Ellie Grace Volk

October 12, 10pm: We are just a few hours from leaving on Ellie's Make-A-Wish trip. They are sending a limo to pick us up at 4:30am!  Ellie told me tonight, "I sure hope it's a pink limo!" 

Ellie is so excited to go to Disney World.  She has a million questions about it and loves looking at pictures.  She is going to have the time of her life!

The picture I am including tonight was taken today at a little send-off party that Make-A-Wish had for Ellie.  She is holding a tiara cookie with her name on it (thanks Sarah!!). 

I will try to update a few times from Disney.  I won't be able to include pictures, but I'd love to be able to update you and then share photos when we return. 

Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support.  We are uplifted by so many!!  We are very appreciative.  Especially tonight - on the verge of an amazing adventure for our family - we are truly grateful for everything that has been given to us.  We are blessed beyond belief.  For the next week, we are excited to have no doctor's appointments or anything medical.  Just a 3-year-old having a blast.  I am going to spend the entire week just watching her face.  What a joy it will be!

"His glory is great!"  Psalms 21: 5

October 10, 6am: Just a quick update.  Ellie is doing great.  She is feeling wonderful and getting very excited about her Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World.  We are doing the daily countdown and have only "free" days left (that's how Ellie says 3).   I will update more about Ellie's trip on Sunday before we leave.

The picture I am including today is from Tom's parent's 50th wedding anniversary party that we recently attended.   Tom's mom, Stella, kept her wedding dress, a bridesmaid's dress and a flower girl dress, in perfect condition for 50 years!  At the party, Lexie modeled the bridesmaid dress, her cousin Jamie modeled the bridal gown and Ellie was the flower girl. 

We are thrilled to have Jim & Stella model 50 years of marriage for us!  What a blessing! 

I will leave you with Jim & Stella's theme for their 50th celebration: "...our cup runneth over."  Psalm 23:5

October 3, 8am:  Ellie's hospital visit went great.  In fact, we had a pretty easy day.  They didn't do any scans - Ellie goes back in a few weeks for those - they simply did blood work and gave Ellie a check-up.  Here she is getting her blood pressure checked.  Everything looked great with her blood counts and her check-up!

Last night we attended a Make-A-Wish fund raiser.  Willard Sorority and Zeta Psi fraternity at Nebraska Wesleyan University held a fund raiser for Make-A-Wish and chose Ellie as their sponsor child.  They had a BBQ, a dunk tank, and Disney music playing.  We had a great time and we were so impressed with all of the college kids we met.   Here is Ellie in a Tinkerbell costume that was presented to her from Make-A-Wish.  The Willard girls gave her the Daisy Duck.
A few fire fighters also stopped by.  They gave Ellie a ride around the block in the fire truck.She loved it!

Here is a final picture of all of the college students who worked so hard to put on the fund raiser.  Ellie is in the front row sitting down.

Thanks so much to Willard and Zeta Psi!  We are very thankful for all of the work you did. 

Tom and I were - once again - amazed by the generous spirit of strangers.  We are constantly inspired by those around us.  We are truly blessed!!

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with strength."  Psalms 29:11

September 30, 10pm: We head to Omaha tomorrow for some tests. These are just routine tests that Ellie has every month to make sure that no cancer is beginning to form anywhere else.  I will update when we return.

Ellie continues to do good.  She is feeling great.  I told her I needed to take a picture of her for this site and she told me she needed to pose first.  The picture is her in her "pose".

I attended a Mary Kay retreat this past weekend and was asked to lead the praise and worship service on Sunday morning.  I was asked to share Ellie's story and how it has impacted our lives.  It was quite out of my comfort zone to lead worship, but I agreed.  I am humbled to think that our story might help someone else.  If that is the case, I want to share it with as many people as possible.  So I led the praise and worship service and told about Ellie and how we have grown so much from this journey.  I am prayerful that our story can help others see that God is in control of everything.  He has Ellie's life planned out and it is not for us to ask why she was diagnosed with cancer.  Our job is simply to believe that God holds us in His grip and loves us.  We need to take the situation we have been given and see the positive.  See the blessings.  And there are certainly many blessings!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  We are so very grateful!

"I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."  Psalms 104:33

September 26, 3pm: Just a quick update.  Ellie is doing good. The only struggle she is having is that her head itches with her hair growing back.  But that is a good issue to have!

The other night Ellie and I went to speak to a local fraternity and a sorority because they will be having an upcoming fundraiser for Make-A-Wish.  We wanted to thank them in person for raising money for such an amazing organization.  If Ellie's story can help anyone or inspire a group to raise funds for Make-A-Wish or cancer research, we are happy to help!  We are excited to begin paying back all that has been given to us.  We have been thinking of ways we can volunteer and do good.  Much has been given to us through the last 9 months and we cannot wait to begin helping others in some way. 

Have an amazing weekend and we will update soon!

"When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart."  Jeremiah 29:13







September 20, 1pm: Please forgive me for not updating for a week. I simply haven't had much to tell you.  No news is good news, right?  Ellie continues to do great.  She is getting stronger and stronger.  She is gaining weight and feeling really good.  She has been playing outside a lot and being very active. 

She continues to grow hair and it seems to be coming in darker than it was.  It's a dark blonde color.  She has also gotten back her eye lashes, eye brows and hair on her arms and legs.  The other day, she was rubbing her arms and said, "I sure am hairy!" 

Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support.  I simply cannot go through a day without someone coming up to me somewhere and telling me they are praying for us.  You have no idea how powerful that is!  To have people approach you and tell you that they personally talk to God about you is amazing.  Daily Tom and I comment on how incredible the people around us are.  Even the people who are not around us.  We hear stories about how people are praying for us states away from us who don't know us personally.  That is amazing to me.  If nothing else, this journey has shown us the how wonderful the people of God are.  I'm sorry that it took a tragedy to remind me of that.  I will never look at those around me the same way.  The Lord has surrounded each of us with such an incredible support network.  Please thank those that are around you for all they do for you.  Don't wait for a tragedy to thank them!

I am humbled by what God is doing in our lives and so very, very grateful!

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." Psalms 150:6



September 13, 6pm:  We attended an event today for the Make-A-Wish foundation. They are celebrating 25 years of granting wishes to kids with life-threatening illnesses.  Here is Ellie with a cupcake at the event.

Ellie has been granted a wish through the Make-A-Wish organization.  When our wish granter, Sarah, came to visit us, Ellie told her she wanted to "see where Mickey lives."  So we will be heading to Disney World in mid-October.  Ellie is so excited (as we all are!).  We have made a count-down calendar so Ellie can see the date get closer and closer. 

Make-A-Wish does such amazing work.  Today we met many kids who have been granted a variety of wishes.  It was fun to hear their stories and see their eyes light up when they talked about their wish.  The people who volunteer and work for Make-A-Wish are incredible.  We are blessed to have them in our lives!

We will, of course, keep you updated on our trip and share photos with you.  We are all looking forward to a little time away together.  I don't think any of us realized how much the last 8 months had taken out of us.  We are ready for some family time.  And we are especially excited to see Ellie's reaction to everything at Disney World. 

We are extremely grateful for so much: to you who surround us and uplift us; to organizations like Make-A-Wish; to our medical team; and, of course, most of all to God.  We are blessed beyond belief.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful."  Colossians 3:15



September 9, 9pm: Ellie's radiation appointment yesterday went great. They thought everything looked really good.  In fact, they didn't feel she would need a radiation evaluation for another year!  She will continue to get chemo check-ups every month, but we were excited that they felt she looked good enough to not have a radiation check-up for quite awhile.  

A special thank you to all of you who said some prayers for us yesterday.  I was nervous about this appointment, but felt such peace all day.  Thank you for enveloping us in your prayers!

Here is Ellie during part of the exam.  The doctor let her listen to her own heart.  Ellie thought that was great.

Before the exam, while we were waiting for the doctor, Ellie grabbed a notebook and said to me,"Ok, I'll be the doctor,  you be the kid!"  She then proceeded to ask me a series of questions as she furiously scribbled in her notebook.  ("Ok, Kid, what did you eat for breakfast?....")  It was both funny and sad that she knew the doctor lingo so well. 

We are so extremely blessed that Ellie's chemo check-up last week was great and her radiation check-up this week looked good too.  We are feeling beyond blessed.  Of course, we aren't out of the woods, but it seems as though we are past the worst of it.  We are coming out of the tunnel and it feels wonderful.  We are so grateful that God has allowed Ellie to continue to have good check-ups and continue to get healthy.  He has granted us amazing blessings.  We owe Him much glory.

"... there will be showers of blessings."  Ezekiel 34: 26



September7, 9pm:

Just a quick update.  We head to Omaha tomorrow for a radiation check-up. It has been 6 months since Ellie had radiation and they want to do some tests on her.  I am a bit anxious about it because radiation was so difficult for Ellie.  I know they aren't doing any actual radiation tomorrow - I just feel nervous.  Radiation brings back memories of them writing on my baby with a Sharpie and of Ellie being so sick.  I'm sure tomorrow will go smoothly and not be a big deal.  I'll just be glad when it's over.

The picture I am sharing tonight is of Ellie and Lexie with one of Ellie's Polly Pockets.  Ellie said to Lexie, "I sure wish I had a doll that looked like me - that had the same hair as me."  So Lexie gave one of Ellie's dolls a buzz cut.  Ellie loves it!

The verse that comes to mind tonight is: "Quiet. Be still!"  Mark 4:39.  It was what Jesus said to the storm to calm it down.  I need to be calm right now too.  I need to believe that God will continue to allow Ellie's body to be free of cancer and that the tests tomorrow will all be good.  I will update after our appointment.  Thanks for always upholding us in your prayers!

 September 4, 1pm:  Ellie's appointment yesterday went great.  Everything looked really good and her blood work was, in the doctor's words, "fantastic."  We were very excited.  The only setback we had was pulling into the parking garage of the hospital, Ellie started to throw up.  She usually threw up during her treatments at the hospital and now when we return, even without her getting any treatments, she throws up.  As soon as she saw the building, she started.  It's almost like a conditioned response.  Once we got over that, she was good.

The doctor's and nurses had made a "Way to Go, Ellie!" banner for her, which they all signed.  It was given to Ellie to celebrate the end of chemo.  Ellie also wanted to sign it!

We are so very grateful that everything looks so positive for Ellie's recovery.  She is feeling great and is looking more "healthy".   The doctors and nurses all commented on how her color looked better and she didn't look so gaunt like she did during treatments. 

It was hard for both Tom and I to see the kids at the hospital who are going through treatments.  The kids getting chemo, blood transfusions, vomiting, battling weakness and fatigue ...  it brought back so many memories.  We met a family whose daughter was just diagnosed with cancer.  It seems like that was us a lifetime ago - not 8 months ago.  It feels like time has gone so fast and yet so slow.   Ellie has been through much in these last 8 months.  We are certainly glad to be on this end of the tunnel!  We are extremely blessed.   The Lord has lead us through each scary moment to get to the glorious moments.  I am sure there will not be another 8 months in our lives where we change and grow so much.  We are grateful for each moment.

"The Lord will keep you from all harm.  He will watch over your life."  Psalms 121:7


September 2, 1pm:    Ellie's doing great!  She continues to love preschool.  It's only 2 days a week for a few hours and she is so disappointed when I pick her up.  She wants to go everyday!  She drags her backpack to school each time - even though she rarely has anything to put in it, but, as she says, "That's what school kids do!"  

We head to Omaha tomorrow for a chemo check-up appointment.  She will not receive chemo, they simply want to see how she is doing and will do some tests on her.  I will update when we return home.

Here is Ellie after her bath last night.  Her hair is growing more every day and she continues to fill out.  I'll be anxious to see how much weight she has gained tomorrow.

As always, thanks for your continued support!!  You are a blessing to us.

"And God is able to make all grace abound in you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."  2 Corinthians 9:8

August 27, 7pm: Ellie continues to do good.  Her hair is growing too!  I tried to get a photo of her hair for you.  It's a little hard to see in a picture.  She also heads back soon for more tests.  I will keep you updated.

Today I received a call from the American Cancer Society and our Relay for Life team was named the "Rookie of the Year" team for our fund raising efforts for our first year joining this event.  That is only because of all of YOU!  Thank you!  The American Cancer Society had a banquet where they talked about Ellie and our team.  We thank all of you for your generous donations to the American Cancer Society on Ellie's behalf.  We were so moved by the incredible outpouring from all of you.  We are very grateful!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  We appreciate all of you and feel truly blessed by you.

Thanks to Lexie for this verse.  She was learning this for memory for school (it's her school's theme verse for the year): "Each one should use whatever gifts he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms." 1 Peter 4:10

August 22, 2pm: I apologize that I have not updated for a week.  Our internet was down while we moved and we just got it up and running again.  We are in the new house and living out of boxes.  I cannot seem to find anything!  But it is great to be moved and I am sure we will eventually get settled.

Ellie is doing great.  She is feeling good and her energy and spirit continue to get stronger.  She started preschool this week and loved it!  The photo shows her as we left for school.  She was excited to go until she realized that I would be alone while she was in preschool.  She said, "Mommy, I can stay home if you are going to be too lonely."  I assured her that I would be fine (actually I was thrilled to get 3 hours to myself!). 

After I dropped her off and went back to my car, I did cry a little.  I just couldn't believe that I had brought a healthy child to her first day of preschool.  Eight months ago, that would have seemed like an impossibility.  The journey the Lord has taken us on for the last eight months has been amazing: diagnosis, shock, surgery, radiation, weakness, chemo, sickness, healing, and now renewal.  The tunnel seemed so dark and long at times, but now we can only see sunshine!  God has been so good!

Thanks for your continued prayers and support.  We are grateful to you and blessed by you!

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"  Psalms 8:1

August 14, 11am: Ellie is doing good.  She gets stronger everyday and she  continues to feel great! It's hard to tell from the picture, but her hair is growing too.  It's very light and hard to see in the photo.  

She is very excited because we are moving this weekend.  In our current house, Ellie and Lexie share a room.  When Ellie was born 3 years ago, we told Lexie it would be a temporary situation.  Then, for the last 3 years, we have found different reasons and excuses why it was not the right time to move.  This journey with Ellie has taught us that you cannot put your life on hold.  You need to stop with the excuses and get on with your life.  You just never know what the bend in the road might bring and you need to live each day fully.

So, we found a house we love where all of the kids will have their own rooms.  It has been fun to have something other than chemo and doctor appointments to think about for the last few months.  It's been a welcome distraction.

Ellie redesigns her new room every day.  She can't decide what color she wants.  Yesterday she told me, "I want all of the colors except black, brown and orange."  That should be an interesting room!

I will let you know how our move goes.  We are excited for the fresh start this will bring.  It seems as though we almost have a new beginning.  I have to tell you, our current house holds many great memories for us, but it also holds many memories of taking care of a sick baby.  Many days were spent with Ellie being sick from radiation and chemo in that house.  It will be nice to move on. 

We are very grateful for the chance for a fresh start.  God is so good!!   Thanks for your continued prayers and support.  We are extremely appreciative to all of you.  You give us more strength than you'll ever know. 

"What does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"  Micah 6:8

August 8, 4pm: Ellie continues to do great.  She is feeling wonderful and has lots of energy.  Her hair grows a little more each day.  It is very blond and it looks like she has a short buzz cut.  Tom has been calling her Billy Idol.

She is enjoying the end of summer: riding her bike, swimming, going to the park....  It is so much fun to watch her do "normal" kid things.  She loves anything active and seems to be going full speed all of the time.  After seeing her go through periods of having no energy during her treatments, we love seeing her have so much spirit!

Thanks to everyone who continues to donate to the American Cancer Society in Ellie's honor.  A special thank you to Roe Eidsness, Linda Becken, Jon & Jennifer Backencamp, and Kevin & Paige Yost.  The total we have raised is: $3861. Our goal was $1000!  Thanks so much to all of you for your generous donations.  We are excited to raise money for cancer research.  We praise the Lord for the medical advances that have been made through research. 

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." Psalm 150: 6

August 1, noon:  Ellie is regrowing hair!  She has a light blonde layer of  fuzz on her head. It grows a little bit more each day.  We have been calling her our own little Chia Pet.  We are constantly rubbing her head as it feels so soft.  Last night she feel asleep as I was rubbing her head.  We are excited to see something as positive as hair growth happening!

Ellie's energy level is also high.  We can tell that we are getting further and further away from her last chemo treatment.  She is feeling great and, for some reason, feels the need to run everywhere. Walking takes too long! 

We are extremely grateful!  We thank all of you for your support and prayers.  We are really looking forward to this new, fresh start.  From here on - prayerfully - Ellie will continue to gain strength, grow hair, gain weight, and get her energy back even more.  It's time for renewal!  God is so good!!

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus." Romans 15:5