One of the worst things is cancer, especially when it affects children.
Jonathan and Shelby believed their two-year-old daughter, Sophie, had allergies. She was having trouble breathing, and her doctor suspected asthma. Sadly, they were about to find out it was something much more serious.
Sophie was supposed to have an allergy test a few days later, but she never got the chance.
One night, she stopped breathing.
It’s every parent’s worst fear. Her parents quickly called an ambulance, and within minutes, they were on their way to the hospital.
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. Her parents rushed to call an ambulance, and they were quickly on their way to the hospital.
That’s when the doctors finally discovered that Sophie had something much worse than asthma or allergies. She was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer.
Since then, Sophie has spent many months in the hospital receiving chemotherapy, but despite her fight, the cancer spread.
The treatment has affected Sophie’s ability to talk, walk, and use her hands to eat. Her small body is now preparing for a stem cell operation.
Shelby stays by her daughter’s side all the time, often forgetting to take care of herself. Her only focus is helping Sophie get better.
Jonathan and Shelby have created a Facebook page called “Sophie The Brave” to share updates on Sophie’s battle with the disease, making it easy for friends and family to stay informed.
It’s not just family following the page—over 12,000 people are keeping up with Sophie’s fight.
One post on the page has been especially well-received. Many moms with sick children can likely relate to what Shelby wrote.
Shelby shared:
“I see you. I sit on this couch all day, and I notice you. You try so hard not to be seen by me or my child. I see your face fall a little when she looks at you and cries. You try so many ways to calm her fears and make her feel better. I see you pause before giving her shots or removing bandages. You say ‘No owies’ and ‘I’m sorry’ more times in a day than most people say ‘thank you’.”
I notice all the rubber bracelets you wear and have around your stethoscope, each one representing a child you’ve cared for and loved. I see you gently stroke her bald head and tuck her blankets in snugly. I see you comforting the mom who just got bad news. I see you trying to work on the computer while holding a baby whose mom can’t—or won’t—be at the hospital with her.”
“You put your own life on hold for 12 hours straight to care for very sick, and sometimes dying, children. You walk into each room with a smile, no matter what’s going on inside. You see Sophie’s name on the schedule and come to check on us, even when she’s not your patient. You call the doctor, blood bank, and pharmacy as many times as needed to make sure my child gets what she needs quickly. You check on me just as often as you check on her. You sit and listen to me talk for 10 minutes, even though your phone is buzzing and you have a long list of things to do.”
I see you. We all see you. No amount of thank-you cards or snacks can show how much you mean to us. You are like a blessing to us every single day. Our children wouldn’t get the care they need without you. Moms like me wouldn’t feel understood or supported without you. You save our babies, and we couldn’t do this without you.”
Shelby’s post got 26,000 likes, and it’s easy to understand why. The amazing nurses and hospital staff truly deserve to be appreciated and recognized for their incredible work.
Let’s all hope and pray that Sophie recovers quickly, and the family received some great news—Sophie’s cancer is almost gone!
Let’s also share Shelby’s message about the nurses and hospital staff so more people can hear about the amazing work they do.