"Cheated" Today a dark cloud passed over the Klingenberg household. Over the last several weeks I spoken of a brave 4 year old boy who has been fighting his cancer at the children’s hospital in Boston... Let me tell you a little about him... His name is Christopher Ramsey, the son of Trish and Paul Ramsey and younger brother to Payten.

During our stay at Club AMC, Christopher became little Teagan’s play buddy. Each day Christopher and his Mom Trish would come around to visit Teagan and Holly. As expected Christopher asked for the word of the day - not just any word, but a sign language word, so he could better communicate with Teagan. He would practice and proudly display his knowledge on the next visit.

A few weeks ago we sat across from Christopher in the Ronald McDonald room watching a silly magic show, his deep roaring belly laugh was almost as funny and certainly more enjoyable than the magic show itself. We witnessed Trish smile ear to ear with each laugh, the peace in her mind was visible for the first time since his diagnosis on February 1st. His prognosis was good, he was reacting to the chemo as hoped, his Bone Marrow had been harvested in Boston for his soon to be scheduled transplant.

Early in July, Christopher, Trish and Paul traveled to Boston for the expected transplant which had known consequences of their own, as Paul and Trish were told that Christopher would certainly suffer lifelong side effects such as the inability to ever have children and the potential of severe hearing loss. But even knowing this they proceeded with the transplant, because even this gave the sliver of hope they so desperately needed.

His transplant was done without incident, followed by a round of chemo, and this is where things went horribly wrong... Christopher suffered a bad reaction to the chemo, his kidneys shut down and he needed to be put on dialysis and eventually heavily sedated so his body had a chance to fight... and fight he did. Bravely! Unfortunately somewhere along the way he caught an infection, which today got the better of him, as his little body was unable to fight off the rapidly spreading plaque.

So today our friend, our companion, our kindred spirit Christopher Ramsey was cheated of his life, his family was cheated of the greatness he would have achieved... Society was cheated as well, because anyone who had met Christopher could tell that at some time in his life he would have made a difference to alot of people, a leader, an example, a person to be envied, but unfortunately we will never know.

He will be greatly missed by us, the nurses, doctors, Teagan, but more so by his family whom he so greatly touched, who love him unconditionally and beyond words... Who spent the last six month sacrificing their lives without complaining. Trish, Paul and Payten are today experiencing the worst day of their lives, who hoped to be planning his 5th birthday only a few weeks away, but today must make plans of a different sort which causes my heart to break even just thinking about it. My heart aches for them, my deepest wishes of hope have been shattered by the sad news of this morning.

Life seems so unfair, my faith is tested once again beyond understanding, I feel guilt because thoughts of fear consume me as I think of Teagan and pray that she will have the strength and ability to avoid these deadly infections. And that Tyler who spent the day with Holly crying and asking such emotion filled questions that a 9-year old should never have on his mind, will make it through this part of our live without suffering too much long lasting emotional damage...

But now I pray for peace, comfort and the support which Paul, Trish and little six year old Payten so desperately need... May they find the strength in each other and knowing that Christopher is being guided by the Angles in heaven who accompany him today.

Christopher Ramsey
Born August 29th, 2002
Passed to heaven today, August 8th, 2007, may you find the peace and comfort you so well deserve!

God Bless You!

Juergen, Holly and Kids.

If you wish to offer your words of support to the Ramsey Family, please click the link below.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/christopherramsey