Yay! Izzy's Book Moves Forward

Some of you who have been reading here for some time know that I lost my niece, Izzy, to a cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma in 2012.  Since that time, I have written a children's book to tell her story of love and  perseverance to share with the world.  This project was held up for a time because we could not find a suitable illustrator, that is, a person who not only could depict Izzy in a real-life manner, but a person who truly has a heart for this story.

God answered our prayers.
Today, I am THRILLED to announce that we have found an illustrator, Mrs. Hilary Clement!  Hilary brings to this project a wonderful artistic talent, but more than that, she has a heartfelt desire to share in our story -- and THAT is something hard to find!

We are blessed to be sharing in this adventure together!   Please check out Hilary's website to see her creations.  And, just in case you are new to Izzy's story, go to the search bar at the top left of this blog and type in "Izzy".  I've written quite a lot about this remarkable little girl!  Love & miss her so much... but believe in the words of St. Paul that to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord.  I know we'll see Izzy again!

Glory to God for all things! 

†

Izzy's Christmas

Keep on Smilin'!
Izzy, Christmas 2011

What a fun time we all had this past Christmas!  Thanks to ALL of you out there across the globe who took the time to send a happy Christmas greeting to Izzy and her family!  As you may have read here previously, Izzy never actually made a request for a million Christmas cards, but she has enjoyed receiving them nonetheless.  We didn’t make an official count, but the cards came in by the thousands.  Our family divided them up between 3 households in order to open them all before Valentine’s Day.

Izzy especially loved the ones that had an animal on the card and we all enjoyed the handmade creations, ornaments, bracelets and other crafts.  A lady sent in one with a photo of her pet duck and her story and this made Izzy smile BIG : D  Other folks drew pictures or made puzzles for Izzy, sent coloring sheets and cards that played music...some sent money or gift cards or candy...the list of colorful creations and warm wishes seems almost endless!  

hand drawn creation

handmade card

Many schools sent stacks of cards and I was touched by the sentiments expressed by children.  Reading through those leaves no doubt as to why Christ says we must become as children or we’ll never enter heaven.  The faith and joy revealed through their words is incredibly uplifting and I know we’ll read these again and again through the years.    Of the relatively small portion of cards that my mom went through, over 20 states were represented as well as numerous countries, including Germany, Ireland, Korea, France, Israel, Afghanistan and Thailand.  She received warm wishes from a few famous people too, such as our former governor, now US Senator, Joe Manchin, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Beiber and several women vying for Miss USA.   

Thanks again, for taking the time to bring cheer not only to Izzy, but the entire family. 

Izzy and her Uncle Will putting make-up on her doll

Izzy with her big sister on Christmas Eve 2011

Smokey...the new kitten at Izzy's house

In other news, our family celebrated Christmas like always, with a large gathering including lots of food, toys and laughter.  Even though I was disappointed not to have a white Christmas, the mild weather did allow us to visit the ice arena where Izzy put on ice skates for the first time....

Izzy at the ice arena over Christmas holiday 2011 

There’s nothing this kid can’t do ; ‘ )  

As always, we ask for your prayers above all else and wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2012!

Glory to God for all things †

Social Media Frenzy / Izzy McManaway

With so many people twittering and facebooking about my niece...I've posted this on facebook and ask you to share it:

"With love, I respect your care and concern for Izzy, for my sister and her family. But PLEASE take care in the information you are posting and twittering. If you don't know the facts, please contact me and I'll be glad to inform you. It's disturbing to read falsehoods through twitter and to know how fast that misinformation can travel. And above all, PLEASE DO NOT post messages to contact Izzy's parents for information, for interviews, for ideas, for updates...for anything. My sister is exhausted - EXHAUSTED! Her spiritual, mental and physical health is far more important than Izzy meeting Justin B. Please remember that as you continue to grow this community and, inadvertently, create a frenzy that may have detrimental effects on people I love the most. "

Notes of Encouragement

...so much going on right now! I miss writing and there is so much to tell that has happened this month. If we get a rainy cold weekend, I'll have the time to tell you more about it.

For now, I just wanted to take a moment and show you the new cards I've created and ask you to pass them on : ) I have a little online gift shop in connection with my photography business and this card set is special since a portion of the proceeds are going directly to my sister and her immediate family to help offset the costs of driving to Morgantown for Izzy's radiation treatments.

This verse from Isaiah is Jenny's favorite ...as she sees first hand how a little child leads others toward the Kingdom of Heaven. Whether or not you take time to view/ purchase a set, please share with someone who may be blessed by this today... thanks much.

This set is called the "Encouragement Assortment" You can view all card sets here.

This card is blank inside. Both cards tell a little bit about Izzy on the back.

The inside of this one says, "Just wanted to send a few positive words your way..."

Calling Out Beauty: Izzy Update and Request

The following is what Jenny, Izzy’s mom, posted today via facebook:

"Thank you all so much for your many prayers. The results of the biopsy showed that the cancer (rhabdo) is back. The tumor is in her upper chest right above her lungs. We've decided to do radiation but we're reluctant to do anymore chemo. Our decision has been to keep her home with as much comfort and happiness as can be. These past few weeks Izzy was in tremendous pain, but this morning she woke up with none :) (answered prayer) Don't be saddened for us because the Lord has given us much peace about this and he continues to show us that he's INDEED with us and VERY much in control. "If I smile, the devil will be mad. So I'm gonna keep smiling" ~ Izzy McManaway Isaiah 11:6 "

Even if you have already read her update, please read and share the following request:

We love each and every one of you who remember us and pray for Izzy. Jenny has told me that she survives on your prayers, can feel them and this is why she & Corey have peace.

When you see them out at the grocery store or sporting events or at the park with the kids, please share a smile and your love, but please do not share your sadness at this latest news. Please do not ask Jenny or Corey to relay all the details of tests, scans and the information on rhabodomyosarcoma. It is exhausting for them to go over this again and again and again...somewhat defining each day by this one trial. They have many more blessings in their life and these they would love to share with you! Pass on your love and ask about Izzy’s sisters as well.

Take care in sharing your words, especially when Izzy and her sisters are present, as they are most sensitive to your emotions. Help to create an atmosphere of praise, faith and thanksgiving, as this is the type of atmosphere that Jesus always created before a healing miracle. Do not give in to your sadness or despair, especially when you encounter Jenny & Corey in your day to day life; they remain steadfast in God’s love and healing mercy and I ask the same of you.

Met. Anthony’s words to call out beauty in others is most fitting at this time. Do not look and see a child distorted or suffering, but instead, look at a child and see life, spirit, truth and nothing but heaven’s blessing:

"Unless we look at a person and see the beauty there is in this person, we can contribute nothing to him. One does not help a person by discerning what is wrong, what is ugly, what is distorted. Christ looked at everyone he met, at the prostitute, at the thief, and saw the beauty hidden there. Perhaps it was distorted, perhaps damaged, but it was beauty none the less, and what he did was to call out this beauty." ~ Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh of blessed memory.

Her update is the only info to share at this time, but please direct any questions about Izzy to me (heartjoys2002(at)yahoo(dot)com) or our mom. Thank you for reading and please share this...

To God be the glory for all things †

Izzy, Myrrh-Streaming Icons and Prayer

Many of you have followed the story of my niece, Izzy, and her battle with cancer. She continues to do remarkably well since her leg was amputated this spring. She gets around just fine with her colorful prosthetic leg and enjoys showing her friends how she can paint the toenails on her artificial foot. She has enjoyed cheerleading most recently and I cannot overstate the exuberance and hearty spirit of this 4 year old little girl. Just last evening I was at my sister’s house, joining Izzy and her sisters in a round of “Just Dance” on the Wii.

You would never know by watching her that she experiences pain each day -- now in her back and chest. The most recent body scan showed a “suspicious area” in her upper back and now the family travels north once again, to Morgantown, to have this area biopsied. Please pray with us? This is scheduled for Thursday morning, October 6.

Earlier in the week, I was telling of my experience from the weekend to Izzy and her mom (my sister), Jenny. I, along with my daughter, went to the Hermitage of the Holy Cross in order to take part in their 25th Anniversary Celebration. View the video of this special event below:

It was a wonderful experience; the cold temperatures and steady rain did nothing to dampen this outdoor occasion. How could it? The miraculous myrrh streaming Hawaiian-Iveron Icon of the Mother of God was present and it streamed myrrh throughout the liturgy. All of the pilgrims were blessed and anointed by His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York. Wanting to share this blessing with Izzy, I touched my scarf to the anointing myrrh on my forehead so I would have something of that blessed moment to bring to her.

Myrrh streaming icons are a miracle and even the Orthodox faithful meet them with awe; how much more so to Protestants who have never heard of them. I’m not sure Izzy understood what I was trying to tell her about the blessing and the beautiful scent of roses that now clings to that scarf... but she sat still and allowed Jenny & I to pray over her. God is so good!

Please continue to pray with us, for Izzy’s continued health and amazing spirit...she has touched so many lives through this ordeal with cancer!!

Praise God...

from whom all blessings flow...

"If I cry and don't smile then the devil will be happy -

so I'm gonna smile."

-Izzy McManaway,

4 yrs. old, a day after having her leg amputated.

It's been over a week & Izzy is doing remarkably well. She came home from the hospital the day after surgery and attended the school's Spring Patriotic Play the day after that! She has several walkers, one of which she promptly decorated with zebra stripe duct tape to make the handles easier to grip.

She has had sporadic pain today, but this evening is feeling better after her doctor prescribed a new pain medication. The surgery has not slowed this child down. She continues to keep up with her sisters and cousins, loves playing with the dogs & eats like a growing girl should.

So many prayers go up for Izzy; each one powerful and deeply appreciated. It's really this that makes me tearful... the loving hearts of people who remember her to our Lord and Saviour. I cannot cry for Izzy. How can I when I only see a child full of smiles?! But the tears do roll when I witness the love of others reaching out to her. Just like Bryson's prayer did to me this morning. What joy and lessons we can learn from children.

Thank you Bryson! God is using you to bless the

heart of others ♥

Izzy on the way home from Morgantown, the day after surgery.

Glory to God for all things †

Izzy: Post-Surgery Update

Izzy with her sister, Zoe, just before surgery yesterday.

Izzy's surgery took place yesterday, on Tuesday, May 10th and was successful. Her left leg was amputated just above the knee and the surgeon was very pleased with how everything went. He was satisfied that the skin graft will heal in such a way as to facilitate fitting for a prosthetic in only a few weeks! That is remarkable to me.

Izzy's attitude has been amazing --Jenny said that is the evidence of so many, many prayers! Izzy is accepting of this, understands that her leg was bad and that she needed a new one. Her talk is all positive and forward looking. She has asked many questions about her new leg but has never said anything sad or longing for her old leg. I credit her parents for preparing her so well and the loving mercy of God.

When Izzy came out of the recovery room yesterday and they were directed to her hospital room for the night, they were happily surprised to receive the largest room the hospital had to offer -- and what's more, it was decorated from end-to-end with one of Izzy's favorite people: Justin Bieber! There were posters, balloons, streamers,... Jenny said it was beautifully done; so thoughtful! God bless those who go out of their way to bring a ray of sunshine into the life of another.

I am currently awaiting news from Jenny -- she told me yesterday that if all went well, they may be able to come home today. That sounded incredible to me, but that's what she said. Her pain is being managed with morphine and lortab and even under these types of drugs, Izzy has been talkative, fully coherent and even laughing at times. ♥

She is in God's hands.

Thanks to all the prayer warriors out there, for the surgeon and my dad as well as Izzy. The effect of your prayers is clearly seen. Please continue to remember them.

Glory to God for all things †

Izzy Update: May 7, 2011

A sneaky, silly moment

My, oh my what a grand day...

We celebrated J's birthday at the park under mostly sunny skies. The kids played and laughed while creating sidewalk art, blowing bubbles, swinging, running, doing the zip-line, watching softball games, riding bikes, playing with dolls and eating delicious cake. I love days like this...spending quality time with friends and family, sharing joy.

Izzy was true to form... laughing, socializing, being ornery at times, eating plenty of strawberries and cantaloupe, running to catch up with her big sisters, playing "hair-do" with one of J's very patient friends as well as enjoying the playground in-between. You may notice in the photos something on her head...it's a heart "painted" on there by her sister. I think it was done with lipstick. God is good. He continually restores her spirit; her zest for life and enjoying each moment is amazing and contagious.

She had a busy day today, plenty of activities scheduled, as her parents want her weekend to be filled with happy, lighthearted memories.

Patiently waiting for the cake to be cut.

On Tuesday, May 10th, Izzy goes back to the hospital. This time it isn't for chemo. She is scheduled to have her left leg amputated. The following is the update my sister, Jenny, put forth to friends on FaceBook a few days ago:

"As you know, Izzy had a full -body PET scan yesterday to check for any spreading of the cancer. By the grace of God, there was no sign of the cancer anywhere else in the body except for her left leg. Unfortunately, they found another tumor growing in the same area as the previous one ~ which means the chemo is not working. However, considering how fast-spreading and dangerous this cancer is, and considering that the chemo was not doing it's job, the doctors are a bit stunned at how this cancer stayed contained to the leg. We're not ~ There's no doubt in our minds that our Lord knows exactly what he's doing and he's the Ultimate Physician ~ without him and without your prayers, we would not be able to get though this tough time.

On May the 10th (next Tuesday) at WVU Children's Hospital, Izzy will be having an amputation of her left leg. Although it's such a drastic measure, we feel at peace with this decision. As of right now, we don't know if chemo will continue or not after the surgery.

I thank you sooo much for lifting us up in prayer and I just ask you again to please continue to keep Izzy and all of us in your prayers ~ it sincerely means the world to us right now. Thanks so much with love and hugs ♥♥♥♥♥ "

Riding her bike

I know beyond doubt that there are many, many people praying for this little one. As strange as it may sound to you, this decision has been one that I am completely at peace with, too. I feel like I should be crying, but the emotion just isn't there.

I am only rejoicing for the gift she is to us. For the fact that the cancer is only located in this one place.

There is no doubt she is in God's care and with faith in Jesus Christ, all shall be well...all manner of things shall be well.

Thank you for praying... please also pray for her surgeon as well as my Dad.

Thank you

Blessings always †

REJOICE !

Just a little interruption in my series to let you know that Izzy's scan was good today!! Praise God!

There was no sign of cancer in her body, no tumor evident. Thank you for praying for her.

She will still have chemo- I'm not sure of the duration, but the doctors say she may still have microscopic cancer cells that didn't appear on the scan and so, they want to be cautious and

continue with chemo for a time.

Glory to God for all things!

Izzy Update

Photo courtesy of Izzy's Grandma Linda

Izzy had a great Christmas! Our family is so thankful for your prayers and concern. Jenny, my sister and Izzy’s mom, says, “I know people are praying for us .... I can feel it.” It’s also evident by just watching Izzy. Even though she has been through intensive chemo these past few months, being admitted to the hospital for 5 continuous days at a time, she amazes everyone by her ability to rebound. The chemo usually brings digestive ills, but we are hopeful this is a small price to pay for destroying all remaining cancer cells in her leg.

Since the surgery in October to remove the recurring tumor behind her kneecap, she has walked with a slight limp, but even that has improved in the last 3 weeks. And believe me, it doesn’t slow her down in the least. She is playful, inquisitive and has a great appetite. Thank God for that! I counted no less than 4 bowls of fruit salad she enjoyed along with her Christmas dinner at mom & dad’s. She keeps up with her older sisters and finds special joy in the animals. Jenny told me that during November & December, when they would leave the hospital to head home, Izzy’s only request was to visit Honey, the little white ball of fluff adopted by her Grandma Connie. This little dog brought a profusion of smiles and giggles to her which I have no doubt aids physical, emotional & spiritual healing. Laughter is good medicine indeed. And then, unexpectedly, toward the end of November, a four-legged visitor arrived at the McManaway household that is proving to be a gift from above. Enter Charlie.

Charlie, a 30 lb. short-haired WV brown dog, arrived at the backdoor, just passing by on his neighborhood rounds. His friendly face and submissive nature prompted a warm hello from the family and hugs from the girls. They were quick to offer him a treat and so, it’s no surprise that he started coming by daily. Within a week or so, Jenny contacted Charlie’s owner to see about adopting him. The owner was more than happy to find a permanent home for this wayward pup as he had been receiving complaints about his jaunts around the community. The McManaway girls all love him, but perhaps Izzy most of all. Charlie seems to like it this way. He sleeps by Izzy’s bed, waits for her to wake when the others are already up and beginning their day and shows a devotion to her that makes us look up and thank God. Charlie’s tolerance for little ones, whose antics can sometimes be inadvertently rough, is remarkable. He was meant to be in this family.

Our community continues to amaze and inspire us. Since my last update, a large fund-raising event was held in honor of Izzy and the outpouring of love, prayers and financial support has been overwhelming. The fact that not only dear friends, but kind strangers continue to support Izzy and her family has had profound effects on our family. This love has kindled an awareness of Christ in the hearts of others that some in my family thought very rare ...if not completely nonexistent. Driving down the road in our neck-o-the-woods you might spot a vehicle or two with the words, “Pray for Izzy” written across the back window in an effort to raise more prayers to our Heavenly Father. It’s a blessing to witness this concern and care in people. These things are a light in the heart of a dark valley.

Photo of our cousin, Thomas' car, courtesy of Michele Coleman

A light, too, has been steadily glowing in Jenny’s heart and my admiration for her grows deeper still. Due to her circumstances in the past year, she has made new friends and contacts with other parents whose children are being treated for various forms of cancer at the hospital. I can see how God works to uplift ailing hearts through Jenny’s compassion.

January 14 is the day Izzy will return to Morgantown to have a full body scan to show whether the cancer has been contained to the leg, spread to other areas or disappeared. We pray for a clean bill of health and know that, no matter what, she is in God’s hands.

Thanks to all of you who remember her and lift her name up to heaven; God bless you! †

Interview with Jenny

Izzy

As some of you dear readers already know, my little niece, now 3 years old, is battling cancer. Thank you for those who pray for Izabella, aka, "Izzy" and I ask for your continued prayers. She is doing well; our family has seen the hand of God working in her life as well as those around her. It's amazing really, that some of life's greatest trials also hold a key to spiritual growth, peace and the endless depths of loving human hearts.

The McManaway Family

Jenny

My sister and Izzy's mother, Jenny, has been a testimony of God's grace as I've seen her strengthened through storms, calm through heartache and unwavering in the face of despair...I think her faith in God is stronger now than it was just 6 months ago before the diagnosis.

In an effort to share her inspiring words and to honor her quest to educate more people about this rare type of cancer that affects mostly children, I share this interview with you:

1. What type of cancer does Izzy have and when was she diagnosed?

Rhabdomyosarcoma; diagnosed in November 2009.

2. What led you to take her in to the doctor initially? Was she feeling bad in any way such as...fever, nasua, etc?

We noticed a hard egg-sized lump on her lower left leg while Corey, my husband, was wrestling around with her. She complained of absolutely nothing ~ no fever, no pain, no nausea....nothing.

3. Can you describe your and your husband’s reaction when you learned the diagnosis - how did you immediately respond?

We were absolutely shocked and terribly devastated to learn that she had a very fast-growing malignant tumor that was very rare. I immediately fell to the ground crying and asking the Lord to please heal her. We knew from the beginning that she could possibly die from this, but we also knew that it could be treated with chemo and radiation if we had caught it early enough.

4. Where is she being treated and can you give us an idea of her daily/weekly routine?

She is being treated at Ruby Memorial Childrens Hospital once a week with chemo (Vincristine, Dactinomycin, and Cyclophosphamide with Mesna) and she also had radiation treatments everyday for 5 1/2 weeks in February and March at Randolph Cancer Center in Morgantown, WV.

5. How has Izzy handled all this? How does she cope with all the doctors, radiologists, nurse, etc..?

Izzy is a trooper and is amazingly tolerant of treatments, Doctors, medicine, etc. She was the first 2 yr old at this cancer center to ever receive radiation without sedation. She has formed special bonds with the radiation team workers, infusion nurses, and her oncologists. She has also formed many friendships with other children diagnosed with cancer.

6. I know you’ve told me time and again that you have felt God’s presence with you, sustaining you. Can you elaborate on this? In what ways has God manifested His love and mercy to you and your family?

The Lord has shown us his presence in many ways ~ we were blessed to have such good doctors who sing to Izzy and actually bring her gifts while not on the clock to make her feel as special as possible.

The whole community has taken time to pray for a baby they don't even know ~ That's God! We knew this cancer was fast spreading and very rare ~ after many exams ~ the tumor had no spreading whatsoever ~ POWER OF PRAYER. After being told that Izzy had cancer, we had several employees to secretly ask us if they could put her on a prayer chain.

While sitting in the waiting room alone, there was a man beside me that asked why I was there. After telling him the story, he asked if he and his wife could have prayer right then. Afterwards, he informed me that he was a pastor at a church in Beckley and he was going to add Izzy to the prayer list at his church. It's easy to cry and feel sorry for yourself, but my God has given us tremendous strength and faith to never ask why this disease was put upon my child. He has told us that Izabella is safe in his hands and that we must follow his path.

7. Have any charitable organizations helped Izzy and your family and, in what way?

The Fayetteville Junior Woman's Club, New River Woman's Club, The Shag Club, several gracious churches, individuals and Timmy's Fund which gives a gift package which includes money, gift cards, etc. to every pediatric cancer patient every time they receive chemo at Ruby Memorial.

8. What words of advice do you have for parents whose child has just been diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma?

I would plainly tell them that "rhabdo" is curable and children are very resilient. But don't be afraid of it or let it get the best of you ~ fight it with God on your side.

******************************************************

Just to add a few updated tidbits:

If you are so inclined, we welcome you to join Izzy's Facebook page where you can read her story, leave a message and receive updates.

Thanks to Calabria Salon, a hat-drive for Izzy is underway for the month of May! This event was recently covered by our local news station, WOAY in West Virginia. This was such a beautiful gesture on the part of many kind-hearted individuals. As Izzy now faces losing her hair from the chemo, it sure brings a smile to her face to see the new hats and play wigs she can try on =-)