Stephanie: { courtney kicks cancer }

Courntey has come such a long way in 2k14.

Ending Chemo.
Growing her hair back.

Her poor body has been through so much. I am amazed as I go through pictures her transformation throughout it all. Looking through pictures of her starting chemo blows my mind. She really does look so sick. But now? You would never know that her body went through so much in just one year.

Make-A-Wish foundation is so amazing. The fact that they go above and beyond to grant a child's wish is inspiring. I've heard of a kid getting signed to the Utah Jazz for a day, Disneyworld (which most kids choose) to meeting a celebrity of their choice. Make-A-Wish spoils kids with cancer (as they should).

Courtney's wish was to go to Disneyworld. So yes, the entire family got an all expense paid vacation to Disneyworld. They had the time of their life and what a fun memory for the Simon family.

After the trip, Courtney got to raise a stained glass star which will forever be in the Make-A-Wish building here in Utah. They threw her a little party with cake and ice cream, had cardboard cut-outs of her favorite princesses and then she raised the star. We are so blessed that she is happy and healthy! Because unfortunately, some kiddos aren't so lucky. About 3 months before Courtney was diagnosed, a boy at my school was diagnosed with cancer. A happy little 1st grader, who got done playing at his soccer game complained of his side hurting and not being able to breath so well. His parents took him in and come to find out he had spots on his spine. Last winter, he was off chemo and healthy enough to come back to school. What a school celebrity! The kids loved little Owen. We had done fundraisers for him and his family and the kids at school were his biggest cheerleaders. However, Owen being at school didn't last so long. Soon after his return, they found his tumors had spread. Back on chemo he went. This past fall his family was also able to make the Disneyworld trip (they have on-site support and medics for treatments). After he came back, things went downhill quickly and the little guy passed away in November. My heart broke for that family. What a fun last memory that family had going to Disneyworld though and the fact one child's wish came true before passing on.