SPECIAL FEATURE
The Echols family gathers for a holiday meal.
from out of town, were able to celebrate
anticipation of a hectic season, Keisha
few gifts that he would enjoy. "We talked
with us. It actually worked out perfectly."
Being around loved ones helped Rod forget about the upcoming surgery and gave
him peace of mind about his family's
being able to enjoy the holiday. "Even
though I was in the hospital on Thanksgiving Day, I'd already enjoyed the time
with my family, so it was okay," says Rod.
With a successful, enjoyable Thanksgiving celebration and a positive surgical outcome in the rearview mirror,
the Echolses focused on Christmas. In
and Rod had started shopping for their
children and other family members as
early as October. "I didn't want all of that
shopping to fall on me as the holiday got
closer," says Keisha, "so we did it together
whenever we could."
Budgeting was also important in light
of Rod's current and expected medical
bills. Keisha says that the couple honed in
on two or three presents that would help
their young daughter learn and grow,
and then allowed their son to choose a
to him about how this season wasn't
going to be about getting a lot of toys,"
says Keisha. "We kept it simple while still
maintaining the spirit of the holidays."
With Rod scheduled for the second
surgery right after Christmas, the Echolses were able to celebrate on their normal
schedule, enjoy time with their children,
and visit with family members. Keisha
says that throughout the holidays she and
Rod arranged several dedicated "family
nights" to help their children take the
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28 cancer fighters thrive | winter 2013
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