Monster In Marlee VIDEO

I apologize (GREATLY) that this post is LONG overdue.

Marlee's party was a GREAT success and helped Marlee's family out a lot.  If at the very least, it was overwhelming to see how many people came out to show their love and support for our family.  Family and friends from near and far, many that we haven't seen for years, and even people that came just to meet Marlee and her family.  

After several failed attempts at getting this video to download  because of it's length and size, it has FINALLY successfully worked!  Enjoy and share Marlee's journey with the "Monster" inside her.  Thankfully, she has made a miraculous recovery, finished her IVIG treatments, and is back to being the boss at home.  Thank you to each and every one of you that prayed for my niece and our families and to the many that generously contributed to help with her medical expenses and her benefit party.  The Tubera Family is truly blessed to have so many earth angels that helped us get through one (if not the most) difficult time in our lives.  

You wouldn't believe all the progress Marlee is continuing to make! The last 2 weeks have been remarkable.  She is talking a lot more now and is even dancing around! Her neurologist, therapists, and doctors are in disbelief of how much and fast she is progressing!

Marlee saying some of our names:

And we definitely can't wait for you to see it for yourselves!! We hope that you will be able to join us SUNDAY, JUNE 16th for her Benefit / Birthday Party!

If you are interested in helping for the party, I am looking for donations for Drinks (water, soda, juice) , food, and still looking for more entertainment/performers!  Please email me at: MamaCan25@gmail.com for more information or ways that you can help!  

I am excited and hope that all of you will be an,e to stop by and spend part of your da with us. Marlee has made some amazing progress, but there are still a lot of medical expenses accrued and still accruing for the care of Marlee.  And, this day is dedicated to her fight and progress!!  Go Marlee!!! 

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Last month i submitted a picture to one of our favorite singer's websites... And, Marlee was a finalist and a winner of Anuhea's awkward Shaka contest!! Thank you to everyone that voted!! Marlee loves Anuhea and her music!

Admitted to the hospital today for her monthly IVIG treatments:

Marlee Says her FIRST Words!!

This past Tuesday, Marlee said her FIRST word!! .... "MAMA"!

And, since then she has also said, "OPEN" and "MINE".  She is also running around, reacting to everyone & everything around her, and eating everything in sight!!! 

Her speech is slurred and mumbled.  You can tell she is trying hard and re-learning how to talk.  Hopefully by her party she will have so much to tell everyone!!! 

And, please don't forget to join us for Marlee's 4th Birthday / Benefit Party!!!!   Still could use help especially with donations of food & drinks.  Please let me know if you are interested in helping.  Email me at:  MamaCan25@gmail.com

If you aren't able to make it to the party, but would still like to help or donate to Marlee's fund.  Please click on the link below!....

Marlee's Help & Donation Website

We are inviting all of you to come join us for a very special celebration!!  Join us to celebrate the fight, journey, and progress for a Benefit Party for Marlee.  AND, to celebrate her 4th Birthday!!!  She has been through so much in 2013, so let's give her an unforgettable birthday party!!!  

We are excited for this fun filled day and to meet many of you that we don't know yet, but have offered so much support, love and prayers during the most difficult of times.  

WHEN:  SUNDAY, JUNE 16TH

TIME:  1:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Tamure Marathon at 12:00pm)

WHERE:  NEWARK PAVILION

6430 THORNTON AVE

NEWARK, CALIFORNIA

The day will start off with a TAMURE MARATHON put on by Otea Api at noon!  It will be an hour of fitness and fun as you are led in the Ori Tahiti (tahitian dance) to the sounds and music of Tahiti.  You don't need any prior dance experience.  And all proceeds made will be donated to Marlee!  So, please come out and start the day with us!!!

The day will be filled with great entertainment.  We have several bands, DJ's and a very special show by Hula Halau 'O Nalua and Otea Api.  We will have 50/50 raffles, and all proceeds of the raffle will be donated to Marlee's fund.  And, anyone that would just like to make a donation to help with the medical expenses, therapy costs, and for Marlee's fund will be accepted (and GREATLY APPRECIATED).  

We cannot wait to share this special day with all of you!!  And, we only hope that you will be able join us and see Marlee!  

I am still looking for help with entertainment and especially FOOD/CATERING.  If you or know anyone that is interested or is able to help, please contact me (Candice) at MamaCan25@gmail.com.

And, Marlee's donation site is still available if you are not able to make it to her Party but still would like to donate to her fund.   

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/the-unknown-monster-in-marlee/49960

SAVE THE DATE:  SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2013

I am very blessed and thankful that a good friend of mine was able to help me with a venue for Marlee's 4th Birthday Party / Benefit!!!

So, please mark your calendars for SUNDAY, JUNE 16th at the NEWARK PAVILION in NEWARK, CALIFORNIA.


More details will be posted soon!!

Still need help with catering / food and more entertainment!  Email me at MAMACAN25@gmail.com if you are able to help!

Thank you !!  God is good....

It's been awhile since I've had the chance to update Marlee's Blog.  But she has been doing great.  Last weekend we spent the weekend with her and even took her to the drive-ins for her first outing since coming home from the hospital!

 Marlee enjoying the sunshine and beautiful weather at Aunty Candice's house

Playing with Cousin Auriyana

Visiting "Scary Mama"

Marlee & Mommy

Loving her CHUBBY Cheeks she's getting

Marlee, Sisters, and Cousins

Love Love LOVE her laugh! Auriyana making Marlee Laugh... "Booooty booooty boooty!!!"

Tuesday Marlee had her first outpatient Physical Therapy appointment.  Marlee is moving around better and still walking and getting stronger.  

Marlee was Re-Admitted to the hospital to receive IVIG therapy for 2 nights this past week.  

Big Sister Jayden keeping Marlee company in the hospital (again).  

Marlee & Her Mommy, back in the hospital.  

Marlee Lynn

Marlee is getting better.  She has had her NG (feeding) tube out for a week now and is eating A LOT! Marlee is walking and sitting up by herself.  She still isn't talking but is alert and responsive.  Marlee's Mommy, Christina, unfortunately had to go back to work this week.   It has been tough for her to leave home, but thankfully her job is allowing her to work part time to help with caring for Marlee. 

Although, Marlee is home.  There battle and fight is still far from being over.  You all have been a great support to Marlee as it is.. Please keep on sharing her story and continue the much needed prayers for the family.  

And, lastly, I will still be looking for help to make Marlee's 4th Birthday Party / Benefit / Celebration of life happen this (mid) June. If you are interested or able to help, please contact me at MamaCan25@gmail.com.  

Marlee still needs help!... Please continue to share her Donation/Help Website! Thank You!!!

"Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.  He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.  Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men."

--Psalm 107:19-21

Marlee is making some incredible progress at home!!!  It is truly amazing and unbelievable what she accomplishes each day!  She crawled yesterday, and today she is walking!!!  (Never underestimate the power of prayers!!)  Her tube feedings are down to one feeding at night because she is eating regular food so well!  We are so grateful for all of these blessings and her huge progress in just the last few days! 

Marlee's Morning Medication Ritual

Look who's crawling!!

She even looks like she is getting a chubbier face because of all the food she's eating!

Having fun with her Cousins, Auriyana & Dylan

She started walking on her own!!  Suprised her Mommy & Daddy!!  

Marlee Loves Milk Tea!

Marlee and Family <3 

We Thank God everyday for looking over Marlee and this family.  We also are so grateful for all of the prayers from everyone!  Just take a look at the videos and pictures from the last 2 days!  It's working!!  Please continue to share this journey with us and spread her story!  

Marlee & Her Family still are in need of help. Please share this site if you are able to help. We thank you for all your generosity!

Marlee's Benefit / Birthday Party / Celebration of Life party is being planned.  If you or know anyone that would like to help me or contribute to, please email me at :  

MAMACAN25@GMAIL.COM

Or, you can Facebook message me!  THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!  I look forward to being able to give Marlee a party she and her family will never forget.  And, it will give them a chance to see the many faces that have been praying, supporting, and staying in faith for the them!  

Hi Everyone!...

You guys have all been amazing with all the support for our family and Marlee!  It has been unbelievable and very touching.  But, I have another request....

Marlee's birthday is coming up June 14th.  I thought it would be very fitting to have a birthday party / celebration of life / benefit type of party for Marlee.  It has been an incredible journey so far and would love to share it with everyone that has supported us/Marlee along the way.

So, this is where all of you come in.  I know that many of you have contacts and resources that may be willing to help with Marlee's party.  I am looking for a venue, hall, etc to hold the party (preferrably a local place to minimize travel for Marlee).  I will also need help with food/catering.

Bernard and Christina have a lot on there plate as it is with the care for Marlee.  I know I can't do this on my own, so I hope that there is help out there.  If you are able to help, please Facebook Message me or email me at:  MamaCan25@gmail.com.

Thank you everyone!! We are very blessed with so many great people with HUGE hearts that have helped keep this family strong and in faith through some of the most difficult times.  We hope that this Benefit/Party will be made possible for Marlee.  It will also give us the opportunity to personally thank, hug, and even meet all of you!!  God truly has blessed us with so much love and hope through all of you.

With Love and Thanks,
Candice
(Marlee's Aunt)
MamaCan25@gmail.com

Marlee is doing really well at home.  Bernard and Christina are doing a great job with her tube feedings, medications,  and working on getting Marlee stronger.  I've been there the last 2 days, and can honestly say that they all look very happy and relieved they are home now.

Marlee Lynn

 Feeding herself snacks

Nap time

Knocked Out!

Taking steps with Mommy's help!!

Eating a sandwich!!  We love that she is eating so much on her own! 

(But Marlee still gets tube feedings too)

 Standing with Daddy!!

"I love you all!!" -- Marlee Lynn

As you can see, Marlee is continuing to make such great progress at home!  She is getting stronger with movements and standing.  Marlee is eating solid foods well, but is also still being supplemented with her tube feedings. And, she is sooooo happy to be home!!  

Continue the prayers and well wishes for Marlee!  And, please continue to share her story and donation/help website.  Thank you for to all of you for the ongoing love, prayers, and support!!  Hope you enjoy seeing her remarkable and amazing progress too!  

Monster In Marlee's Donation Website

Marlee is home!!!!!!



Marlee got discharged this afternoon after her last Rituximab treatment.  And, as soon as she got home she was full of smiles! The last week she was really starting to hate her hospital room.  She would constantly get fussy and would be better when they were walking around pediatrics or at the play area.  So, what a relief (for everyone) that she was able to come home today!!!

The fight against this "Monster"  is still far from being over.  Marlee came home with her NG Tube, so her primary source of feeding will still be through this tube.  She is still not talking yet.  And, is not able to walk yet, although she is standing for a bit.

A home health nurse will be checking in on them.  And, Marlee has her next scheduled IVIG treatment next week along with PT and OT appointments.

But, coming home is a HUGE blessing.  Tonight, I FaceTimed them and they all looked so happy and relieved.  The smiles were priceless!

Thank you to everyone for all the generosity, care, and love that you have shown for Marlee.  It definitely has been an up and down journey thus far.  Keep praying for her and the family as they still will have much to contend with in the future.  And, please continue to share her story, blog, and donation/help website.  Any little bit will go a long way to help my niece!! Blessed and so very grateful for all of your support!!

Monster in Marlee Donation / Help Website

“There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force when there is suffering, too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways.”

--Mother Teresa

Marlee and her Mommy enjoying the sunshine in the Pediatric Play Area one last time before going home!

Marlee and one of her nurses that took care of her at Kaiser

Marlee at home with her Sister!  Jayden is so happy!!  

Mommy and Marlee so happy to be home!

Just some of the supplies that they need to care for Marlee at home. But, they will probably go through it so fast!  

FaceTime with Aunty Can to tell me she made it home safe and is so excited to be out of the hospital!

More of Marlee's Amazing Progress:


Everyday Marlee is getting stronger and making so much progress.   The last few days Marlee has started to eat pureed / soft foods.  She is interacting with us more.  And there is improvement in her motor skills, where she is trying to pick up and hold toys.  Here are some highlights from yesterday and today:

Tubera Picnic and enjoying the Sun

Playing with toys in her Physical Therapy Session

Getting kisses and love from her Uncle "Bum" (Bong)

Sisters

Big Cousin Auriyana & Marlee

Can't get enough of this smile!  Happy playing in the play room.  

Tubera's 

Marlee missed her Big Sister, Jayden

Marlee is always happy to play with her Sister

The plan is Marlee will get to go home Monday after her last Rituximab (immunosuppressant) therapy. Christina and Bernard have been getting educated on how to give meds and do Marlee's feedings with her NG Tube.  Friday night, the nurse thought it would be a good idea that Mommy & Daddy PRACTICE putting in NG tubes, just in case Marlee's came out at home.  Sooooo, there's no better way to practice then on each other!  

Daddy putting in an NG Tube in Mommy

Mommy's attempt in putting an NG tube in Daddy

And I got to put an NG Tube in Bernard!...  Between the 3 of us, Marlee is in good hands!! (Haha)

Daddy, Mommy, and Marlee with their matching NG Tubes

Marlee can't believe we put NG Tubes in each other either!!  

Marlee eating Aunty Candice's home cooked dinner

Yummy!!!  

Silly Girl!!!

Marlee holding a ball and playing with Big Sister, Jayden

Keep the prayers coming!! Look at all her progress! Marlee can't wait to go home.  And hopefully, God willing and if everything goes well, Marlee will be discharged home Monday evening!  She will need outpatient physical therapy and they have already arranged for all the medical equipment she will require.  It has been unbelievably amazing to see all her progress this week.  It has definitely been a very blessed week for Marlee.

Even though Marlee should be coming home soon.  The support and help is still needed to help with all of her medical expenses and financial challenges her family will be facing in the near future.   Continue to share her story, blog, and donation site.  We thank all of you for all the continued prayers and love!!  We couldn't do it with out all of your help and support!!

Monster in Marlee's Donation / Help Website