I first met Elise in 2009- when she was about 11 years old. She has taught me a lot over the last 6 years during her visits to clinic. I could keep you all for hours regaling you with funny stories… are you all comfortable?

We discussed all sorts of topics, ranging from crafts, to Star Trek and Dr Who, to pets and christmas trees, and many things in between. We all spent long hours together in oncology clinic – some really good days and some that were not so – but all guaranteed to be FULL of great conversations. Elise was the very first person in my life who had actually touched a stingray- and Laurel was the second! And all of us loved hearing about how stingrays swam and felt to touch – especially when we got to watch her eyes light up while she told us. To me, Elise was a fascinating child – I loved watching her grow and there were days when I think I could see her brain working! She could switch gears quickly – especially if she saw another child who needed some extra care or help. Some days there was less talking and more schoolwork – though she did not enjoy practicing German with me! She could tune me out and play Sudoku – even when she was obviously hurting. She was never afraid to tell me when something did not feel right, or if something didn’t fit into her plan. She taught me a lot about being flexible and prioritizing healthcare to fit into the prioritizing framework of a very determined teenager. There are times when school comes before bloodwork and transfusions and treatments!

There are also times when the sofa can be the best place to rest – even more so than the stretcher... and the touch of a hand, and a stroke on a head can impart the greatest love of all.

I really cannot pinpoint an exact time, but Elise somehow became a composed young woman right before our eyes. She managed to help take care of all of us, while we were trying to take care of her. Her family and friends have been invaluable – and she loved you all so much.

Laurel, Peter and Jamie, although we have known each other through unchosen paths – I would not have missed this journey for the world. Thank you for being such an amazing family. You have all worked so hard and your love for each other is an amazing legacy that I, Sarah, Barb and Deb, Heidi and Stephanie, and Gurneet and Charity have been honoured to be a small part of. Thank you for coming into our lives and we will stay in touch—and change the world with Elise in mind. I too will see purple and remember Elise, Please know she has touched all our hearts forever.