My daughter was diagnosed with leukemia last August. Tragedy struck my family without warning. Her initial hospital stay lasted about two weeks. My wife, Patti, and I were able to stay with our daughter, Leah, in the cancer ward at Children's Hospital in Madera constantly. We were blessed to be able to do this. The hospital provided us everything that a hospital can provide; care, compassion, spiritual help, dogs to pet, games, social workers, financial guidance, and wish upon a star foundation. I was amazed at all they could do.

Sadly, they could not provide family care for all the little cancer victims that were there. One little girl still haunts me. Many times I'd pass her room and she would call out, "Come see me." Many times I would pass her room and a nurse would be with her, trying to give her the love she needed. I want to thank everyone that made it possible for Patti and me to care for Leah.

Thank you everyone who was with us and who are still with us during this part of our journey. Thank you to those that gave their time fixing Patti's house. Thank you to those who came to the hospital and lifted our spirits. Thank you to those who made it possible for us to skip work. Thank you to YES for providing amazing educational support to Leah. Thank you to the boys who went to the Ahwahnee and raised money for Leah. Thank you to Leah's soccer team for dedicating their team name to her. Thanks to the people who ate at Leah's barbecue fund raiser. Thanks to the Yosemite Community Church for their monetary and spiritual help. Thank you El Portal Market. Thanks to everyone that gave a scarf, hat, or blanket. Thanks for all the cards, balloons, and flowers. Thank you to all of you who thought about us. Thank you for all the prayers.

It is in no way an exaggeration to say that our congressmen, union leaders, previous cancer patients, the California Police Officers Association, friends of friends from around the world, and countless people in the medical profession have all helped us. My eyes have been opened. But especially, our local community has helped us. There is a lot more beauty in Yosemite than meets the eye. We love you.

Leah is a cancer survivor.

David Carlson & Family