Family Stories
Respite Spotlight: The Hillen's Personal Respite Letter
We extend our deepest sympathies to the Hillen Family on the loss of their son and brother. It was an honor having Vinnie in our family. Most sincerely, Your friends at Believe In Tomorrow Children's Foundation
In June 2008, our youngest son was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer). He went through many scans and a surgical biopsy, which then was followed with four months of chemotherapy, some visits kept him hospitalized for four to five days.
In September he had major surgery on his right leg – removal of his distal femur bone and some tissue infected by the tumor. The bone was replaced by a stryker chromium cobalt hinged knee/femur. Physical therapy was then required along with several more rounds of chemotherapy, which we hoped would finish in February 2009.
We did finish, but unfortunately Vincent was diagnosed with another tumor in his sacrum in April 2009. He has received several treatments of cyber knife and large doses of chemotherapy – again keeping him hospitalized for five to six days every two weeks.
We always knew about the respite homes, but the lengthy visits to the hospital, recovery and work prevented us from this so Vincent requested a summer vacation for all of us. The beach was too fast paced. Both Vincent and my husband are photo-sensitive. The mountains, which we visit frequently, were a good choice (the boys Nanny and Pop and family live in Oakland, so this is familiar to us.)
We were so excited to getaway to the Believe In Tomorrow House on Wisp Mountain. It was heaven, truly breathtaking. It was everything and more of what we needed: the slow pace, blue skies, no phones, and no doctors. My husband said it was the best vacation we have ever had. I think it is because it was sooo… well needed.
I cried, not wanting to go home to reality. Vincent smiled and enjoyed every moment along with his big brother. Enjoying and bonding with each other is what it was all about. And what we did - played pool, air hockey, rode the mountain coaster, paint-balled, putt-putt golfed, 4-wheeled, went fishing – caught us up on all the family things we missed over the last years.
This “getting away” meant more to Vince than anyone. He has been trapped at home and in the hospital 90 percent of his life the last year. Being away from it all gave him time to be “Vinnie”.
Our goal is to visit Wisp again in the fall. The fall has always been our vacation time, but due to hospitals and illness the last six years we have not made it. Western Maryland is our heaven and in the fall the crisp air, changing leaves and our 20th wedding anniversary will best be suited with a break.
Vincent’s cancer is not cured yet; he has several treatments ahead of him. I am hoping this trip in October will be the close to a very long fight for him…no more chemo.
The Hillens
P.S. During all the surgeries and hospitalizations, Mr. Hillen was at Vincent’s side 24/7. Our older son is in his first year of college and I work two jobs, so getting away and being together was more than special.