Paisley
No one ever chooses to get cancer, but you can choose joy. You can choose to love harder. You can choose to eat nutrient-dense foods. You can choose to avoid inflammatory foods.
The words, "Don't do anything; we will take it from here," left me powerless after my child's cancer diagnosis. Do nothing? That was not an action I was ready to choose because I love multiple choices. And apparently, so does my Paisley.
Paisley Penny Scheller loves to laugh, to dance, and to love on all animals, even the creepy crawly ones. She gives the best hugs, when it's her idea, of course. She is fiercely strong-willed and physically strong despite her tiny stature. She is a sassy bundle of spunk and innovation — she thrives on taking what you said and finding her own way, on her own timeline, to accomplish what you just asked. Spontaneity gives her a bit of anxiety, as she loves to plan ahead. When it comes to big decisions, she loves to know what she has control over. Are some of these traits nature or nurture? A little bit of Mom or a little bit of treatment? It’s a question I always wonder about since Paisley hasn't been given the easiest childhood with a diagnosis of both epilepsy and cancer. She has been forced to go through a lot of unwanted and painful circumstances. As a family we managed as best as we could, focusing on the things she had control over. Like, who is going to give you your nightly shot? Mommy or Daddy? Or who do you want to hold you (restrain you) while your port is accessed? We are all still healing, but if part of her healing is finding control in all things, as difficult as it is, I'm trying to find space for that.
As a mother, MaxLove Project was the voice that brought my focus back to the things I could control. They gave me CHOICES! Knowing I had a list of things that could strengthen her body while poisons tore it down, and knowing that I had a community who felt just like me gave me wings. MaxLove made our harsh reality a bit lighter with the proper tools and health-based knowledge to support her body. And I'll choose THAT path any day. — Shannon, Paisley’s Momma