Bell Ringing!

We started off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, with a RING! Ariana was officially discharged and got to ring the bell to signify her end of treatment on September 2, 2025. It was a beautiful ending to a relentless journey. We were surrounded by family, friends, doctors, nurses and staff. It was full of love and celebration.

Ariana walked down the hallway to a cover of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Ariana Grande, rang the bell to "Defying Gravity" sang by Cynthia Erivo, and concluded the breakout party with "No Tears Left to Cry" by Ariana Grande. It was a pure WICKED moment. Thank you to my wonderful friend, Rachana, for putting this audio together for us. It was perfect.

These songs hold so much meaning to us and this journey we have been on since April. When Ariana was a baby, my mom would play the classic Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Judy Garland on to help her sleep. There are of course lots of covers of this song, and though I love Judy's version, Ariana's homage to the song is so beautifully done. This song also signifies how we are Somewhere Over The Rainbow. After 144 days on this journey, we made it to the other side.

We had to choose a Wicked song to be a part of this celebration, and what better song for Ariana than "Defying Gravity". We never asked our doctors specifically what Ariana's prognosis was when she was diagnosed. It wasn't something we ever wanted to know. We didn't want her life to be boiled down to a percentage, but we understood what she was facing, and it wasn't a straightforward case. Rare Leukemia, topped with an ultra rare gene mutation, led to relying on protocols not tailored made for Ariana's case and hope that she would respond well to the treatment plan that was chosen for her. All this to say, she defied the odds and overcame treatment and its horrific side effects. She still has a long journey to be "okay" but each day after transplant with improving numbers, are steps in the right direction.

Lastly, we chose "No Tears Left to Cry" as her ending song because it was a joyous event that called for smiles and celebrations. Though, I could not help but breakdown crying during my speech to every one. Nonetheless, when the speech was done, we were picking it up, loving and living!

Thank you to each and every one who came out to support our family at her bell ringing. And thank you to all of you who have cheered us on through text, phone calls, social media, through this blog and all other forms of support. We love our village and are so grateful for each of you.

Thank you to Lesley Sweeney for taking amazing pictures. She was incredible to step up to help us in a very last minute favor. I also want to thank Emily Miller who is not only another childhood cancer mom, but also is the talented woman who made Ariana's banner. It is gorgeous!

Thank you to my Tia Tina and Tio Tito for recording this video for us to share with everyone who couldn't join us in person.

The following breakdown is up to September 2, 2025 when she was discharged from the hospital.