IzzyBella's Gratitude Page

Thank You!

My sister & best friend, Francesse, you are always there with me - playing, laughing and watching movies. Even carrying my IV pump! All of the holidays and even your birthday were spent at the hospital but you still had fun. I love you Frannie, you're Frantastic. 

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Grammy, from the very first night in the emergency room you have been with me every step of the way. Long drives to Boston to spend hours with me in the hospital as well as being with me at every clinic appointment. Then it was coming to the Ronald McDonald House and continuing now at my home. Thanks, Grammy (& Grampa George I appreciate all your help & visits, even with your crazy work schedule).

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Auntie, you always make me laugh - on your visits & FaceTime. The American Girls helped me to pass the time in the hospital. You also took Frannie often to give her a break from all the medical stuff. I'm so glad that I can see you in my own home again. It will be great when I can come visit at your house. I didn't forget you Uncle Wayne!

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Grampa & Granma Robbie, you came to the hospital every week and always brought a smile to my face and even a Dan on occasion. (not to mention my other American Girls!)  We also thank your neighbors (especially the gifts and inspiration from Lindy Conroe & family)  and friends from church for their kindness as well as Corinne & Eileen. I loved the snowball fights at the RMH even though you were no challenge. I  also love it when you come to Warwick and we spend fun time outside.

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Susan Masse, my tutor because it was so meant to be! Sue has been an excellent teacher - she motivates me to want to learn, encourages me to explore my interests and corrects my mistakes in such a way that I always learn from them. But tutors don't come to Boston for visits. They don't collect get well, holiday & Valentine's cards from every 2nd grader at your school for you. They don't send special gifts and cards to you. They don't put an article about you in the local newspaper.(link to article) They don't come to teach on Saturdays to make sure you are caught up to your class. They don't get you (& your sister) bikes for Christmas. They don't become part of the family. Maybe Sue isn't a tutor...

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Christine Kavanagh & ReFocus (click to link) have been such a source of inspiration and support from the time I first found out that something was wrong. Chris made sure that mom and dad were able to focus on my health by not worrying about losing their jobs during this period. But it was so much more than that (& that was plenty) - there were visits, calls and cards. And cards. And more cards. All filled with get well wishes from many ReFocus-ers. And a few pieces of paper money that soon added up to quite a bit - which is being saved til I'm ready to be out & about. Then, to top it off, Chris & ReFocus threw a huge fundraiser for me at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Unbelievable. Every bit of it.

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Uncle Dan, what a wonderful idea to start the GiveForward page. By sharing my story you were able to get so much support from so many in such a short time. Thank you to each person who gave, it is much appreciated. I loved seeing you in the hospital on your visit from Chicago and on Skype.

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Aunt Lori, Uncle Dave, Maddie & Ashley, Your love & support meant so much. Thank you for always being available when I FaceTimed, even in school - (oops). I can't wait to spend time with you. Each of you came up with a number of great ideas to raise money. Thanks for your connections to Fisher Bus Company as well as to Frank M. Silvia School and Mrs. Facchiano for arranging a "dress down" day. Also many thanks to Scott, Chrissy, Sarah & Taylor for their help and generosity.   

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Auntie MeShell, I'd like to thank you for a very special Halloween, it was truly unforgettable. You & Dave also helped to raise money in numerous ways. The thoughtful donations from Judith & Wilfred Gorton and other clients of yours was amazing. All the laughs my cousins brought to me - even if it was FaceTime and text messaging (especially you, Tori) helped to lift my spirits. Alex, Tori & Sammy I can't wait till my next sleepover!

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Auntie Dee & Nicky, all the love and support you sent to me in many ways was great! Nick, thanks for singing x-mas songs and being silly with me on FaceTime, it helped! I love you both and Uncle Bill too.

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Kim, Russell & Casie, your thoughtfulness and effort on my behalf was tremendous in every way. Thank you also for working with Oakland Beach School, Mrs. Powell & Mrs. Howard to organize a Dress Down day in our town. It was very touching and helpful! Mrs. Skiffington & Mrs. Zimmerman thank you for sending cards, books & movies.

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Aunt Judy all your beautiful packages filled with homemade treats, cards, letters & activities lifted my spirits on many occassions. I can't wait to bake with you & to see Uncle Jim too.

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Paul & Cindy Schiedler, you came into my life at a perfect time - thanks for being there. 

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To my Extended Family in other states, thanks a bunch for everything. I could feel your concern, love & support always, Let us all 'Shine On'! Uncle Ralph & Aunt Kathy, thank you for sending support and great gifts! Korrie, thanks for cutting your hair 'with me'.Uncle Joe  thanks for the big donation and love from out west. And Aunt Anne I'll miss you when you head west yourself.

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Marie, my Mary Cooper, thanks so much as our walks & talks with Baily helped to prepare me for all of the hospital stuff. Can hardly wait to get back to work training Baily with you.

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Nan & PePe, I thank you for the calls, visits, gifts and love. Nan, you look good without hair. Thanks. Also thinking of you Steve, Kate and Lex while looking forward to being around my 'whole' family again. Lily and Linda, thanks so much for the gifts and support. Also my thanks to the Miller side of my family, wish I could see all of you more.

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Christine Raffa and the entire Raffa community, thank you for all the prayers, positive energy and support you gave to my Mom. Christine, Mom & I had a great time at the     Jack-o-lantern Spectacular. Jessie & Bonita thanks for covering classes.

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To my Classmates, I truly appreciate all the cards! Thank you for not forgetting me. I am excited to return to Oakland Beach School and see everyone. A special Thank you to Haylee Walsh, Lillian Chevette, Hannah Caroline and Katrina Teth and their wonderful families for all the support they gave in many ways! 

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Louise D'Amico, thank you for coming to my home to give me a cute, short (free) haircut when I wasn't able to go out in the community. You made it a lot of fun.

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 Warwick Family Dental and Dr Paquette, the place where we started with our serious concerns. Thank you for your attention & guidance. Everyone in that office is phenomenal! We are also grateful for fitting us in with little notice for a repeat pre-transplant exam without charge.