On January 26th, 2012 our daughter Zaynab was diagnosed with Leukemia. Although we were initially shocked, we realized that we were not alone. So many friends and family immediately stepped up and are supporting us in so many different ways. We feel truly blessed. In light of how blessed we are we wanted to accomplish a few things with this blog. One is to keep everyone informed of Zaynab's recovery. A second is to help those who are less fortunate.

As we thought about what charities to support we thought of a few and couldnt decide on one, so we thought we would give people a choice.

1) Something as simple as water for those who are less fortunate. No one in this world should be without water. Nancy helped setup this initiative here: http://bit.ly/xfXbRS and we have a goal of $20,000 which will provide over 1000 people with water.

2) What a wonderful world this would be if we were able to wipe cancers like Leukemia / Lymphoma from the face of the world. Nancy has mobilized a team to participate in the Light the Night walk on October 20th 2012 and we have a goal of $50,000! To donate to LLS and join the effort go here: http://bit.ly/yZwbt7

3) Who better to receive support than orphans. GiveLight has been great organization for supporting orphans worldwide. While we have no goal set, we recognize that it does not take very much money to save a child: http://bit.ly/xKpWv2


Thanks for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers!

Thanks,
Zaynab and Family

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Day 4

This is an update from Eyman... AKA "The Mom"
Alhamdulilah today was a good day for Zaynab. She was able to eat (not much) without feeling too nauseous. We also had a physical therapist come in and do some exercises in bed to strengthen or loosen her muscles.  What was most exciting Alhamdulilah was she was actually able to walk a couple of laps around the pediatric department.

Probably Zaynab's most exciting time of the day was when her teacher, Mrs. Yoshikawa came to visit her today. They talked, laughed and she shared some of the candy that the Mengerinks brought.

Tomorrow Zaynab is scheduled to have another strong dose of chemo so please keep her in your thoughts and prayers!

We feel so blessed to have such great family and friends!

Mom
Posted by at 6 comments:

Thanks

Assalamu Alaikum and hello,

I just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone out there who has been sending prayers, and well wishes for Zaynab. We really feel  the good and kindness. Our hearts are happy knowing that Zaynab has such love coming her way.

Salam,
Eyman

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Monday, January 30, 2012

Day 3

Today was one of the better days for Zaynab.  Eyman said that she looked better today than she's looked in quite some time.

Alaine, Sabrine, Bayaan & I dropped by and brought a bunch of candy.  We were only allowed to do so one time,... so we made it count.  Zaynab had a smile ear to ear.  She seemed very anxious to eat the popcorn we brought.

I was quick to notice that Zaynab was hogging up all of the morphine.  I suggested that she shared with her  uncle Matthew and she was quite willing.  Unfortunately, the morphine was literally behind lock and key.  Apparently, when the nurses come and give her a new unit, there has to be two of them to make sure one doesn't steal it!!!  The really nice part was the green button.  Zaynab kept telling me all I had to do to dose myself was click the green button.  Her father kept telling her that this would dose her, not me.  If you looked at the smile on her face, she knew this already.

At this rate, we're looking to see Zaynab out of the hospital on Sunday.  Here's hoping all goes well.  Again, overall, things are looking as good as they can be.  We'll keep praying and wishing Zaynab well. Please write things in the comments.  I'm looking for ways to allow people to post without opening up the blog to anyone who comes along.  In the mean time, Zaynab's keeping up with this one so let's fill her days with joy.

Peace,
Matthew

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Sunday, January 29, 2012

Fundraising effort

Nancy Clifford wrote the following message:

Salam and Hi Everyone,

Dear friends, If you have not heard, Zaynab 10, a shining light of ours has been diagnosed with Leukemia. Eyman and Musaab were given the news that Zaynab has ALL ( Acute Lymphoblatic leukemia ) this past week. Her prognosis is good, Thank God. When I heard the news, my first thought was how can we help our friends and how can we help the greater community who is suffering with this as well. I found out that there is a walk in October. It will be a very easy walk. Please join the team, and send out to everyone you know, hopefully they will send out to more and more people...post on Facebook, Google+, twitter, work...It doesnt matter...the more people we have to walk or just donate the better.....Please help and lets see how many people we can get to walk and Light the Night together for Team Zaynab.

Thanks,
Nancy
Posted by at 1 comment:

Zaynab's return to health

Dear friends and family,

It was of course with a heavy heart, we first heard the news about Zaynab At-Taras and her development of ALL (Acute Lymphoblatic Leukeima). The next thing we all heard was the tremendous strength that exists in this child and her unbelievably positive outlook on life.

As there are so many people in the world who love Zaynab and are wishing her well, we have created this blog to help keep everyone up to date on her progress and on news on how to help wish her well and to encourage her during her recovery.

Kathryn Mengerink, when she heard the news, said to me, "We'll be watching this child's high school graduation, I'm sure of it." Insha'Allah, she'll be right and Zaynab will recover soon.

Zaynab, we love you!!!

Salaam,
Matthew Mengerink
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