We just had a meeting with Geli’s doctors and ALL the support staff, all crammed into her room. The diagnosis is that she has Leukemia ALL Type B. Based on the tests from yesterday, she does not have any Leukemia cells in her spinal fluid, which is really good. She will have a whole series of medications that will treat this exact condition and will have to be in hospital for a week.
The statistics are that 98% of kids that have this condition that get this treatment are cancer free within 28 days. The treatment then continues for two more years (although it reduces down to a couple pills that she takes once a week).
As far as this bad news goes, this is as good as it gets.
There are side effects and it will change a few things about life. Angelica will loose her hair (but she does get a custom-designed wig – i’m trying to get her to go for multi-coloured spikes). She will have to come into the hospital for a couple of days a week for most of the summer. She will have to start high school missing a few days from school every 10 days or so and work with a tutor here to keep up. But by Christmas she should be able to return to normal life.
Thanks for your prayers and comments (she reads them all).
jon
Be Strong Geli! Praying for you.
I am so happy that I’m crying. Haven’t done that for a long time! And Geli: Definitely go for a really funky wig! This is your big chance! Grab it!!!!
Papa Culley
Hi Angelica, You won’t remember me, but I knew your parents before they were married and then when you came. My family and I have been praying for you and your brothers and sister, mom and dad. You aren’t alone in this. There are hundreds of people earnestly praying for you every minute.
You are in good hands, just remember, these doctors went to school for YEARS(!) just to learn big words and to help make you better.
And, God has all our voices in his ear regarding you. In Psalms David cried to God for help, many, many, times…My favorite is when he said, Give ear to my word oh Lord, consider my mediation, hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for unto thee will I pray, my voice shalt thou hear in the morning, unto thee will I look up.
The Lord is hearing all of us, he will answer our prayers, because He is faithful.
So, be strong and of good courage. take a breath and be safe in God.
Continually praying for you and your family.
Jennifer
PS, If it isn’t jello……neve rmind, just eat the jello! ;P
Hey Geli,
You are so amazing. it was good to hear your voice for a few min. the girls loved talking to you. And are so glad you like your presents. We love you so much and are praying and beleiving God for complete healing! He will do it for you!
Love Auntie Chelle
I am so happy and will continue to pray. God will is working and he is heal your little girl.
Yay for good news! I’m sending healing thoughts to you Geli!
Geli, all the way from Australia we are sending love and strength. We are praying for you everyday. All our love Janine, mark, lenkhia an Danika xxx
Jon, Patti and Geli,
I just saw on Lisa’s facebook asking about Geli so that made me curious what was going on. My prayers are with you all. Know that a huge family of believers are praying healing for you Geli as well as comfort,peace, rest and reassurance for you and your family. Jesus’ arms are huge and I pray you feel His presence as you sleep and as you are awake. You are never alone and He will never let go of you. Love you guys and know we are gathering people around to pray for all of you!
Hi Geli! We’ve never met but I know your mom and she’s a wonderful person, and I know you must be too. My husband and I have been praying for you since this whole ordeal started. I pray that you get back to a normal teenagehood soon. Sending you lots of love.
ok girl, so as icky as some of this process will be….HALLELUJAH! In no time it will all be over with!!!! I feel a shopping spree for some amazingly fabulous hats comin’ on 🙂 So glad to hear that the news is good. And in the mean time, kick back…read some books watch some movies and enjoy people waiting on you hand and foot and being pampered 🙂 hmmmmm…maybe a spa day would be fun?!?!?? how bout it? I’ll bring muti-coloured neon nail polish for manicures 😉
*<3 you Gel*
Hi Geli. I am good friends with your Mom and Dad. They came to my church before they were married. Ask them about my country wedding. Good times. I remember the day you were born and how happy you made your mommy and Daddy. You are a very special young lady and know that we are praying for you and your health and praying that your family spoils you rotten. Get that family? Love you bunches!!!
Praying for you Geli. You are a fighter and Jesus is fighting with you. You will get your Olympic Gold sooner than they think. Lots of Love and Blessings. Wilson
Hey Geli you will make it. i know it is difficult. I been there and had cancer in 1993 and i am cancer free. I am praying for you. Remember this is only temporary and you will get back to the healthy Geli. You are not going this alone, we all are going through this with you and backing you up with prayers. you are surrounded with lots of love and are in many people’s thoughts. God is with you. Blessings
Geli,
This has been such a crazy couple of days. Though its been scary, its so amazing to know that God is in control and he will fight every battle for us. You are such a strong young woman and I know God has given you all the tools you need to get through this. We are thinking about you lots, and praying for you all of the time.
Lot’s of love to you, Dad and Mom! XXXX
Brynn
Hey Geli – Ayva prayed for you last night and your “bobos”. Hopefully you’ll be better in no time and back to your babysitting duties. 🙂 I’m sure the girls will love a funky wig!
Bon courage!! (Hopefully you’ve learned that phrase at school.)
Hey Guys,
As far as “bad news” goes that is the best news possible ! ! ! ! ! Gel, I’ve been praying for you so much since I heard the news. I’ve even gotten in touch with some of my pastor friends through out the country and they and their churches are praying for you too. The next while will be a big challenge for you, but I know you’re strong and are surrounded by people that love you more than anything! I know that you’ll get through this, and having God to walk you down this path is a big advantage too. I love ya tons kiddo!
Love Uncle Eddy
We are praising God for this good report! We continue to pray with you and for you, keeping you close in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. I can just imagine those tears, Papa Culley, we have cried here too. Angelica, you are loved by many people who you don’t know and who may never meet you, we know your Mom and Dad and Grandparents… you have quite a legacy, my dear! Imagine how much Jesus loves you! Patti, praying for you especially tonight.
Peace!
Geli,
I kinda know how you’re feeling right now. I was told back in January that I had cancer and the whirlwind was crazy! But thankfully we have an amazing God who can give us complete peace in the midst of the storm! I know that right now it seems like it’s going to be a LONG process, but I’m just over 5 months out and life has returned to normal. I thought it would take forever but looking back now I realize how quickly it went. Very soon you’ll feel like your old self and be ready to take on the world again, or at least high school.
I couldn’t have made it without God and all the love and prayers that I received from all of my friends, family and others that I had never met but still prayed for me and I know that it’s the same for you. You are being prayed for by so many people from around the world, including down here in Florida. And you’ll be able to feel those prayers as God hears them all and is healing you and comforting you and protecting you.
Patti and Jon,
I can only imagine what it’s like to hear something like this about you child, but God’s hand is SO TOTALLY on the whole situation. He loves and cares for Geli so much more than anyone is capable of and has her in the palm of his hand, protecting her and healing her. I pray God’s peace and comfort over you. That when things begin to get overwhelming that a supernatural calm will preside and peace beyond all understand will prevail! We will be lifting you guys up and believing that God has amazing things he wants to do to and through you all!
Love you all, wish we could be closer, especially in times like these!
Hey Angelica, It’s Courtney (and Charlotte!)
I just wanted to pass along a msg from my friend Chelsea – she goes to my church (Living Waters) and to Walnut Grove High School:
I am praying like crazy for your cousin. My cousin struggled with lukiemia for a year and a half at the age of 15 so I do know the effect it does have on the family. Tell her you have people praying for her, I sure will be. she is not alone at all and I hope that she does know that. She is strong with what the blog says and we just gotta trust God. Keep your head up courtney, having family struggle with illness can be hard. but we just pray that the 28 day thing works and she is cancer free 🙂 Your cousin is on my mind and has been since I heard the news. Just tell her I said never give up, because god is her strength. Also tell her that it’s okay to be scared, but don’t let her fears bring her down.
We are so proud of you Geli, your mom and dad are always saying how great you’re doing with everything. And I know God is so proud of his little girl (you!) too. We love you xo
(that last part was from me, not Chelsea :P)
Hey Geli, Jon, Patti and family. I agree with your dad and papa go for the funky wig!!!Not sure if you remember me from the River and from home group @ your mom and dads in Abbotsford. I am praying for you all. Healing for you and peace and comfort for all of you.
Shelly Steele
Hi Angelica,
You dont know me but I am so proud to know your wonderful family. Also I am your Aunty Sherry’s little brother. Shes actually older than me but that’s a family secret so dont say anything about that. 🙂
Anyways! I hear you are going through some ‘tough stuff’. Wont it be great one day when we are talking to Jesus, one on one, and we will then understand all things that happened to us!!!!
Alot of times in our life things dont make sense. But im glad that Gods Word tells us not to try and understand but to totally trust Him and “He will make our paths straight”. I just wanted to let you know God has placed you on my heart….and I will pray every day for you to be healed….100%!!! I will also have our entire church here in the Kootenays pray for you regularily.
Keep that beautiful smile shining!
uncle Randy….(hey we’re all family right?)
Geli,
You wouldn’t remember us, but we lived in Vancouver a few years when you were real little. We met your dad when he was about 9 years I guess. We know your mom a little and we have always thought very well of both your mom and dad. We know your grandparents real well. They are two people that have impacted our lives more than anyone we have ever met, and we love them and miss seeing them all the time. Your grandparents were our Pastors for years.
Even though we don’t know you well, we know your dad and mom and your grandparents, and because we love them, we love you. We are going to be praying for you often.
I will just say this to you. Because you are a Culley, I know that you have been taught that we serve a Mighty God!
Love, from the Galland family. Duncan, Cyndi, Daniel, Mayra and Leonardo, Lauren, David, Jonah, and Chris
Hi Angelica,
I am a dear friend of your Nanny Karen. I have seen you a few times, but you probably will not remember me. I have been praying for you and the family and the news sounds great, except for a little while of medication, etc. God is your healer and He loves you so very much. Love you sweetie, and I know that you will come through this, with everyone’s prayers and love, victoriously.
Love, Renata
Hey Sweet Heart,
Jack sends you some big, drooly kisses and we do too. We love you so much. You are an amazing girl. God sure blessed us all when he brought you into our family. I’m totally with Tracy on the manicure/pedicures. I need one really bad. Should we have a girls night? We could have it at my house or yours. Think about who you want to invite and we’ll do it.
All our love, Uncle Denver, Aunty Debbie and Jack
Geli- thinking of you lots down here in New Jersey- praying for a speedy recovery for you. You are a beautiful and lovely girl and I can’t wait to hear that you are all better really soon! Don’t ever forget how powerful your mind is- keep focused on all the happy days ahead 🙂
Hi Geli
I’m not sure if you remember me. You’ve played a few times with Adriana (Brianna and Rebecca’s cousin). We will have to have another get together soon. Maybe at one of the Sunday picnics. I’ll never forget watching you in your play “Beauty and the Beast”. You did an amazing job. I have faith in God. You are going to get better. Your a strong girl and very faithful. We love you and wish you a quick recovery. Get lots of rest. xoxoxo
Adriana and Brenda
Hey guys,
So glad to hear the news. I am so sorry you all are going through this but I AM SURE, you are in His hands. Geli, stay strong. You are an amazing young lady – I still remember you the last day we left and you loading up all of your brother and sister’s stuff into the elevator. You looked healthy there and you will continue to stay healthy. Big hugs to you and the Culley clan.
Dear Angelica,
I am praying for you everyday that you are strong and feeling peace. You are so strong and I know you are dealing with this with Grace. You have amazing parents with strong faith. I will be reading your updates and praying for your specific needs. God has a plan He knows the end from the beginning. You are in his Hands wrapped in love. You are an amazing Young Lady going through things that are beyond your years but from what I am reading you are dealing with it so incredibly. The Poulin Family loves you and we are here with all of our prayers love and support.
Amy.
Angelica, you don’t know us, but we remember your mom and dad on their wedding day and the day you were born. Mark was the worship pastor at Glad Tidings when your parents got married.
Just want you to know that we are praying for you and are thankful for what God is doing already…He has you in His hands and a great plan for your life!
We continue to pray and believe….
Wow, I have been sitting here crying for joy. Overwhelmed by the incredible grace of God and how much love has been poured out to you Angelica from every corner of this earth. This IS what it means by being part of “God’s” family. One of Lianne Klassen’s CD’s starts with an airplane taking off and as it flys around the world you hear the prayers going up to God in every language, forming one choir of intercession. I hear that right now Geli as I read the prayers and blessings sent to you from around the Globe. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
If you ever wondered about whether or not you were loved (and many 13 year old girls seem to) you will never wonder again.
I know the days ahead will challenge you, but there is a Peace that God brings that no one can explain outside of those whom God has given peace to. “He is Our Peace for He has broken down every wall.” Peace begins in singing praises, even softly under your breath.
So grateful to hear the news about the 28 day plan to renegotiate your overall “look”; perhaps you should ask for a spare wig that is multi colored and spiked, just for those crazy days when you and your mom and Aunties want to crank a CD (mp3, itune etc. etc. getting too old to remember all the choices) and sing some crazy happy songs.
Patti and Jon, God is more than amazing, He is Faithful. His Grace will carry you all including your new little bunnie that wants to show up just to make his own voice heard on the subject.
If we can help in any way, we would love to. Big hugs and kisses to you Patti, I know that Aunty Lois, Uncle Roy, Aunty Cathy, Aunty Ruth, Aunty Ivy my Dad and the rest of the 200 plus clan have you guys in their prayers.
Love Jo Jo
And Uncle Phil 🙂
Hi Angelica,
You don’t know me (I’m a friend of your Auntie Michelle), but you are clearly a very special young lady to many, many people and are so incredibly courageous in all of this. God can’t fail, EVER!!!, so just remember you’re in his hands and there’s no way you won’t win this! May you find rest and in an amazingly real and tangible way feel all the blessings that are coming your way!
Be blessed!
Shala
PS – I likely don’t get a vote, but I’d definitely go with the spikes 🙂
Great news. God is so good. What he has started he will complete in a wonderful way. Angelica you have so many cousins that you have never met yet they are all so caring and loving you and praying for you at this time. You are so special to us and we love you sooo much. Isnt it great to know that God loves you even more than all these people who have been leaving comments.
My sister said ‘a real spiky wig’ – she always was such a rebel!!!
Jon and Patti, I am tearing up just now, because I want to be there with you. This spreading all round the world thing can be a bit hard sometimes!!!
Love ya all – Hey NZ had a draw in the Fifa cup – and Australia claimed it as theirs
Angelica,
You probably don’t remember me. I am friends with your Aunt Debbie and knew your mom and dad well back from old GT days. I remember when they got married, and when you were born. I think the last time I saw you was at Debbie’s wedding!
As soon as I heard what is going on, you have been on my heart so often. I think of you all throughout the day and am praying for you each time you enter my thoughts. I am praying for strength and grace during this tough season.
Lori (Rubuliak) Koepke
hi Geli,
so glad to hear the news. you have been on my mind and in my prayers since the moment your mom posted on facebook.
Although the news is good I know that there is still a rough road ahead for you until you are completely well. I pray that God makes Himself very real to you during this time and fills you with His peace, joy and strength to face each and every day. I pray that God brings complete healing to your body.
Geli, you are an incredible young lady. I remember you very well from my time at APA. You have such a tender heart and joyful spirit. I believe God has many amazing things instore for you. He has a plan for you and I pray that through all of this you will be able to give Him all the glory and many others’ lives will be touched.
In the next few months as you have your good and bad days remember that you are very loved and there are many people who are holding you up in prayer.
Shelley (oostenbrug) Gallope
Hi Geli: We are all praying for you and look forward to seeing you soon. We are happy that God has given you such wonderful family and the best doctors to help you get better soon.
love,
Chris, Linda, Hannah, Linnea and Serena
We’re so thrilled with the good news. There’s a challeng ahead, but a big beautiful light at the end of the tunnel and we are so thankful for that. We are praying for your whole family. Maybe we’ll be able to meet you one day Gelli (I remember you much smaller!). You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron, Lisa, Svea, Eston and Elias.
Praying for you Geli!
One of my favorite students last year had cancer when we was younger and went on to be one of the most dedicated athletes and students in the school! I have no doubt you will go on to do everything you want in your life! Keep that spunk!
Love you and your whole family!
Matt + Carissa, Katie + Zach
Hey girly girl!!! It was way cool to see you out at worship invasion a few weeks ago and sooo enjoying yourself with K & A !!!! Got a rad photo of you giving your bro a drink while on Kevin’s shoulders!! Check it out on the site.We serve a BIG GOD Geli and he’s on your side and wants you healed and whole!! Keep Palms 91 by your bed and stand on those verses daily!!!!! Hugs from Cloverdale…xoxoxoxo Auntie Wendy & Ed…..
We are praying for you Gelli and know that God is with you, strengthening you each day. Remember that you are loved by so many, even by people you might not know personally, and most of all by Father God. You are HIS princess and HIS face shines on you always. HIS love casts out all fear and HE surrounds you with love. You are a brave and mighty young lady and through Christ, you are more than a conqueror. God bless you.
Jon & Patti (& family)
We are praying for you to be strengthened too during this time. You are an amazing family through which the light and life of Christ radiates, and inspires the rest of us to continue to pursue after the Father’s Heart. We love you guys and if there is anything we can do to help you st this, please let us know. God bless.
Bernie & Rusty
Hey Gelica
God raises you so you can stand on Mountains
God raises you up to walk out on Stormy seas
Put we are strong when we are on Daddy’s shoulders
Cause He raises you Up to be more than You can be!!! and who better knows that then God and You are a Strong and mighty girl of God and Has plan and destiny in Your life. God has promised us that he will continue the good work he has started in us and not leave us. I love you my sweet Angelica I so glad that You and Alexandra got to come over to my house and go bat watching! Angelica I am praying for you and speaking life over you and your family and You Will Make IT! You are such a beautiful girl Angelica I love you a lot ! I am up holding you in my prayers and I have people and friends holding you up and lifting you and your family in prayer
Love cousin Heidi.
One more thing Angelica I know that Children’s Hospital is the best place to be because that is where I was once too and God came and brought the right doctors at Childrens Hospital to come and heal me and make me whole and now I am living my life. So I know and Believe that God Can and will Do a Miracle for you!
Cousin Heidi
Hey Geli,
If you have to go hairless, do it with style. A great wig is nice, but design scarves with bead attachments of your own design are great. And you can do heanna patterns on your head for those hots days when even the amazing wig is to much.
I expect that you will be through this all long before the dates the doctors have give you.
Hey Angelica,
We are friends of your mom and dad back at the Glad Tidings Church days. We also know your Auntie Debbie, Uncle Denver, Uncle Eddy and Auntie Chelle. I remember the day you were born, and your mom and I were both pregnant at the same time when your sister Xandra was born. You are a beautiful lady, always smiling. Keep up the smiles and remain positive. We have been praying for you- we live in Montreal now. Our prayer teams at our Church here in Montreal are praying for full healing and covering over you and your family from our wonderful Father God.
Thinking about you all daily,
Chantal, Dave and Jessica Nicholas
Awesome news! We’ll continue to thank God for complete restoration in all areas, including her hair.
bri, xan, and bec
HI
Our family is praying for you…
Hi Gelica, I can’t wait to draw a smiley face on your head. I bet we can have some fun with that. I love you so much and pray that God will make things happen really fast for you. Working on your dress for now. see you soon. Nana
I just came by to see how the pregnancy is going and I am so sad to hear this. I will be thinking of and praying for your family. I am glad to hear that the prognosis is good. I know that God has a plan here, and I know that you trust in that.