 About Paris
by Belinda, Paris's mom
On October 9th 2006, our baby girl Paris Alvino at the age of 3 ½ was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a relatively rare cancer of the sympathetic nervous system -- a nerve network that carries messages from the brain throughout the body. Each year about 600 children in the United States develop Neuroblastoma.
After 5 rounds of Chemotherapy at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Paris was off to New York City where she underwent surgery to remove her adrenal gland which was surrounded by tumor . She then had one more round of chemotherapy. In March 2007 she had radiation to her abdomen and shoulder area. She is now under the care of Dr. Brian Kushner of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC. She is currently having 3F8 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. She is seen in New York once a month for 1-2 week time span and resides at the Ronald McDonald House while having treatment. Antibody therapy can be given for up to 2 years as long as the child’s immune system doesn’t build up an anti-body to the antibody. The Anti-body therapy is extremely painful. It is given to Paris once a day for 5 days. While in therapy she is on pain killers and Benadryl to help with the side effects of 3F8.
There is still a long road ahead of us to ensure that the Neuroblastoma is defeated and remains defeated. Monthly trips to New York, treatment, and pharmaceuticals necessary such as Accutane to help Paris in the fight can really add up. With the care Paris needs, I was unable to return to work. Being that I was the insurance holder we our concerned about the road ahead.
Paris is an amazing fighter, and we feel she is part of a big plan of the Lord. Her spirit is so alive even through the toughest parts of her treatment. With all the pain medication given to her during therapy we were told she wouldn’t remember how painful it is, but she does. She explains to us exactly what goes on when we are in the day hospital. But it never stops her. She still gets up with no hassle every morning during treatment and heads to the hospital knowing what’s in store. She knows that the pain is what is working to fight her sickness, so she endures it. She will say it herself that God is working on healing her. We know, and she knows that it is in his time. So she patiently does what needs to be done with such courage and grace.
We as parent’s have learned so much from this sickness that has landed upon our family. We don’t take our days for granted anymore. I refuse to say “I’m too tired” or “Maybe later”. We our living for today with hopes of bigger and better tomorrows. With the Lord leading us we feel we will be victors in this battle.
The Alvino Family- Miguel, Belinda, Paris, and Heaven are very grateful to family, community, and friends for all of their continued support through this journey. It truly shows us what life is all about, and how important it is to be a blessing to one another especially in times likes this.
Belinda Alvino
| | | |  | | | | Wanda's Walk
by Wanda McGinty
This past year has led me on a journey that I can honestly say has changed my life for ever. Little did I know 12 months ago when I started walking with my neighbor, Marla, that God had big plans for me this year.
I have never had a desire to walk in any Marathon. In fact after three or four miles of walking, talking and laughing with Marla I always felt like I had just had a great work out. Gosh was I wrong. I was just beginning my training and didn’t even know it at the time.
I read an article in a Fitness Magazine some time during the summer last year about a woman nearing 60 who had just finished her first Marathon. As I read the article I thought, I could do that!
I called my friend Kathy who has accomplished many Marathons and got some guidance from her. I then signed up for the Rock n Roll Marathon in San Diego for June 3, 2007.
I didn’t know why, all of a sudden, I had this desire to walk 26.2 miles, especially at age 59. I’m sure most of my friends felt I was even crazier than they did before!
As I started my training I found out it’s not easy to participate in a Marathon! You’ve got to have everything right! Shoes, socks, race attire (it has to breath-no cotton) fanny pack, chap stick, sunscreen, music, what to eat and drink before, during and after, jelly beans, energy drinks……..WOW. I was over whelmed at the beginning.
Then the training started, 25-40 miles a week. WOW….WOW.
After I had worked out all of the kinks (with the help of my husband, Jim) I still had something missing. I love to walk but always had an empty feeling about all of this preparation. Was this an age thing I was going through? Why now at this stage of my life did I have such a desire to walk a Marathon?
On Friday May 4th, I started my day with a 12 mile walk. At about mile 6 it all came to me why I was doing this. I was going to walk this race for a little girl named Paris Alvino.
I had heard about Paris Alvino last Oct. from Kim, my hairstylist. I went in one day for my appointment and Kim had a swatch of pink in her hair. I was told that the owner’s 3 year old Granddaughter had just been diagnosed with Cancer.
Each month I would ask how Paris was doing. She was going through so much for such a young age. Some months were better than others but over all she was faced with the fight of her life.
During my walk on that special day, God spoke to me loud and clear. Even though I had never met Paris or her family I knew she was my PURPOSE for walking in this race. That was one of the fastest training secessions I have had. My mind and legs were flying! I couldn’t wait to get home and call this family to tell them I was going to be walking for their daughter, Paris.
I made three phone calls when I got home. I first contacted the family. I called My friend, Dan Gannod, who owns the Redlands PR Store and then my friend, Phil Tilden, who owns Tilden Consulting. Within hours we had our first planning session. Phil got the Web Site designed and Dan got the Posters and Flyers ready to go. Their time and their services were donated. These two guys are AWESOME!
I then met Paris on Wed. along with her Mother, Belinda, Father, Miguel, and sister, Heaven. Paris danced, laughed, and even modeled a couple of her wigs for me. Her favorite is bright pink! She’s a little SWEETHEART!
God has led me to this family for a reason. She is my PURPOSE for this race. Now that I have shared my story with you, I hope that you’ll help this family WIN their battle with a donation. Please pass on Paris’ story to your family and friends.
May God bless and keep you and your families safe and healthy.
Wanda McGinty
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