Hello friends and fellow Spring-Ford Community members.
We are the family, friends, and neighbors of the Stanfields.
Karen and Greg Stanfield of Royersford have three children, Victoria (9), James (6) and Abigail (2½). They were a family just like yours - shuttling the kids to school activities, sports, church, and spending quality time together with family and friends.
On May 23rd, 2005 -- their lives changed forever...when their precious "Abba" was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML).
Karen writes in her journal: "Abigail had been sick for quite a while. I kept taking her back to the Pediatrician every week. They kept telling me she was fine." ... "One simple blood test and our lives changed forever."
Since May, Abba and Karen have essentially lived at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia enduring rounds of chemotherapy, spinal taps, blood tests, and preparing to undergo a bone marrow transplant, which is her only chance of survival.
Greg writes: "We are praying for a miracle - the doctors tell us that without an exact bone marrow transplant the survival rate of AML is less than 50%."
Fortunately, Abba's big sister, Victoria, is the 100% match. They will soon begin this arduous journey.
Due to the ongoing medical costs and heavy financial burden that this situation places on the Stanfield family, we the "FRIENDS OF ABBA" are seeking your assistance. Various fund-raisers and activities have taken place and are in the planning. We ask for both financial and in-kind donations. Your ideas, time, and talents would also be greatly appreciated.
If you wish to make a financial donation, please make your checks payable to: "Abigail Stanfield" c/o Susquehanna Patriot Bank, 536 N. Lewis Road, Limerick, PA 19468-1119.
Updates
13 October 2005:
We now have orange awareness bracelets available as a fund-raiser. See the link to the right titled "Order Wristbands" for more information and ordering. Thank you for your support!
13 October 2005:
Abigail's test results are all back. Her ANC was 1150 on Monday, and both her LP and BMA show that she is still in remission. With that news, she and Karen will be returning to CHOP on October 18th for the Bone Marrow Transplant!
28 September 2005:
As you may already know, Karen and Abigail will not be returning to CHOP on October 11th as previously planned. Abigail's blood counts were too low for the lumbar puncture procedure next week, so another round of blood tests will be done next week (Karen will schedule tomorrow). The "home stay" is now up to four weeks.
20 September 2005:
Karen and Abigail are home from CHOP after recovering from the third "induction" round of chemo. They should have a two-plus week stay at home before heading back for the bone marrow transplant.
Upcoming Events
Leukemia "Light The Night" Walk
Date: October 15th 2005
Time: Registration starts at 5:00 pm, walk starts at 7:00 pm
Where: Gwynedd Mercy College
The Friends of Abba will be participating in the Leukemia "Light The Night" Walk at Gwynedd Mercy College. Visit the Web site for more information: http://www.lightthenight.org. Hope to see you there!
Recent Events for Abigail
As is mentioned above, there have been a few awareness events and fund-raisers. In this section of the page, we'll highlight recent events.
Church Yard Sale at Harmonyville
Date: October 1st 2005
Time: 8:00 am until 2:00 pm
Where: Harmonyville Church of the Brethren, 2037 Harmonyville Road, Pottstown, PA 19465
Phone: 610-469-6439
Location: MapsOnUs (get directions there, too)
This is the second "sale" in support of Abigail. It will be held in the church parking lot. "Abba's Kitchen" will be back in operation, once again, and there should be plenty of food and other items at the bake sale. Many donated items from the community will be at the yard sale.
Friends of Abigail at Spring-Ford's Homecoming Game, 2005
Date: October 1st 2005
Time: 12:30 am until 4:00 pm
Where: Spring-Ford High School football field, 350 South Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468
Location: MapsOnUs (get directions here)
The Friends of Abigail will have a table outside the gate to the field, and will have "Hope For Abigail / Cure Leukemia" awareness wrist bands.
Upper Providence Day, 17 September 2005
Information about the recent Upper Providence Day, a Bi-Centennial celebration, where Abigail's story was first introduced to the public.
Finally, please take a minute to sign Abigail's Guestbook, as she'd love to know who has visited her site.
Thanks again for visiting!