Update

Steph and her family are very thankful for every one's love and support over these past few days. The road to recovery is going to be a long one. The family is working on that right now. I know everyone is very anxious to see them but they need this time alone with Caitlyn right now. They are not ready for visitors. The family has been overwhelmed with phone calls and they are asking that everyone look to this site for information as they understandably cannot respond to everyone. As much as we are all very happy that the surgery is behind Caitlyn, she is still in critical care and needs this time to heal with her family.

Thank you for your understanding.

Mikkel

Post Surgery Update

Caitlyn had a pretty good night. She got some good sleep and so did Steph. Caitlyn is in a lot of pain today because the Anesthesia and other pain medicine from her surgery is wearing off. So they are keeping her comfortable. When Matt walked in the room this morning Cailyn smiled and said "Hi daddy"! The doctor keeps telling them that we have to take this minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day. Steph is feeling good about Caitlyn's responses and understands that we will not have all the answers right away. The doctor has ordered an MRI for later afternoon which will provide more information. Tonight her and Matt are going to get a chance to go have dinner together while Steph's parents sit with Caitlyn.

Steph has been receiving an enormous amount of phone calls and text messages. She appreciates all of them and is overwhelmed with every one's love. However, she has asked that we give her and her family some space right now to focus on Caitlyn. Her request is that everyone uses this blog to send messages to her right now. Over the next few days and weeks, when she has time, she will be looking here for love and support from everyone and will enjoy reading the comments. If you have questions, please post them here or feel free to send me an email.

Also, many of us want to know how to help so I asked her. Right now the best way to help would be to have "good" food delivered to them. The hospital food is not that great and since they are only getting to eat sometimes one meal a day, it would be nice to have a good one! There are several restaurants close but it is hard for them to leave the hospital. I have found online a company called Restaurants on the Run http://www.rotr.com that will deliver food to them. If you are interested in this, please contact me for more information.

Again, thank you for your care and concern.

Love, Mikkel

Surgery Complete

I just spoke with Steph and Caitlyn's surgery is behind her.

Steph briefly got to see Caitlyn after her surgery was complete and now has to wait a half an hour until she is transferred to ICU. Caitlyn is still coming out of Anesthesia and was not awake yet. The doctor said the surgery went well and he feels that he got all of the tumor out. He did say that Caitlyn lost a lot of blood for her age and had to have a blood transfusion. We will not know the results of the tumor for a week.

I just want to reiterate on behalf of Stephanie, Matt and their families how much your prayers and support have helped them get through today. Please keep them coming. I will update everyone once I know more.

Love, Mikkel

A Message From Steph

To all of our friends and family,

We again want to thank you for all of your continued support. As Tuesday nears we are trying to remain as strong as possible, and keeping busy to distract ourselves from the biggest scare of our lives. Because we will be so busy and very stressed next week at the Loma Linda ICU we will not be leaving Caitlyn's bedside which means not picking the phone as well. My best friend Mikkel will be updating all of you through Caitlyn's blog. This seems to be the easiest way to share updates regarding her journey which I know with my entire heart and soul, she will conquer! She is a strong little girl, and we are a family that never gives up on hope or positive energy. We/Caitlyn love you all so much, and please pass on this info regarding this blog because I do not have every one's email.

Live, laugh, love and hope,

Stephanie, Matt, Caitlyn, Kayla, and Brayden Neely xo

P.S. Caitlyn received the honor of Super Student. Here is a picture of Steph and Caitlyn the day of.

Caitlyn's Classic Club family

Thank you so much to Brady Wilson (Golf pro) and Greg Rubino (GM) and the entire Classic Club staff for adopting Caitlyn and our family. Brady you have been so amazing, and welcoming, and we are beyond grateful for all of the positive support you have sent our way. Caitlyn loved driving the Golf cart, and is still talking about her special day yesterday. Greg she is determined to win you at pool once she gets better. Brady, Caitlyn is also determined to conquer the 12th hole! I just know she can conquer anything!Life is all about creating memories, and cherishing each moment. We are grateful for the moments you have created with our family. Although the days prior to her surgery are very difficult, its is fun and laughter like yesterday that keep us all going. Every time we drive by the kids say, "There is our Classic Club family!" It really is an awesome experience for all 3 of them to have. Brayden is only 2 but will never forget the big tractors! We look forward to seeing you all again soon.

All of our Love,

The Neely Bunch xo

Surgery Scheduled -- Prayers Needed

I just spoke with Steph and she informed me that Caitlyn has brain surgery scheduled for November 17th at Loma Linda ICU to remove the tumor. They met with the doctor today to review her MRI from Monday. The good news is that the tumor has not grown. The blood has subsided and he wants to perform surgery right away. The location of the tumor is in a very critical place and this surgery is considered very high risk. The actual surgery itself with take 6 hours. Caitlyn will be at Loma Linda for 2 weeks and after 1 week of healing the doctor will know if the tumor is cancerous or not.

On top of all this, they are in the process of moving into a new home today. After much contemplation, they have made a hard decision to take on a larger home for a more conducive healing environment for Caitlyn. They were previously living in a 500 sf apartment with only two bedrooms. It would not have been a quiet suitable place for Caitlyn to recover.

I know that all of us just want to show our love and support and help them in anyway we can. They need prayers for a successful surgery. Please add them to your prayer lists at church and keep them in your daily thoughts and prayers. Since they are going to be away from work caring for Caitlyn they are going to need additional help with their day to day expenses. I know many of you have contributed to help this family in one way or another over the past few months and Stephanie has expressed her deep appreciation. This unimaginable journey has just begun and they have a long road ahead of them.

Love, Mikkel

P.S. Please keep in mind that the ICU does not allow flowers or balloons, so in lieu of those items any gift cards (groceries, gas, restaurants, etc.) would be appreciated.

A Visit With The Neely's

My husband Nathan, my daughter Natalie and I had the pleasure of visiting with The Neely's while on a trip to the desert. We arrived at their home just after Red Robin had stopped by with a wonderful meal, a giant card and even The Red Robin himself (not sure if he has a name)! The family was overjoyed with the thoughtful gesture.

It was great to see all of them. Caitlyn instantly wanted to hold Natalie and feed her dinner. Such the little mommy! Kayla spent most of the time inspecting the toy bins to make sure that there were not any small pieces that could hurt Natalie! Brayden was happy to share his cars with her. These acts only showed me the kind hearted and caring spirit instilled in them from their amazing parents.

Stephanie & Matt both expressed how thankful they are for all of the support and love they are receiving from family and friends. The road ahead is unknown and they will continue to need us all.

Steph has asked that I keep this blog updated as we proceed down the path of Caitlyn's healing. Please share any stories or words of encouragement for their family. I know that Caitlyn has logged on to this site to see all of the comments for her!! SO keep them coming.

Caitlyn has her next MRI on Monday, November 2nd. Please say a prayer as you know how scary these tests are for her. After I hear from Steph, I will post an update to let you know how it went.

Love, Mikkel Pearce