Want to "OFFICIALLY" be part of team Jack-Jack?!

Anneli has registered team "Jack-Jack" for the “The Valerie Fund” Walkathon, which will be held in Verona Park, New Jersey, on Saturday June 13th. The Valerie Center at Saint Barnabas is where Jack will receive his chemotherapy treatments for the next three years, and the Bailey Bunch is excited to show their support for the facility and staff that have made this difficult journey easier for them. For more information about The Valerie Fund, click here.

To participate in the walkathon, you can register to walk or run. Make sure you select "Join an existing team," and then scroll down and select "Jack-Jack." Click HERE to register! After you press the Register button below, you will be asked for a $10 for walking/$25 for running minimum donation to your team. The suggested donation for walking is $30.

To donate to Team Jack-Jack's efforts to raise money for The Valerie Fund, click HERE and find "Jack-Jack" in the drop-down list by "Pick a team." Your support is very much appreciated!

The Bailey's hope you can join them on June 13th!

Making progress

Jack's ANC has climbed to 370...nearly half what he needs to resume chemotherapy treatment. He looks great and is SOOOOO happy to be home.

The current plan is to return to the Valerie Center on Monday for another ANC test, and, if his white blood cell count is where it needs to be (at least 750), he can receive his next round of chemo (which, ironically, will cause his ANC level to drop again). Keep sending prayers and positive thoughts his way!

Home again!

Jack is back home, although his counts are not up yet. The doctors agreed to discharge him despite his still-low ANC level (it was at 169) since he had received a complete week of IV antibiotics. He needs to return to the hospital tomorrow (Wednesday) for another blood test, which hopefully will show a higher white blood cell count.

In the meantime, Jack is happy to be back in South Orange. He can't really have visitors because his immune system is so fragile right now, but at least he is with his family. Should you make arrangements with Anneli and Damond to visit, please remember how important it is to wash your hands! It is easy to forget at times that Jack Jack is so vulnerable, when you see him smiling, laughing, and playing. But we all must be vigilant in not exposing him to germs that can make him sick. Here is a link to a NY Times article that explains the absolute neutrophil count and, again, how important hand washing is.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We will be sure to post about Jack's trip back to the hospital tomorrow.

Sunday's Medical Update from Anneli

(A Picture of Jack Jack taken today with Anneli's Phone)

It is Sunday and we are still at the hospital. The good news is that Jack's counts are up to 220 - Yea!

We are certain that it is because of all the good energy and prayers that you all continue to have for him.

Jack's doctor mentioned on Thursday that he will have to stay here for a "few days" until his counts reach 500. The first few days felt nothing like the last few, with Jack dancing with the IV pole and discovering every thing in his room including the electrical outlets and the call button for the nurses!

Both Damond and I try to stay positive for Emma and Jack. This hospital stay has been hard on Emma especially, as she is used to us being together as a family in the evenings and on the weekends. She has not been sleeping as well as she normally does, and Emma said to me last week: "Jack does not need to be sick anymore and I don't think he needs any more needles or chemo." She even told the nurses this at the hospital. Big sister Emma is looking out for her little brother.

The reality is that we don't want Jack to be sick either. But at least he is in really good hands. And with the wonderful support that we have from family and friends (you all know who you are) we will be able to fight this and be there for Jack.

This weekend has been extra special with my high school friend Ulrika and her fiancé Magnus visiting from Sweden - Emma has been getting a lot of their undivided attention and been made to feel extra special - Just what Emma needs at this time. I, in turn, have had a chance to spend time with a very special friend and I am happy that Ulrika has gotten to know Damond and I have gotten to know Magnus.

Another South Orange friend, Kristen, who is a photographer, visited us on Thursday last week and took these amazing pictures:


Have a great week and cross your fingers that Jack will be going home on Monday or Tuesday.

Love,
Anneli