It’s taken me a while to write this post – some VERY exciting news – not just because of lack of time while juggling the girls, work, the holidays, etc. But also because, for me, it’s bittersweet.
On January 8th we are heading home to Arizona!
It’s earlier than we expected based upon Keira’s rebirthday/gene therapy date (Oct 2nd, 2020) and how quickly her body has recovered from the chemotherapy. We could not be happier with how well she has done throughout this whole process!
At the end of December she will have her final hospital stay, which will be her 3-month post-gene therapy check up. During this stay, they will do a lumbar puncture, bone marrow aspirate, MRI and remove her central line. Results won’t come in for 4-6 weeks following but we remain so hopeful and positive given how she is continuing to develop. Fingers crossed!!!
The bittersweet part? For me, it’s a few things. Italy now has a special place in all of our hearts for the potentially life-saving treatment Keira just received, the team in Amsterdam that has been treating Olivia is absolutely amazing (she loves them and we will all miss them), but I also dread going back home and facing the reality of Livvy’s very limited future. I know that’s inevitable and we would face it no matter where in the world we are but going back home makes it feel one step closer. It will be time to enroll her in long term care, figure out how we may need to handicap the house for her future needs, schedule in-home PT, OT, etc. It’s a lot.
But as Dave continues to remind me, there are so many positives that will also come along with being home…back in our own house and our own beds, not having to worry about a time difference to talk to family or schedule work calls, Eva getting back to school and life as “normal” despite COVID, etc. It WILL be a good thing for all of us.
And from this point forward Italy and the Netherlands will both hold a special place in our hearts. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
The Riley's Road to Italy 
What amazing news and I do understand your bittersweet feelings – this has been a whirlwind journey and one that when you do get your feet back on the ground hopefully things will normalize for all of you – we love you all and sending continued prayers – Merry Christmas – we live you you all❤️😘🎄🎄🎄🎄
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It is great news and we will keep the family in our 🙏 as you continue on this journey. The friends you have all made will still be there only a plane ride away & hopefully they will visit Arizona one day.
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What absolutely wonderful news!!!!! Your Summit family will be very happy to have you back in Phoenix! Happy Holidays!
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We are so glad you coming home so soon, so much to be thankful for…. just don’t know where to start, such an amazing trip, thanks for sharing it with us. Looks like a different kind of challenge is ahead at home, but you are so good at meeting them straight on, with prayers going before you, we know you will be fine. Livvy is so precious, we keep holding on to hope. Keira is totally amazing and so sweet. Eva is such a big girl already, she will love to be home. Kendra, Dave, Karen and Mike…..what a great job you have done with all the challenges you faced..love and prayers follow you all, Uncle Jim and Aunt Judy
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Thinking of your whole family.
This weekend Xander asked me to see pictures of Eva and I showed him your recent post of Eva’s equestrian lesson. He was jealous.
I am also thinking of your other girls. I have no advice for Olivia except take it one day at a time. She is lucky to have you both as parents. My heart breaks for you all for the road ahead.
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Wonderful news. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
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So happy the girls are doing better
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