Through the eyes of a child, a mother is many things: a cook, a maid, a nurse, a confidant, teacher, friend, entertainment, and more. Although nurturing and comforting one's child is an instinct in most mothers, some go through much more emotionally charged and life-threatening situations that others ever face. Not all mothers can remain strong and put their children first in the face of adversity and troubling times. It is during these times that extraordinary mothers shine, mothers like Christina Simpson of Lansdale, PA.
Christina's now thirteen year old son, Matthew Knoebel, has been fighting a blood and bone marrow type of leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, since Oct. of last year. Finding out that this compassionate, loving and brave young one was going to be going to be fighting this disease was overwhelming to all: family members and friends alike. The road her and her son travel currently is a long and hard one and thankfully she is supported by a close-knit family and loving group of friends.
It is impossible to understand completely what Christina goes through daily, except perhaps from other mothers in similar situations. But yet she never gives up hope and provides Matt with all the strength, love and care that she has to give, every day they fight together to beat this disease! Being extremely close with her family helps; working together and organizing fundraisers to help Matt: a pancake breakfast, blood and platelet drive, and a hoagie sale this upcoming Saturday, February 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out).
This extraordinary mom has put everything aside for the moment (her wedding, work and other events) to be there for her only son: remaining by his side constantly as they struggle through the pain and suffering matt has to deal with during his fight for a cure: blood transfusions, chemotherapy, infections as well as emotional strain. She also keeps an online journal, keeping everyone up to date as the work towards a cure progresses. Loved ones log in frequently to see how Matt and his mom are coping, celebrating holidays, spending quality time together and with visitors (which are now prohibited for the time being) as well as updates on Mathews pending Bone Marrow Transplant. As of now, the two of them have spent over almost three months total in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and are awaiting news if a bone marrow donor is available for his upcoming bone marrow transplant. A bone marrow transplant is much more intensive than anyone can imagine.
Christina explained, “He will get the donor's marrow or stem cells through his central line right into his bloodstream. It sounds uneventful to talk about but he will have very intense chemotherapy and possibly full body radiation before the transplant to remove his bone marrow from his bones. He will be immunosuppressed and in isolation after the transplant until the marrow en-grafts and he starts producing new blood cells on his own. I can be isolated with him thankfully to care for him while he's going through the whole process. The amount of time he will be inpatient recovering after the transplant is unknown - there are so many possible issues and side effects that can occur that there is no way to predict this. It's very unnerving and not having any answers or being able to know what will happen is really hard”.
It is amazing how a mother’s love can make a difference. Hopefully other mothers will see this amazing woman as a model to follow when things seem hopeless and out of their control and be the superhero to their children when needed.
Anyone in the Lansdale area who is interested in participating in the hoagie sale fundraiser this upcoming Saturday at the Upper Gwynedd Volunteer Fire Department can find out more information about volunteering or placing their order here.
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