Family Stories
“A Respite at the Right Time”
Eleven-year-old Victoria Wagner pulled back the curtains of her bedroom window and smiled as the sun peeked over the mountains and crept across the surface of Deep Creek Lake. Enjoying the comfort of her very own room, she watched the sunrise with great anticipation of what the day would hold. It was her first time visiting the state of Maryland, and her family’s Believe In Tomorrow respite.
Victoria, along with her sister Veronica and their parents, made the nine-hour journey from Grand Rapids, Michigan, on the eve of Christmas Eve. The car was full of singing, laughter, and…unfortunately for mom, Tiffany…a lengthy discussion on whether Santa Claus really exists. The family’s respite to the Believe In Tomorrow House on Wisp Mountain was truly a time to celebrate, and not just because of the holiday season.
Victoria was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in April 2009. She immediately began chemotherapy treatments, which unfortunately resulted in her having a stroke when the chemo caused a blood clot in her brain. It was a huge scare for everyone. The family remained close together for the next two and half years while Victoria learned how to give herself blood thinners and bravely faced each day. Today she is doing very well – she maintained straight A’s throughout the course of her treatment, which ended last June, and is on her way to being cancer-free!
Tiffany was so excited they were able to get away to Western Maryland on a Believe In Tomorrow respite. “It’s great getting this at the end of her treatment; it’s celebratory because she’s really able to participate now. It’s kind of like when you run a race – the adrenaline carries you through but when you get to the end, that’s when you most need it. You can let your guard down and really enjoy it.”
And enjoy it they did! The Wagner’s kept themselves busy every single day. Swimming in the hot tub and the resort’s indoor pool, hurtling down the mountain coaster at break-neck speed, going horseback riding, learning to ice-skate, snow tubing…it was never-ending!
The highlight of the trip, especially for animal lovers Victoria and Veronica, was their visit to Husky Power Dogsledding. Not only did the girls tour the kennel and receive unlimited Husky kisses, but they even got a short sled ride around the yard. It was MUSH more than the family could have even dreamed of!
“We were so inspired by everyone’s generosity,” said Tiffany. “I know it doesn’t take away the cancer, but this feeling of being so supported, you can’t really put it into words.”