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Music: "Somewhere
Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo Ole'
February 24, 2012
It's time again for Cierra's annual balloon
release to celebrate her life on the day she became my angel 8 years ago. Scroll down on this page for info and
directions
*~*Cierra Angelica Lugo*~*
June 15, 1996 ~ March 17, 2004
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| Cierra ~ 2003 |
February 24, 2012
It’s hard to believe it’s been 8 years since Cierra passed away. She’s been
in heaven now longer than she was here with us on earth. It makes me very sad to think about that. She would be
turning 16 years old this June. WOW! Since last year, Cierra has gained a little
brother named Maddox. He was born December 28, 2011 after years of trying to conceive. I'm sure Cierra is looking down from
heaven watching her little brother. She would be so excited.
It’s time again for our annual balloon release on her eternal birthday, the day she went to heaven.
I realized I still haven't posted the pics from last years balloon release on here yet. Sorry about that. I'll work on
it. That doesn't mean you're off the hook for picture taking this year ;) I will still be taking pictures.
As always, this year it will be at her stone on Saturday,
March 17th at 4pm. Everyone is welcome. Whether you knew her personally
or not, maybe she just touched your life after her passing or you followed her battle while she was still alive. The fact
that Cierra’s life is still touching people’s lives is what helps to keep her spirit alive and that means so much
to me and I’m sure it would to her as well.
Remember to bring a helium filled balloon. We will all be releasing our balloons to heaven at the same
time. I will have sharpies there with me if you want to write a message to her on your balloon. I will also have extra balloons
as always if you don’t get a chance to bring one.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to email me at shan.ci@verizon.net
I can’t wait to see you all again this year.
Your continued love and support year after year means more to me than words could even express! You let
me know that Cierra will never be forgotten and that is something that I’m sure makes Cierra smile in heaven. Thank
you!!
Below are the directions to Prospect Hill Cemetery and her stone.
XOXO,
Shannen
Directions to Cierra’s stone
From Route 30:
~Turn onto Pennsylvania Avenue
towards the Burger King and Rutters (left turn if heading west on 30, right turn if heading east on 30)
~Shortly past Burger King, you’ll see the entrance to Prospect Hill Cemetery
on the left side, turn left to go into the cemetery
~Follow that road straight. You’ll pass a mausoleum on your left side, continue straight bearing towards the right
~You’ll come to a little patch of grass in the
middle of the road where you can either go right or left around it, bear to the right
~Next you’ll come to an “intersection”
where you could go straight, right or left. Her stone is diagonally ahead of you to the left.
~You can either park straight ahead or to the left
by the trees.
~In that large
section of grass where her stone is, it’s in the lower left corner. It’s a big pink heart shaped stone :)
Cierra was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma on June 13, 1999. It was two days before her third birthday. She underwent
a phase three experimental study including numerous rounds of high dose chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants, full body
radiation and localized radiation. Cierra went into remission! After three and a half years of remission, she unfortunatly
relapsed December 30, 2002. At that point, we were told there was no chance of a cure but decided to continue on with treatments.
She received many more rounds of lower dose "comfort" chemotherapy which gave her relief from her pain but never put
her back into a state of remission. I researched and enrolled her into clinical trials but nothing helped. As the cancer spread
and took over her little body, we never gave up. Cierra
deteriorated quickly as the cancer spread through her bones, liver, lungs, and stomach. March 16, 2004, Cierra became very
comfortable and slept well. I soon realized that Cierra was transitioning and would soon become my Angel. We slept together
in the living room that night. The next morning, Cierra woke up at 6:00am. She was breathing fast and looking at me, although
she was unable to communicate at that point, when I asked her if she needed me, she squeezed my hand. I picked her up and
held her in my arms, rubbing her head, hugging her tight and for the first time ever, told her it was o.k.to go to Heaven.
I talked to her about Heaven and how much I love her for the next fifteen minutes as she closed her eyes and passed away in
my arms at 8:00am. I miss my baby more than words could ever express and as time goes by, it only gets worse. This page is
to maybe help other mommies going through this same tragedy, not feel so alone. I hope it helps me to express myself and get
my feelings out as I'm at the end of my line and ready to try anything to move forward.
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| Cierra~ 2 months before being diagnosed~3/99 |
~~I need memories~~
please sign the new guestbook and fill
it with memories of Cierra that you have. Especially from Cierra's little friends, anything you think of~Thank
you ~XOXO
Heaven's Special Child
A meeting was held quite far from
earth,
It's time again for another birth.
Said the Angel's to the Lord above,
"This child will need much love."
So let's be careful where she's sent
We want her life to be content.
Please Lord find a mother who...
Will do a special job for you.
She will not realize right away
The leading role she's been asked
to play
But with this child sent from above,
Comes a stronger faith and a richer
love.
And soon she'll know the privilege
given
In caring for this gift from Heaven...
Her precious charge so meek and mild,
Is surely Heaven's Special Child!"
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