04/09/2026
✨ Chapter 3: Transition ✨
Today was a big day for Ian and our family.
We had his TOTs (Transition of Treatment) meeting, something we’ve been working toward for so long. It was a meeting where his entire care team came together to talk about what life will look like as we move away from the clinic and into more “normal kid” days.
We left with a binder full of information, what to expect, possible long-term side effects, and what our new relationship with his care team will look like through the Thrive Long-Term Follow-Up Program.
To be honest… we’re feeling all the feelings right now.
But more than anything, we are grateful.
Grateful that God heard every prayer.
Grateful for the doctors and specialists who were guided every step of the way to get us here.
Grateful that we are in such a good place in life right now.
As the doctors remind us, Ian will always be considered a cancer patient, and he’ll continue to be followed closely at OSF Children’s Hospital. He’ll still have scans and labs every 3 months, slowly spacing out over time.
And if we make it to that 3-year mark… it will be a HUGE milestone to celebrate.
But today… today feels like a big step forward.
On our way out of the hospital, Ian said something that stopped us in our tracks:
“You know what I love the most about the clinic? I love how they make me feel so special when I’m there.” 🥹
And that says everything.
This place that carried us through some of our hardest days also made him feel loved, safe, and special.
Chapter 3 looks a little different…
Less about surviving, and more about living.
And we are so, so thankful to be here. 💛
