Natalie was the happiest, most beautiful baby.  We always joked that she had the complete package: looks, a sense of humor, smarts & always a joy about her at life. But from the time she was a baby, she struggled with eating and seemed to be in pain from it- we just weren’t quite sure what was wrong.  She was always a tiny little thing - but as cute as can be. At 22 months, Natalie was hospitalized because she was anemic and neutropenic; her bone marrow wasn't working, but the doctors weren't sure why.  After five weeks in the hospital; Natalie was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Natalie had surgery to put in a central line the next day; her second birthday.  She began chemotherapy that day. We had the best little Elmo birthday party and she felt great for her party even though she didn’t feel well before or after. We were learning the great value of taking every chance we could to bring smiles and happiness to our girl. Natalie went through 26 months of chemo; spent more than 4 ½ months total in the hospital, had several scary infections, received many types of chemo through injection, pills, central line, and injected into her spinal fluid. She went through anesthesia more than 20 times for the spinal chemo, scopes, having a feeding tube permanently placed, having her gallbladder removed, and having a central line replaced due to infection. The journey was tough and made tougher by the increase in her GI issues that she had always had. There were long stretches of time that she did not eat and she got sick a LOT. Her tummy was always bothering her and causing her pain.  That was the worst part for us to see, she was almost never comfortable. But she always ACTED like she felt well and tried to do everything she could whenever she was up to it. She was a true example and through it all she kept the happy, joyful spirit that is her hallmark. Natalie has been finished with treatment for 2 1/2 years. She is a happy, thriving girl who is starting first grade, learning Spanish & piano, and she loves to swim and ride roller coasters. She still has some tummy troubles, but handles it with grace. We are so proud of her and love her sparkly, happy personality.  Her nickname is Super Nats and she is our little super hero.

Written by Tammy Burraston, Natalie’s Mom
August 2011