January 6th update

Ryan had as fun of a day as you can after you've been cooped up in the hospital for two weeks! Today the Children's hospital had a visit from the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins ( the minor league hockey team). We saw them towards the end of Ryan's walk so he was pretty worn out but the players were all so kind and down to earth. Ryan got a penguin stuffed animal and a bag signed by all the players. His appetite has picked up quite a bit and he has not needed continuous fluids for a few days so he has a lot more freedom to move around on his own, which I know he is loving. We try to get him out of the hospital room at least once or twice a day for a change of scenery. Yesterday we took him outside to the hospital's healing garden, which I'm sure looks a more green in Spring and Summer. It was pretty cold out but I think he enjoyed the fresh air. He has not needed any blood or platelet transfusions in almost a week. The plan for tomorrow is for him to get his chemo. Our family has been so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that we've gotten from friends and family and strangers and can't thank everyone enough!