I saw Erica on Monday, we went to Blue Springs lake and sat and talked on the dock, while feeding fish. She's feeling okay, but her stomach starts to hurt sometimes from the medicine. She will be goin through chemo again next Tuesday. Good news is, her immune system and white blood cell counts are normal!! Her doctor said the cancerous lumps near her collarbone are shrinking!! After I saw her on Monday, I went to Hobby Lobby and got her many bandanas, well 22 of 'em. Keep on praying for her, 'cause it's working!! Thanks for all your support and Erica says "Hi!" to everyone! ~Lauren!!

YAY! Erica made it to Mustang Palooza last night!! Unfortunetly, everyone was staring at her like she was an alien...but she looked exactly the same. She left Mustang Palooza early because she wasn't feeling good at all...so sorry if you missed her!!!

Hey everyone!! I just want to tell you all Erica's getting her first set of chemo on Monday. PLEASE pray everything will go well!!!

My dad wanted to say something, so here it is. (oh jeez.)

Her name is Erica and she's only twelve
but that's ok she is as tiny as an elve.

She is in the seventh grade and she
thinks she has it made.

A couple of sisters and now a new brother
whats better than a loving mother.

My dad - my dad may it never be said
that I don't love him because I do.

I'll fight and I'll be mean until I turn green
A lump doesn't make her change who she is.

She the greatest, the best unlike the rest
She's a Maize that will leave you dazed.

Fight, Fight, Fight with all my might
I'll do it alright

Bring it on until its gone
I'll see you at next years prom

WE LOVE EEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

Tim (aka Daddy Riepe)

hey everyone...

I created this blog because my best friend, Erica Maize, has Hodgkins Disease, which is cancer of the lymph nodes in her chest and back. Lymph Nodes are located throughout the body and they filter foreign particles and traps them. A few weeks ago she felt a small, tender lump on her neck, so she went to the doctor. Erica went through a series of tests. Two weeks ago she was called during MAP testing to go home, but instead, she went to Children's Mercy. There, they took out a piece of the lump to test it. She got a CT scan before and the doctors discovered there were more than just one lump, there were many. So if you saw her with a huge bandage on her neck, it was because they took a lump out there. Erica needs a lot of support so if you could leave some nice, inspirational comments for her, it would be greatly appreciated. I also want to say she will be going through Chemotherapy soon. She, unfortunetly, might lose her hair. If you are religious I ask that you pray for her or if you go to church, put in a prayer request for her. Thank you so much, and I know Erica will appreciate your support and kindness. -Lauren Riepe