Let the infusions begin…

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Since the last post, I had the pleasure of meeting the President of the United States, Donald Trump.  All opinions of the man aside, I shook the hand of the world’s most powerful political figure and the leader of the only remaining global superpower. Prior to Trump visiting Kansas City, he said he wanted to meet and shake the hands of the three Officers which were shot in the line of duty only a week prior to his arrival. With the help of the Secret Service and many people within KCPD this was made possible. Not only were the three officers able to attend several of the people involved in the incident that day were also granted access to attend.  These officers were all within my unit and I too was invited to attend and witness another once in a lifetime experience.

While waiting for Air Force One to land we were all waiting out on the tarmac in a bullpen area.  George Brett and Josh Hawley were standing very close to me as they awaited to greet the president on the runway.  George turned my way and recognized me immediately. He came over and gave me a huge hug.  He asked how I was doing and if I was ready to deliver the first pitch to him.  He said he was very excited about that night, as am I.

Air Force One landed and it was quite a site to see, such an big plane, seemed to appear out of no where.  After a few moments, the President exited the plane and waved to the crowd.  He came down the stairs, shook the hand of, and spoke with each of the wounded officers.  He entered his limo, drove only a few feet before exiting again and approaching the crowd.  He spoke with the wives of the wounded officers who are heroes just as well for standing by their men through these tough and trying times and everyday as they put their lives on the line doing what they love.  As Trump made his way through the crowd.  I was able to shake his hand, he thanked me for my service, and told me I was pretty 🙂

The following Wednesday, my sister with the help of my mom and dad, purchased pizzas for all of the guys in the unit as a way to tell them “thank you!” for taking such good care of me.  All of the guys returned to work that day from the shooting and it was a great way to celebrate.

On Friday morning Jared and I hopped on a plane bright and early to Florida to celebrate Kayla’s Jones wedding.  Kayla and I were best friends throughout all of high school and were dang near inseparable.  Where ever one of us was the other was just a step or two behind.  We made some everlasting memories together throughout those years.  Her family had accepted me as just another one of their kids and the bond we had was amazing.  Even though Kayla now resides in Florida, miles and miles away, our friendship will last a lifetime.

We arrived at the resort where we were soon greeted my several members of the Jones/Roberts family.  Riley, Kayla’s cousin, who I used to come pick up when he was young and take to do fun things like Royals games, or bowling, or just whatever he wanted to do; welcomed me with the biggest hug.  It had been several years since I had seen him and he has grown into a fine young man.  We spent quite a bit of time together throughout the trip, which was wonderful. Soon after, Kayla arrived at the resort! It had been several years since I had seen her. We picked up right where we left off just as I expected.  It was so great to see everyone in the family again, they were much like a second family to me for several years.

Saturday was the wedding day.  I couldn’t wait to see Kayla marry the man of her dreams.  Every time Kayla spoke about Sean she simply lit up, it is very apparent she completely adores him.  I could not be more happy for her that she found her forever.  I had the pleasure of meeting Sean as well.  He was extremely nice and it was great to finally meet him.  The wedding was in a cute little church near the resort.  It was beautiful and Kayla looked absolutely stunning in her wedding dress.  The ceremony was lovely. The smiles on Sean and Kayla’s face lit the place up.  They make each other so happy.

It was time to celebrate! On to the reception! It was also very beautiful and such a great time.  The food was amazing and everyone had a great time. People danced the night away. It was so much fun! After the reception we were all able to kick back and have a few more drinks. Some of us may have had a few too many, cough cough, Jared! Knowing we had an early morning we called in a night at about 2:00 AM to head to the airport at a bright and early 5:00 AM!

The entire trip, although it was short was such a great time.  I have really missed that family and it was so great to reconnect with everyone finally.  They welcomed me with open arms and I will always be extremely close to all of them.  I even gained a few more soldiers while was there.  Tera and Dallas had shared my story with many of their friends and I was able to meet them while I was there.  Like many others have told me, they were inspired by my story and my attitude about it.  It always feels good to hear that from people.  I will never know why I was chosen to have this disease but possibly it was to inspire others to really live your life the fullest potential each and every day no matter what we may be faced with.

Monday was a big day for me, I knew I was going to have a midline placed and start Radicava infusions.  A midline is similar to a picc line.  It is a tube which is placed in a vein in my bicep.  The midline will prevent me from getting a new IV placed everyday until I am able to have a port placed in my chest.  Knowing I had the first pitch quickly approaching I asked to have the midline placed in the left bicep, unfortunately there was not an accessible vein in that arm and it had to be placed in my right arm.  Although it was painful shortly after it was placed and the following day, it will get better and I will get accustomed to it being there for the next couple of weeks.

At 1:30 on Monday I had my first infusion.  There are several mixed reviews on this drug and it is very, very new.  With a lot of unknowns about the drug, I need my prayer warriors to pray that Radicava does its intended purpose and slows down the progression of the disease. I will have an infusion everyday for the next 13 days.  Each infusion lasts approximately 90 minutes.  I have had numerous people offer to take me and sit with me, I greatly appreciate all of you! Fortunately, the infusion center is very nice! I have a nice recliner to sit in, warm blankets, a TV, and access several different snacks.  This may sound bad to everyone else, but the way I see it, things could always be worse! I have been treated exceptionally well throughout all of these appointments, I am thankful for that.

So with that being said, I must stay in the Kansas City area for at least two whole weeks! No more trips until September when I will be headed to Mexico with my sister and friends.  These two weeks will still be very exciting, I will be throwing out the first pitch at the Royals game on August 8th.  I have recently found out that even my sister and father are going to be able to attend the game.  With them living out of town and the game being in the middle of the week I did not believe they would be able to attend.  Prior to throwing out the first pitch, I was asked by Jeff Montgomery and the Fox Sports Producer to be on the Pregame show with Jeff and Joel! This portion will be televised, I am unsure if the actual first pitch will be televised or not.  Many of my friends and family will be there to witness it and I could not be more excited! I am also going to get to spend a day in Sedalia at the state fair with many family members, to watch Hank Williams Jr.

I can never thank everyone enough for the calls, the texts, prayers, and well wishes.  Knowing how much support I have keeps me moving forward every single day. Sarah’s Soldiers continue to grow and I couldn’t be more grateful.  I will be strong, I will continue to fight, and I will not back down! Love you all! Till next time…. #sarahssoldiers #strongertogether