2007: August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January / 2006: December / November / October /  All months together

March 31th-

A visit to Pancho's Grandparents' hometown, "Orsogna".  Also  Ortondo, the nearest beach from Orsogna (10 Km) on the east side of Roma, close to Pescara by  the Adriatic Sea. 

  Pictures   click here if  this link is too slow or doesn't open Try here

or

Ja's   Pictures   slide show with the Orsogna's pictures and music from Pancho and Sal

Window Media 23 MB  click here   /// Quick Time  22 MB  click here

March 28th-

Sal writes:

Time is flying by so fast.  Ja has already done 36 days of the first part of the Protocol and by the end of April we will be ready to start the next part.

The 26^th and 27^th, I did one more  apheresis and we now have more than enough stem cells in the bank for Ja.  The process was easier after doing it for the 3^rd time.  The doctor was telling me how the blood from your entire body goes through the machine 2 times in the 5 hours each day.

Because we are at the hospital 3-5 times a week, the patients, families, nurses and doctors have become our extended family.  We share stories, culture, and lots of laughter on a daily basis.  Our Italian skills have improved considerably in the last 5 months.  With patients from all over the world, Italian is the language we can all communicate with each other.

It has been a very rainy spring here so we are feeling quite at home.  Tons of wild flowers have blossomed in the last two weeks brightening up our walks to and from the hospital... simple things in nature we truly cherish.

Every day we feel very special to be receiving e-mails, phone calls, letters and post cards with positive energy and prayers from all over.  Thank you very much, for understanding  the moment we are living now.

March 26th

Michelle left to France after been with us in Rome for few days...   Pictures  click here

March 25th

Our friends Rock and his wife Betty hosted another amazing evening of food, fun and music on Sunday for Ja and once again we are forever grateful for all the talented performers, guests and organizers who made it a night to be remembered. (info)

March 19th

We were very excited to see a more than familiar face at the clinic today.

Dr. John Wu, Director of the Hematology Program at UBC & BC's Children's Hospital in Vancouver, visited Rome. He met with Professor Guido Lucarelli, Dr. Pietro Sodani and the team of doctors in charge of the transplant at the Policlinico of Tor Vergata.

We ran into each other between appointments and introduced him to some parents and patients.

We feel so happy that he made it here and to know that Rome is not so far away from Canada. We have some tough times ahead and his positive words and advice mean so much to us.

We enjoyed a cappuccino and delicious pizza together.

We live very close to the clinic, so Dr Wu made a short visit to our house, meeting the rest of the family, taking pictures, and leaving us with a warm energy about everything going on here.

We have lots of good omens along the way that help us to believe in and to strongly continue in Ja's treatment, but the visit and presence of Dr Wu in Rome was priceless for us .

Can any body imagine how it feels to see your own doctor on the other side of the world, visiting you, giving comfort and tips and listening to your concerns respecting everything you are about to confront... can this be described in words...?

One more time, Thank you Dr Wu from all of us...

Pancho, Sal, Ja, Craig, Ves and Lo

  Pictures  click here

March 15-

The sun is shining brightly and it is very warm in Rome.  Ja had a day off from the hospital and made a day trip to the beach in Anzio, just outside of Rome.  They took a picnic and a soccer ball and had a very relaxing day.  There was a circus in the town and so they went and really enjoyed the show and being able to hang out with the tigers, monkeys and elephants during the break.

March 13-

Today Ja’s white blood cells were a bit too low so she has stopped the chemo for a couple of days in order to build them up again.  The chemo was working a bit too good.  I think when she resumes therapy the dose will by reduced. Our main concern is to keep her healthy.

March 12-

Sal writes...Hi everyone; here we are almost finishing the 3rd week of chemo.  Ja is staying well, her hemoglobin is a bit low and she has had a bit of a rash but otherwise okay.

We have started to clean the house and bleach has become our best friend.  Everyone has been fantastic, scrubbing every little corner.

March 9^th 

The event at the Peruvian Club on March 8th was very nice.  A lot of people came, including  a group of nurses from the clinic with their partners, it was great to see them out of their work attire.  Everyone ate, danced and had a lot of fun.  I always laugh because my name is eternally “Mama” to them.  The musicians were all outstanding, plus our dear friend Edie visited us for few days and did a beautiful flamenco dance at the benefit. 

 To see the video click here

Few Edie's in a window media slide with Pancho and Sal song   Pictures  Click here (17 MB )

March 8^th

We are so happy to welcome “Sofia”;

Jonathan and Gabriel’s daughter is born in Vancouver giving new meaning to International Woman’s Day.

April 15... Sofia is now 1 month and halve...

...happy to have a "Papa photographer :) "

and Sofia's latest... on May 6

March 7^th,2007

Sal writes:

I know many of you are checking the site for the news.  We have had a very busy time.   Pancho and I never expected to lose his mom and my dad in the same week.  We miss them dearly and know we hope that their spirits are here in Rome watching over us and their beloved grand-daughter.

Ja is on day 14 of her chemo therapy to suppress her immune system.  Everything is working according to plan and she is feeling good.  She has had a central line put in which was a bit of a challenge and takes time to get used to.  We go to the hospital three times a week for tests, medication and to receive blood transfusions. 

The nurses are all very caring and take good care of us.

If all goes as planned Ja will start the 10 day count down and the serious chemo around the 3^rd week of April.  I will be doing one more round of the stem cell aphaeresis to be sure we have more than enough cells.  This will be my third time and I feel like a pro now.

Pancho, Ves and I  have been doing some markets.  On the last week-end in February we went to an outstanding festival in a small mountain town Poggio Mirteto.  It was extraordinary.  There were more than 12 bands playing in the street, street artists everywhere and thousands of people.  It was a grand experience. The Italians loved Ves’ wire creations.  He received many compliments and sold some of his pieces.

On Thursday, International Women’s Day we will be having an event at the Peruvian Club “El Tumi”.   Our dear friend, Edie has arrived from Vancouver for a short visit and will be dancing flamenco at the benefit plus four other groups will be performing. 

We know it will be another special evening and are looking forward to it.  The Peruvian community has been so supportive and they are helping Pancho and me to find gigs with our musical duo.

Back home in Vancouver the Dolce Vita Fundraiser was a very magical night full of love.  We have heard so much incredible feedback and have seen the pictures and it looked like an awesome night.  We thank you all for making the event such a success and want you all to know that you have made a big difference in our lives.  Ja was so happy, her laughter echoed throughout the house as she spoke with many of you that very evening.  Your unending love and support is fueling us daily on this journey.

March 1,2007

Nelida Pace,  Pancho's Mom has left us at the age of 85.  Another departure from our family.

We hope that eternal peace is with her, and she receives our love and prayers.

Pancho's Mom and Dad in 1942

Once upon a time.... Rome was

Always nice to see the old Rome   Pictures  click here

Visitors to this page can see that the energy of Ja has followed us all the way to Rome, as new friends join us in the spiritual and economical crusade. 

If you write to us, or have any questions, we will answer you personally ( e-mail )

Note: if you have already visited this page, scroll again as we add new material all the time, and for the latest event, Ja's Fundraiser

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2007: August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January / 2006: December / November / October /  All months together