being discharged from the hospital. She now draws her own blood for the Labs and likes the responsibility for her treatment. Her “New Bone Marrow” is engrafting with no signs of GVH.

April 19, 2004: Jessica is doing fantastic! We brought her home this morning and barring anything unforeseen she will not have any more extended hospital stays. Although we have a long road to full recovery Jessica continues to meet every challenge with a great attitude and remains in good spirits. It is great to have her home. Jessica and Tricia will need to spend at least 3 days a week at the Loma Linda Clinic for the first few weeks as she gets various different medications to guide against Graft vs. Host Disease. As of this writing there are no signs of GVH. Jessica will have to be careful in the next several months not to be exposed to sickness and will not be able to be in large crowds for up to a year. That includes going back to school. We look forward to being able to resume a somewhat normal life as we now have the WHOLE FAMILY under one roof.

Prayer Request: That Jessica continues toward a FULL RECOVERY.

April 6, 2004: In the days following Jessica’s Transplant she was very ill from the effects of the high dose of Chemotherapy given to her prior to transplant. As of this writing she is doing fantastic and is showing signs of “NEW CELL GROWTH” Everything is going as planned and she has not had any setbacks in her recovery. Jessica continues to get stronger everyday and has resumed most of the activities that she was able to do prior to her procedure. She has recently begun to create her own Greeting Cards as she tries to find ways to fight the boredom that comes with being confined to her hospital room. Jessica is beginning to try and eat solid food as her appetite is coming back as the nausea subsides. We continue to be AMAZED by her Strength and Perseverance throughout the entire ordeal which now is going on 5 months. We look forward to bringing her home in the near future. GOD WILLING! Kristina rebounded nicely from her surgery and was able to go to school the following Monday and is back to her normal energetic self. Prayer Request: That Jessica’s body will fully except the New Stem Cells and continue to produce new cells on its own

March 26^- Kristina was baptized on Tuesday Evening by the Youth Pastor from Calvary Chapel – Chino Hills in our backyard Spa. Jessica had a rough week with the high dose of Chemotherapy wiping out her counts. She has remained mentally strong through the tough week and was very excited as we came closer to the Transplant. The Bone Marrow Harvest and Transplant took place yesterday as scheduled. Jessica and Kristina are doing well! We had a little “Birthday Gathering” with several family members as well as seemingly all the Nurses on the floor stopping by at one time or another during the procedure. Kristina will be discharged today and will take the weekend to rest and recover. Jessica will be in the Hospital for 4 – 6 weeks while her counts recover and her body accepts the Transplant. We would like to thank Dr. Chris and Joan Morris, Scarlette, Steve and Shannon for their outstanding work to give Jessica the best care possible.

Prayer Request: That Jessica’s body will accept the New Bone Marrow with limited side effects. Please pray that Owen Marcus will continue his outstanding progress.

March 15- Jessica started Chemotherapy as scheduled today. The Bone Marrow Harvest and Transplant are scheduled for Thursday March 25^th. As always thank you for your Thoughts and Prayers

March 9 - We hit a bump in the road on Monday March 8^th when a Blood Culture came back positive for an infection. Jessica is being treated with antibiotics and had her Central Line removed to ensure that was not the source of the infection. We hope to have it cleared up soon so we can proceed with Transplant. Jessica will have a new Central Line put in when her infection is cleared up and we should be able to begin the process next week. Jessica is keeping her positive attitude through the additional procedures and remains strong. Prayer Request: That Jessica’s infection will clear up to allow transplant to proceed on our new schedule..

March 5 - I have been home for the past 2 weeks. Tricia and I have been at the hospital nearly every day to do several tests to make sure I am healthy enough to begin the next round of treatment. I am scheduled to return to the hospital on Sunday Night and will begin the new Chemotherapy Treatment on Monday morning. On Sunday February 29^th I was honored with a plaque by Chino Hills Pony Baseball at my brother Kyle’s Opening Day Ceremonies. We had a great day and I really appreciate Mike and Wendy Trento for making that happen. My next 2 rounds of Chemotherapy should bring all of my blood levels way down to prepare for transplant. My Bone Marrow Transplant is scheduled to happen March 18^th. My sister Kristina has been really brave as she has had to do several tests to prepare for her Bone Marrow Harvest which is scheduled to take place on the morning of March 18^th. She should only be in the hospital for 1 night and will be able to come to my room when I receive her Bone Marrow. After transplant I will be in the hospital for 4 – 6 weeks. We can’t thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers during our time of need. We would especially like to thank Carol Ingalls, Pop-Pop, Gramma Stella, My brother Michael, Kathy Moore, Chuck and Connie Parido, Dan and Martha Fournier, Dawn and Jackie Cochrane and to all who have taken the time to email or call to show your support.

PRAYER REQUEST: That Kristina does well during her Bone Marrow Harvest. That the Bone Marrow Transplant goes well and my body accepts the new Marrow and I will be CURED!

SPECIAL REQUEST: Pray for all the children that have a disease and that they receive the love and support that I am so lucky to have. God Bless you all, Jessica Anne Parido

February 22 - Note from Jessica - On Thursday February 19^th I got the great news that I would be able to go home for at least 10 days! Before I left I had to practice giving shots, First on an Orange and then on my Nurses. Now that I am home I give myself daily shots of Neupogen to help my counts recover. The first time I gave myself one I was a little nervous and poked myself 4 times before actually putting the needle in, now I AM A PRO! I was able to have fast food for the first time in several weeks. I chose In and Out as well as Cold Stone Creamery. Next week I begin the testing on all my vital organs in preparation for my Bone Marrow Transplant. Tricia and I will be at Loma Linda for testing just about every day. My sister will also begin to prepare for her Bone Marrow Harvest with several tests scheduled as well. If all goes as planned Kristina will be able to be with me when I receive her Bone Marrow. My family and I would like to thank everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers.

PRAYER REQUEST: That my Bone Marrow Transplant goes well and that Kristina has an easy time with her Bone Marrow Harvest.

February 6 - Jessica's Aunt Carol (Redlands, CA) and Aunt Nancy (Morgan Hill, CA), are walking a Marathon (26.2) miles on June 6, 2004, in honor of Jessica and others afflicted with blood related cancers. The Suzuki Rock and Roll Marathon will take place in San Diego, California.   If all goes well with transplant, Jessica and family plan to be at the finish line! They will be walking with a group of 4,000 other participants raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to aid families afflicted with Leukemia and other blood related cancers, as well as educating the public and health care professionals in the latest treatment advances. Jessica is their honored teammate, and the inspiration for their 4 months of training. 75% of all of the funds raised goes directly to the cause. If anyone would like to contribute/sponsor either Carol or Nancy in honor of Jessica, please contact them at the numbers below. Thank you for your continued prayers and support for Jessica and her family.

Carol Ingalls 909-793-2656   e-mail cingallsrn@aol.com

Nancy Nielsen 408-782-0801   e-mail   bartwade@aol.com

Thank You,

Carol Ingalls

January 16 - After spending an OUTSTANDING week at home that included trips to local parks, school and shopping, Jessica returned to Loma Linda Childrens Hospital on Tuesday January 13^th for a Bone Marrow Aspiration and a Spinal Tap. We received the great news on Wednesday that Jessica was in REMISSION! They found ZERO LEUKEMIC CELLS in the blasts taken in the latest tests and the Spinal Tap results were negative. THE PRAYERS OF MANY WERE ANSWERED. Jessica continues to feel strong and is more positive than ever that she will beat this. On Tuesday Evening Jessica began her next round of Chemotherapy and as of this writing is doing well. Her hospital stay will most likely be about a month before the tests and preparation begin for her Bone Marrow Transplant. We are very thankful for the Wonderful Staff at the hospital who have gone above and beyond to make her feel comfortable and very well taken care of both mentally and physically. Prayer Request: That Jessica will remain strong and have limited side effects to her latest round of Chemotherapy and that her Leukemia will remain in REMISSION.

January 6 - Jessica has had a good couple of weeks and is feeling strong and energetic. On Saturday January 3^rd Dr. Fay gave us the Good News. Jessica was doing so well that we could bring her home on Monday for a week. She is glad to be able to spend some time at home before starting the next treatment. Jessica will have a Bone Marrow Aspiration done on Monday the 12^th and begin the next Chemotherapy Treatment on Tuesday the 13^th. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the love and support you have shown Jessica and wish you and yours a Healthy and Happy 2004

December 31 - Jessica has been doing well during the observation period with only a few side effects. She has developed a rash from an antibiotic she was taking to prevent infection however she is handling it well and is taking "Oatmeal Baths" Jessica was able to come down to the Cafeteria for Christmas to spend a traditional Christmas Eve with her family. Of course Jessica set the menu and Tricia, Grandma and Connie brought her favorite dishes in crock pots to ensure freshness. Jessica continues to receive Blood Transfusions as well as Plasma on a semi regular basis to keep her Hemoglobin and Platelets at a healthy level. She is continuing to read scriptures daily and appreciates all of the support she has received from everyone especially all of the Churches that have included her in their Prayer Chain.

December 23 - Jessica has completed her 2nd Chemotherapy Session this past Friday December 19th. She has reacted well to treatment thus far with minimal side effects. The treatment plan calls for twenty days of observation before starting the next round of Chemotherapy. A Bone Marrow Aspiration is scheduled between January 9th and January 16th. Jessica would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers and wishes a Merry Christmas to all. Prayer Request - Pray that Jessica's Leukemia will be in remission when the results of the Bone Marrow Aspiration come in.

December 19, 2003 - Today, Jessica finished her 2nd round of chemotherapy. She'll have a few days off before the next round begins. Her aunt gave her a short haircut over the weekend, which was followed by a complete head shave today. Jessica already likes the new style...and the easy care. Students and staff at Ayala High School gave from the heart on December 19th 2003. A student (Jessica's best friend) Jackie Cachrane notified the Ayala Administration that Jessica was in Loma Linda Hospital and had been diagnosed with AML Leukemia. Thanks to Ayala Security officers Patrick Abrams and Victor Rsale who collected the donations. A total of $623.50 was raised for Jessica and her family. The amount of continued support from all is nothing short of amazing and is a true blessing from God. Prayer Requests: That Jessica would have no side effects from the chemo. That she would be comfortable. That Jessica has a complete recovery.

December 17, 2003 - In August Jessica started getting ill much more than usual with what appeared to be common colds and reactions to medication prescribed to her. As the months went on we became more concerned as Jessica began to have daily difficulties with fatigue and vomiting. Her skin color was pale gray and she was losing weight so we took Jessica to see all of her medical providers, the primary care physician, the dentist and the dermatologist beginning on November 10th, 11th and 12th.

Blood was drawn at our request on the 11^th during her physical and on the 13^th we received a call asking us to take Jessica to the Hospital immediately that there were irregularities in her lab results along with anemia and low hemoglobin counts. Upon her admission we were informed that she was in need of a blood transfusion and bone marrow testing which all happened in just a few hours. We stayed over night and released in the morning waiting on the pending results.

The first test was diagnosed as AML Leukemia by the first hematologist on 11/17/03. We took Jessica straight to Loma Linda for a second opinion where they ran her blood labs and took another bone marrow sample. The second round came back inconclusive so a third round was done as well as a second look at the original set of testing. All three of these were in the opinion of the head pathologist still inconclusive. On 11/20/03 we were sent home Leukemia free as of that date. Jessica was home with us through the Thanksgiving Holiday and enjoyed being able to spend quality time with all of her family and friends.

The hematologist scheduled follow up blood work for further testing and for monitoring purposes. The first showed new cell growth and everything was looking positive although they were still puzzled as to what caused her to be ill. Between the first and second follow up Jessica began to show reoccurring symptoms as prior to her hospitalization. The second follow up showed that her counts had dropped again and the head pathologist ordered a fourth bone marrow aspiration. Two days after the aspiration 12/5/03 Jessica was positively diagnosed with AML Leukemia and was to return to the hospital to start her treatments immediately.

Since Jessica has been back at the hospital she has had one full round of Chemotherapy and on 12/15/03 started her second. She has been in great spirits for the majority part of it all and is staying strong through faith and the tremendous support she is receiving from everyone. Jessica’s braces were taken off the very first day she was back and her teeth are perfect!

Jessica also celebrated her 15^th birthday, which was on 12/12/03 at the hospital on 12/13/03 with as many of her family, and friends that could attend. It was an amazing turn out and along with Jessica we are extremely thankful for all of the love and prayer from all of you.

To add to Jessica’s Birthday Celebration we were informed on that day that her sister Kristina is a match for a Bone Marrow Transplant which opens up the door to full recovery possibilities.

Again from all of our family we thank everyone from all of our hearts for the amazing amount of support and prayers we have received from all over from our local town to other states, from friends and from those we have not been blessed with the opportunity to meet, our prayers are with ALL of you and yours as well.