+ Lorelei Truett (6/3/2007 - 12/2/2021) - passed from leukemia

The Basilica held a FAST & PRAY Vigil service for Lorelei in the presence of God,
Friday, Nov. 19, 5:30-7:30pm.

Watch the Recorded Fast and Pray Service
Worship Aid 
Full Program of Scriptures and Prayers

 

This service was held during the dinner hour as an opportunity to fast and pray in solidarity for Lorelei, who is suffering from leukemia and now the added complication of HLH. The service included prayers, Scriptures, devotions, and sacred silence, all in the presence of God in the Blessed Sacrament, led by Fr. David Carter. Everyone in the community who would like to pray together during this difficult time for Lorelei and the Truett family is encouraged to attend virtually.

Update 11/16/21 from Lorelei's mother:  "It’s hard to describe the hell that has been today. None of the news we received was what we wanted to hear or were expecting. Lorelei’s leukemia is not in remission. But she also has developed a condition that they think is due to the leukemia called HLH. Her body is essentially attacking itself in a very dangerous way. Right now, that’s where the focus is. They are starting a treatment to hopefully calm the immune system and get the HLH under control. Her doctor is also reaching out to centers across the country to see if there are other options for treatment for her cancer. For now, we will stay at Erlanger to undergo the treatment for HLH. We should continue to get more answers as the week goes on. We need some miracles right now. Please pray hard for Lorelei. She’s a fighter and she still has her gloves on. She’s not losing hope and neither will we."

The Truetts decorated for Christmas early while Lorelei was able to be home for a few days this fall.

Update 11/15/21:  Lorelei completed her fourth round of chemo and feels pretty wiped out. She has needed many blood transfusions and has not been able to keep food down. Her doctors are going to run tests today to determine whether her fevers are from leukemia or perhaps an infection, and they should know by Friday what direction to go with treatment. They must wait to test for remission until her immunity recovers. The Truett family has been surrendering daily to God's will through the guidance of Lorelei's medical team. As Lorelei undergoes these tests, please pray for continued faith and hope, physical strength and recovery, and full remission, according to God's will.  




Update 10/16/21: After consulting with her team of doctors on several options, Lorelei's parents decided to start her on a different chemotherapy protocol that has been successful for her type of leukemia (MPAL) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, but could be administered here at Erlanger Children's hospital. She has begun this treatment and is now able to complete the remainder of it at home. Before beginning treatment, the family was able to get away to the beach. Since she has begun treatment at home, they have been able to enjoy some fall activities including a Fall Festival in honor of Lorelei hosted by Hilger Higher Learning - the tutorial academy the Truetts have attended for years. They are relishing these happy family times and greatly appreciate the community support and prayers.  



Update 9/25/21: From Lorelei's mother, Ashley:
"It is so hard for me to type this update. Our transplant is being delayed. Lorelei’s leukemia was not in remission, the actual percentage of leukemia cells went up from last time. We are devastated beyond belief and have way more questions than we do answers right now. The results came in early yesterday, but the doctor wanted to wait to tell us until he had a plan to move forward. Unfortunately, the results were then sent to my email, so that’s how I found out. No one expected this, so they are consulting with St Jude, MD Anderson, and a few others to make sure we are making the best choice for the next plan of treatment. They do have a couple of options they are leaning towards, but I know they are working tirelessly on a Saturday to make sure they weigh all the options. I do know the goal is still to get her into remission and to transplant. When we know exactly what the next steps are, I will update. For now, please continue to pray. We need guidance from God now more than ever."

Update 9/21/21: Lorelei is having a biopsy in Nashville on Sept. 22 to see if the third month-long round of chemo treatments has put her into remission. If she is in remission, the plan is for her to have a bone marrow transplant at Vanderbilt in Nashville on October 8, and to remain in Nashville with her family for three to four months while her body accepts the transplant.

Lorelei has been able to spend a few days of recreation with her family after being released from the hospital. Here Lorelei, Max, and Clark Truett are riding the Chattanooga Choo Choo.


Update 8/27/21: Lorelei is still recovering from the third round of chemotherapy. Plans are in the works for her to receive a bone marrow transplant on October 8 in Nashville. Her mother, Ashley, has been determined as the best match and is planning to be the bone marrow donor. Please pray for remission, recuperation, and courage as the family endures these continued trials.

Lorelei's youngest brother, Clark, is about to celebrate his 10th birthday, and the family is hopeful to get to celebrate together in her hospital room, as they have gone for a long time without being able to see each other due to Lorelei's compromised immune system. 

Update 8/18/21: Lorelei is being treated for a bacterial infection in her central line. It is causing a slightly elevated heart rate and respiratory rate and bringing on nausea and vomiting, of which she had been spared so far during this third round of treatment. Please pray for complete healing as well as reduction of nausea so that she can recover soon and build strength for her bone marrow transplant. 

On a lighter note, Lorelei has had enough strength this past week to have silly prank wars with the nurses. Here is a picture after they had "decorated" her room, and she has been returning the pranks on them. 



Update 8/10/21: After getting to spend several glorious days at home with her family, Lorelei returned to the hospital and completed her third round of aggressive chemo treatments. She remains at the hospital while she recovers. The doctors took extra measures this time to reduce side effects, and so far it has been easier to bear than the last month of treatments. She does have a mild rash, but she is able to eat well. The family is grateful for this blessing. The three children have begun their new year of homeschooling with Lorelei studying in the hospital and the boys studying at home. Once Lorelei is in remission, they will move together to Nashville for a few months for Lorelei's bone marrow transplant.

ALMOST REMISSION!