Sad news

Willa's battle with cancer is over. She passed away peacefully tonight June 25th at home surrounded by her loving family. In this difficult time, the family would appreciate no visitors or calls, food or flowers. Cards are welcome. The Fischers are grateful for all your love and support throughout this last year.
There will be a service in honor of Willa at the Denver Botanic Gardens on Tuesday, July 1 at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Relay for Life or the Raymond Wentz Foundation. For information on Relay for Life please access the following link:
http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeGreatWestDivision?fr_id=6403&pg=entry&JServSessionIdr009=gknqz70vm1.app315a (team name "butterfly kisses")
For information on the Raymond Wentz Foundation please access the following link:
http://raymondwentz.org

These days

Willa has remained in great spirits and has continued to find enjoyment in her life even as she experiences increasing fatigue and weakness. Our days are filled with videos, stories, taking care of the babies (Oscar, Frank and the gang), Polly Pockets (thanks to a very generous loan from our special neighbor friend Ava), games, and art. She brightens up for a little time with Emily (our nanny) each week but her circle has grown smaller as she seems to prefer to play quietly up on the third floor. The last few days have been harder for her. More sad than happy as she seems to be struggling just a little bit more. We stay close and offer her all of our love and comfort and the thoughts, love, and support from all the family and friends who have been here for us all through the year.

Update

Willa's condition has started to drastically change over the last week. She has lost much of her appetite and has very little energy. Her breathing is very fast although she is not distressed and appears at peace and comfortable most all of the time. She still has many giggles and her spirits are good. Hospice care was started this week and our time is very focused on her immediate needs leaving us little time to answer the phone or talk to those who have loved and helped us through this difficult year. Our deepest and most humble thanks to all for your relentless support.

Princess Hero Party and Hawaii Vacation

Each of these wonderful things deserve an entry of their own but our energy at the end of the day is a little low (which is great because we have been able to enjoy the most fantastic and happy moments with sweet Willa) so to be able to share with you all as much as possible-an abridged version is needed.

On May 3rd, Willa celebrated her triumph of the past year. While we are so deeply saddened by the outcome-she remains innocent and so happy. And it is this triumph of spirit that so desperately deserved a celebration-for our little hero. But-being Willa-a hero party alone was not enough-as we were designing the evites-it became clear-a princess hero party was what we really needed. Our deepest gratitude to Linda DelBianco (our fairy godmother) at the Denver Athletic Club who planned, orchestrated and put on the most fabulous Princess Party imaginable. Jumpy castle, face painting, and more pink than you can believe-it was beyond any expectations-the mood was happy and joyous-Willa had the time of her life and the support and love of friends was overwhelming. Our dear friend Meg (in her debutante dress) made a cake castle that Cinderella herself would have envied (along with a carriage made of foam board) and many of the grown ups went all out for the theme-the Hebens were Mouseketeers, the Stevensons were Snow White and two dwarves, Steph Grayson wore her prom dress, Angela S as a blue bee hived fairy god mother-and Henry and I-at Willa's request were Sleepeing Beauty and Prince Phillip (respectively). A fabulous event for such a special Princess.

Right after Willa jet setted to Oahu to meet up with Grammy Sony, Grampy Conrad, the McFischers, and Aunt Mouse. A special package from St. Louis girls was waiting with an Ariel set of fins and goggle, intertubes, sand toys. After that the biggest challenge of each day was to get Willa out of the pool or ocean. We were a little concerned that she might actually be growing gills. Some memorable moments included a luau, swimming with the cousins, and endless sand castles. Time stood still and the days are forever imprinted on our memories.

Now settling back into routine around Denver-music class, family visits, daily outings. Willa has maintained a great appetite and good energy. We treasure our time each day with her being present in these moments and send our deepest thanks to all who have kept us in their prayers, hearts, and minds.

Willa's Trip to Disney

Thanks to Make a Wish Foundation and Give Kids the World Village-Willa took her parents and Harper to a wonderful 5 day trip to Orlando. We saw the Magic Kingdom (and special thanks to all of our Disney veteran friends whose tips, tricks, and cautions provided us with that extra help to maximize our short adventure), Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Sea World and even had a day to relax by the pool, enjoy ice cream at the Village, and celebrate Mayor Clayton's birthday (the giant rabbit who is the mayor of Give Kids the World). Willa was a bundle energy-on the go, always wheedling "one more ride Daddy" (she knew she did not need to negotiate with Mom), and eating all the ice cream, smoked turkey legs, funnel cakes, and popcorn her little belly could possibly hold. It is difficult to say which parts of the trip she liked best. When you ask her she often start to talk about the rides we went on that were too scary (Snow White's Scary Adventure or as Henry likes to cal it Snow White's trip gone bad)-and with big eyes tell about the eyes of the forest and the queen with the frozen apple. When given choices-lunch with the Princesses, her private visit with Sleeping Beauty, Belle, and Cinderella, the magic carpets of Arabia, Peter Pan's flight, the tea cups (please no more spinning rides for Mom and Dad), the train ride, the Tiki room, well she loved them all!

And we are so indebted to the Make a Wish Foundation and Give Kids the World Village-who arranged this wonderful and special trip for Willa at very short notice, somehow managed to get a reservation to the princess lunch, and made sure she never waited in a line and got all the special attention she could possibly want from everyone (Princesses, Disney guys, Pooh and friends, Jiminy Cricket) at the parks.

This trip brought Willa such sheer joy and wonder and gave us some very precious memories and for this we are grateful.