Hi Fran

Hi Fran

Just wanted to drop a line to say hi. Shack and I were wondering how you were doing? Have not seen a video in a while. You are always in our thoughts and we often talk of our visit to Orlando to meet you all. Sally the dog says hi – love from Florida

XXX

Whoa Franny, just checking out your latest video, what a difference. You are doing a brilliant job, you seem like a whole new person to the little girl whom Mum or Dad had to help walk into my house!

I think you are amazing and you should be so proud of what you're achieving - truly inspirational!

Love
Fran (the other one!) xxx

Hi Franny ,
Are you having a nice holiday and enjoying the lovely weather?
We've just watched you in your viedeos,and you were fantastic .
We are looking forward to seeing you again in year five.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Lots of love from
Neave & Sean.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Fran.

It's Auntie Elaine here, Nan and I hvae just returned from Lourdes, we had a lovely experience although there were a few dodgey moments when I expected the fire engines to arrive due to the number of candles that were being lit for you! Everyone was asking and praying for you and Yasmin and all th the other SDR children, such a lovely group, We were touched by all the love and support from our Comminity for you and your lovely Mum. Get this, Nan was even singinging!!!!! See you soon, Auntie Exx

Hi Fran

I am friends with your mom and although have never met you yet, feel like I know you from all the conversations I've had with her about you and your amazing progress.

With everything you've been through so far in your life, I think you are possibly the bravet person I have come across. Your sheer determination has got you to where you are today and will take you so much further. You have a fantastic support network of family and friends to give you encouragement along the way.

You are an inspiration to those of us who have had set backs in life and proof that we do and can get through anything if we try hard enough.

Kam xxxxx

Hi Fran

Just watched your video and can't belive how much progres you have made! mum said you went to brownie camp, hope you had a gr8 time. Hopefully we can meet up soon. WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Fran,
What progress in 12 months. Brendan and I are really proud of you. I am sure you get really fed up at times but just keep thinking positive and you will be dancing before we know it. We enjoy hearing about you and so keep your Mum busy with lovely stories to tell eveeryone.
Take care and walk tall! xx

Hello Francesca,
I saw your video and I can truly say “You have progressed enormously”. I was in awe this past April when I had the benefit of meeting you face to face on your trip to Florida. I knew then you were very special and I honestly adored your way with words. I hope you enjoyed our conversations as much as I did. You were quite determined then, and as I can see now through your video, you are as determined as ever. Also, I recall you were on chapter one of a book you had just started to envision. I am wondering if you had come up with more splendid ideas on your heroine and her adventures. I do believe we could write a book together someday. Of course, I would give the lead author credit to you, after all, it was your brilliant idea.
I am writing to tell you how happy I am to see you moving forward and upward. You are an angel and one of the most adorable and intelligent people I have met. It is my honor to say I know you and I am proud to call you my friend.
Yours always and truly,
Shackie

WOW Fran, well done! Keep going sweetheart. You are working so hard and all done with the most beautiful smile. Thank-you for sharing your progress and thank-you for passing your smiles around. xxx

Uncle Bernie , Auntie Helen ,Tom and Ciaran

We cannot believe THAT ! It was AMAZING , OUTSTANDING FRAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See you soon.

Hi Fran

I have just watched your video. I am really impressed, you are doing so well. You are fantastic, you have been working so hard.
You and your angels.
Well done

Roisin xx

Well Done!!!!!
Keep going Francesca!
You can do it!
Just think you can and you will!
I think you are so brave. Keep going you are nearly there!
Hope to see you soon.
I have been thinking about you loads as I have been helping Kieran. I hosted a bring and buy sale for him and we raised a lot of money. I told him about you and encouraged him by saying," You are not the only one who's in this. We will help you and Francesca every step of the way!"

Lots and lots of Love
Alice xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
:-)

Dear francesca, I have just seen the video clip of you WALKING and BALANCING!!!!!!!!! Amazing progress, well done, you have obviously been working very hard to get this far and you much be so pleased - and your Mummy too. You are so brave and growing prettier and prettier every time I see you. I hope to make it over to Northampton one day soon, and you are always welcome here, Badger would love to see you again. Take care little angel and keep up the good work, you are truly wonderful and I am proud to know you. All my love Didi xxx

hi fran watched your vidio you have done realy well you are a little diamond and im very proud of you not seen you for a while as been busy i am working near you later this week so will try and come see you and have a chat over a cup tea well done and see you soon kevin xx

Hello Francesca! Well, what a brilliant latest video...such a wonderful improvement! Keep up the good work! Love to you and your mum. Rowena x x

Dear Fran and Caroline, this looks soooooooo good, just saw the video! What an improvement! Look forward to see you this weekend! lots of love Fatima xxx

Hi Francesca and Caroline, Oh my goodness Fran we've just watched your latest video clip of you walking. Both Jason and I said good girl Francesca, at the same time as your mum on the video! What a massive difference from the pre SDR clip. You're doing so well Fran and we can see a massive difference. Keep going sweetheart. Well done to you too Caroline, you keep going too! Liz, Jason and Lewis. xxx

Hi Francseca

I have just watched your video of you walking and I wanted to say a very big well done.
You are doing so well and we are all very proud of you for what you have achieved in such a short space of time.
You looked very happy aswell.
I will bring Alex and Michael over to come and play with you one Saturday afternoon if you would like that.
See you soon
Phil, Alex and Michael :) xxxx

Hi Fran,
Just watched the latest video of you walking without the sticks! You really are an inspiration to so many, keep up the good work, I know how hard it is for you at times and how tired you get but be proud of yourself for everything you have acheived....Lots of love, Susan, Martina and Anne-Marie xx

Caroline. Thank you so much for all your help and encouragement. with all our pre-lim questions. You were fantastic. Good luck to you and Francesca. God Bless x.

Caroline. Thank you for taking the time out from a very busy working schedule to see me for lunch in Cardiff today. Such a long way for you to travel. We are researching SDR for our son Mikey (9) who presents very much like Francesca pre-op. It is a massive decision to make and your experience and reassurance was invaluable to us. Thank you. You are a great ambassador for your daughter Francesca and Dr Park and all the team in St Louis. Wishing you all the best meanwhile. Love and prayers from Wales. Jan and Mikey x

So wonderful to meet you both in person at the celebration party on Saturday. I've been following your blog since Frans surgery in July, so inspiring!. Looking forward to seeing Fran bloom and truly blossom in the spring. Lots of love to you both, you really deserve it.

Saw you again at church today as you walked on your own down to the front.
Fantastic to see you making such good progress.
Our best wishes for 2011 and the future.

We have just been accepted for surgery and wanted to say a huge thank you to Caroline for her support throughout the process. You are so busy with Francesca's rehab and a demanding job but always made time for my endless questions. You are a fantastic Mum with a wonderful spirit. Can't wait to meet you in January.

Hello Fran!

We had a great weekend with you in Centerparcs.
You are really good at the biking, and swimming :)
It was great to see you walking in the swimming pool and having Fun!

See you soon,

Marika

xxxxxxxx

sup Fran.
we had an awesome weekend in center parcs!
and you were great when we went canoeing AND the bike rides AND the swimming AND the badminton!
keep up the good work franacousta!

love you lots
xxxx

Hi Fran,

Just seen the videos, can't believe how well you're doing. Keep it up!

Mr Myers (or Liam to you)

We have been following your story in the local press and radio and tonight our grand daughter has shown us this site. What treasure we found! We all cried reading the diary from St Louis and also the thank you pages which just go on and on and on. So many lovely people just wanting to help. Such love! One day you'll be walking along a beautiful beach with your Mum, the sun on your face's and the wind in your hair. This is our prayer. With lots of love and admiration for you both. Bill and Mary

Fran

Showed Niamh and Emilly how well you are doing..we are all truly amazed.. you must be so proud of all the hard work and effort you have put in. xxxxx

WOW Fran what fantastic progress you have made, we are all sooo PROUD of you. I know how hard you have worked and the Donns are all looking forward to our weekend at Centre Parcs!
Of course we will have the usual shenanigans when Mum thinks you are paddling in the swallow areas, (but we both know what you are really up to!) We are going to have a great time, lots of your cousins to play and debate with, days in the fresh air and pool and nights playing games, lets set a challenge, maybe an adult can win at least one game?? We have one large villa with an over sized family, God help the neighbours, i think there will be lots of laughter which you well deserve!! Umm will anyone join me on the early morning bird watch??

AH FRAN.
that day when you walked with just one stick...everyone was buzzzzing!
you are doing amazing :'D
and everybody will agree how brave you are!
♡

Hi Franny,

You have come on leaps and bounds!
I am so proud of you, especially when you have been walking with One stick, FANTASTIC!!

You were in the paper,again, now your a little CELEBRITY!

Keep up the phsio :)

love you lots,

marika

xxxxx

Franny, you are doing great. I was crying when I saw the latest footage. What an inspiring Mummy you have who has never stopped hoping and believing. Caroline, you must feel ON TOP OF THE WORLD. You're both in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of love x

Wow Wow Wow!! Just watched the new video!! Frannie you are a superstar!! Loving the pink laces on the trainers btw!!Well done to you both... you girlies rock!! xxx

Hi Fran and Caroline, I've just seen the latest footage. What can I say but Wow, Wow, Wow WELL DONE FRANCESCA!!!!!!!!! What a massive difference from only 4 months ago before you went to America. Your doing so well Fran and have come such a long way. Well done for doing all of the physio your mum's making you do and well done Caroline for sticking to it. I know how hard it is. We are so very proud of you and I had tears in my eyes watching you walking so well with only one stick. Love you lots and keep going, Liz xxx and Lewis sends a big kiss too X.

hey franny! i saw your spread in the newspaper, i was like AGH its franny :D :D haha! you have done so so so well, and everybody is so proud of you! your such a brave girl, and i cant wait to see how your doing! lots of love juliette xxxx

thank you so much for inviting us to your thankyou evening it was lovely to see you all and how well fran is doing what a star.wishing you all the luck and love for the future and also with the all important fund raising,it was a pleasure meeting you all.

all our love
God Bless You All.
Peter and Geraldine Bennett (ROADE)

Hi Fran and Caroline, I can see you re doing soooooo well. keep up the good work. I wont see you soon, but thinking about you all. Ciao Fatima

Hi Franny,

We are now back from Espana, it was sooo weird (and a little quiet) being on hols without you, nice that we have our October break to look forward to all together , it is going to be great having Uncle B and the boys with us too, how many can play UNO?), something for you to look forward to. Glad to see that you have continued working hard, think you are winning the exercise challenge hands down! See you at Nans in half an hour for big sloppy kiss and hug!! You are doing great and we are always sooo proud of you (and MUM of course).

Love you lots,

Boothville Donnelly'sxxxxx

WOW!!

Hi Francesca and Caroline
How lovely to have another blog and some videos. You are doing soooo well. I can't wait to see you when we come to Nic's. I have been continuing to think about you and now to see the progress you have made is fantastic. Keep up the good work - I am sure it is hard sometimes but the results will make it all worthwhile.
Sending you lots of love, as always.
Yvonne
PS Love the hair!

Hi, I saw you in the pool this morning putting Francesca through her paces. She looked so well after all that she's been through and was working so hard. You must be very proud. I look forward to seeing you again. Well done.

Good Morning Francesca,
Had some time to myself today so I could see your videos without being called away. (I'm so impressed it made me want to hug the cat)
Firstly, your new look really suits you, very grown up, just like you are getting every day.
What courage, strength of mind and determination you are showing to get better, ( you are putting my excersie attempts to shame)
Keep going sweetheart, I know its going to be a rocky road to climb ( unless someone brushes up)
but, we are all behind you (because we can't keep up with your pace) and one day you will have your dream and reach the top of the mountain,
( and we will be calling for the oxygen because you've climbed so high)
Take care till I see you again.
Love Mrs B : )

Amazing to see Francesca progressing. Caroline you should be so proud of yourself, she would never have had this chance were it not for all your hard work and continued strength and determination. Praying for you both every day. Please keep the footage coming. You're one pair of very inspirational ladies!

Alicia says 'well done Francesca. It is my birthday today, see you at school xxx'

Malachi says 'you did a super job walking, can't wait to see you at school'xxxxxxx

Nathaniel says ' you are superb, I saw a film of you on youtube ,it was great ! See you at school xxx'

keep up the hard work francesca - you are so amazing. hugs xxx

Hi Franacousta,

We are off to Spain now and it seems really strange to be going on hols without you, but we know you will be working hard on your physio and of course we have next years hols all together to look forward to. Hope you have fun in Norfolk with your cousins and we look forward to seeing you when we get back.

Missing you already!

The Donnsxxxxx

glad to hear you are doing so well we have donated £350 raised at our ruby wedding party hope it will help with your funding.

wishing you well in the future god bless

the bennett family and friends
xx

Hi Fran

Sorry we were not able to make the Wickie park Pic nic on Sunday, but we are all sooo pleased with your hard work and progress, the Greenfield Gym is proving very popular, maybe you need to consider a membership fee to help your funds! Love your new hair do, do you think Gaynor could give us make over too??

Love you lots (like jelly tots)

The Donnellysxxxxx

Hey Francesca!! Wow - look at you go! You really are amazing and we are all really proud of you! Alicia says she loves the new hairstyle and can't wait to get hers cut just like that on wednesday! Keep up the hard work - and the singing - we love to see how you are doing! big hugs xxxx

Hi Fran and Caroline, it was so nice to see you a few dyas on a row, what fun! Thanks for all the nice nights we had. I am back in Holland and working like a dog!!!! Everybody here was happy to hear that all went so well with you Fran. Some of them were almost in tears( of joy) when I told them that you are such a brave girl. Hope to see you this year again, dont know when ofcourse...Love Faat xx

Glad that you are okay and the rest of your family,keep going Fran. Will keep you in my prayers

Hi Francesca,
Pleased to hear everything went well in America! we are flying out to St Louis on Thursday,my little boy Kyle is booked in for surgery on the 17th August. Thank you for sharing your diaries with us, has really helped me prepare for Kyles operation.

Wish you all the best.

Love Leeann & Kyle

Hello again,

It's lovely to have some more news. Your welcome home looks amazing, just as I thought it would be!
I am looking forward to hearing how you progress.
Keep up the good work.
Love from
Yvonne

Welcome home to both of you, Francesca you really are a little wonder. Just looked at all the videos again and the difference beginning to end is awesome. You are a treasure to know, you keep up the good work and who knows how far you could go. Mum - you are amazing and I am delighted to be a "friend". Keep going and see you soon. Elizabeth & Tracy

WELCOME HOME FRANCESCA !
Your welcome home party picture looks full of love and relief to see you all back safe and well !
You are part of a very special family Francesca.
Well done EVERYONE.
Can't wait to see you again. : > }
Take care, look after each other.
Big Hugs
Mrs B.

Dear Caroline and Francesca
It must be WONDERFUL to be HOME! Last Tuesday I was attending the outdoor Muny Opera in Forest Park for the performance of The Sound of Music. Are you familiar with it? When the Reverend Mother was singing to Maria:
Climb every mountain
Ford every stream
Follow every rainbow
Until you find your dream
I thought of you and how this applied to your St Louis journey. At that moment I knew you were over the Atlantic and I looked up at the stars and whispered a prayer for your safety and comfort.
I also found your web site with your diary. What a great idea. Of course I enjoyed reading all of it and especially the videos. I hope you will continue it so we can follow Francesca"s progress to healing.
I know you are happy to be back at your own church and the children's Mass. I prayed for you at our Charismatic Mass. Guess what!! The music ministry played "Shout to the Lord" and, of course I thought of you. and probably will every time we sing that wonderful song.
Once again, it was a great privilege meeting and praying with you. God's blessing and peace, Cathie Smith and Fern and Mary too x

undelete

Hi Francesca,
Its Alex from footsteps i will keep my fingers crossed

Congratulations Francesca and team for doing so well. I hope you have a good journey home.Also I hope all goes well with your physio back in England.

Good luck for the future. I will be following your progress with interest.

From Mary.

Welcome home girls, hope you had a pleasant journey we look forward to catching up with you both really soon. Well done Francesca on being so brave during this time you truly are a very special girl. Erin has missed you & sends you a big hug. xxxx

Hi Francesca,
How are you today? Have you got over the jet-lag? I bet it's good to be home. Your family must have been thrilled to see you.
I am looking forward to the next instalment telling everyone how you are progressing.
Still thinking of you and hoping to see you before too long.
Love from
Yvonne

Hi franny glad to hear u are coming home miss ur smiles and jokes love mrs H x

Fran & Caroline, we are all very excited about you coming home!! Well done both of you. What brave girls you've both been!!! I watched the video of Fran's physio and as she crossed her leg over the other - well everyone in my office wanted to know why I was crying!!! So I shared it with them too. Well done Francesca, you have been a real fighter.

Eamonn and I are off on holiday for a while now, so we won't see you until the week before school starts again. But we will keep in touch and will continue to pray for you as you get stronger every day. God bless you both and thank you for this diary keeping us all informed of progress. It has been a really amazing roller coaster ride of emotions and expectations and technology!!

Welcome home and God Bless
Paola & Eamonn McMorrow

hey francesca:)
well done for being soo brave during your operation!!
everyone is really proud of you:D
its nice seeing you when your at brownies and im at football training and we always wave at eachother!!!!
lots of love,
kiera
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

hey hun !x
from what we've heard, everything went okayy :D !x
we hope everything continues to go to plan.
we had a great night on saturday thanks to you :') !x
you have an amazing family and some sunning friends !x
best of luck :)
lots of love
Sarah+Siobhan Xx

Hi Fran
woooza you are one brave little girll, i would nevver be able to go through something like that, but i hope it all goes well n u recover quickly, From T.K :) !!!!
P.S
the soap that i bought from helina has a verry yummy smel, and i love it :D
!!!!

FRANNNNNNNY!
Its claudia, just to let you know how special you are, you've been so brave, and everybody is so excited to see you!!! youve got a lovey family there for you, well do francessa! im proud of you!
love you loads, and missing you dearly! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

hey fran :D
it was sooooo great to see you very early this morning!
(apologies to all of Birmingham airport about the noise in arrivals hall)
ah, so chuffed to have you back sis :D
great to hear your cute little chuckle again, i'm amazed at how bendy you are!
everyone is so proud of you, and you're such a brave girl.
have some rest, and be prepared for lots and lots of partying to be done!
we have already been plotting lots of things at nanny's earlier!
see you later!
lots of love, helines xxxx

To Franny !
can not wait to
see you on
tuseday (hopefully this is still on)
lots of love
Yasmin !

WELCOME HOME!!!!

Hi Fran and Co,
How loverly it is to hear such great news from Doctor Parks and Mad Michael about how well you have done
and are doing.
May you have a safe journey home with St Christopher to guide you, may he watch over you all till you are here on the ground.
Enjoy your reunion with your wonderful family.
Please keep your blog / diary going, I know I will still be looking in daily to see how you are doing back in Northampton,
as will many others that have followed your every heartache, tear, pain, smile and giggle.
Well done Francesca you are a star that shines bright where ever you are,
See you soon.
luv Mrs B : 0 ]

Hi Francesca and Caroline,
So you're coming home! Just a note to wish you a safe journey.
I look forward to seeing you when you've got over the jet-lag and are feeling up to it.
Love and prayers from
Yvonne

Hi Caroline & Fran,

I was glad to read that the second operation went well and that you are feeling ok. You have both been so brave, hope the journey home is ok for and look forwrad to seeing you soon. Can you bring some of the warm weather with you please? Lots of love and hugs to you both, xxx

Dear Francesca,
My wife, Eileen and I, had the real privilege of meeting you at "The Halt", in June and you graciously accepted our small gift of flowers.
Upon speaking to many people, we must applaud you for your fantastic courage.
I'm afraid that I've just rung your lovely Mum and Dad quite late in the evening, I apologised to both of them for the lateness of my call.
I am told that you once again have been very brave and will be coming home this coming Wednesday 28th July 2010.
We are so glad for you all and very pleased that the operation in America went so well.
Love to you, Francesca,
From Peter and Eileen Robertson
310 Obelisk Rise,
New Boughton Green, Northampton. NN2 8UB
(01604) 846299
info@petersrobertson.org.uk

Hi darling Fran,

Quick update from home, Father Frank was absolutely delighted with his post card and so were St Greg's School, that was very thoughtful, everybody sends their love and prayers.
Auntie Naula and Uncle John came for brunch post Corby do, of course Nuala and I were P & S (for those that do not know the language that means plotting and scheming which Team Francesca are very good at!), we had a great night at Barratts on Sat but you were missing so we are thinking of doing it all over again!!
Can't wait to see you this week, have a safe journey home, look after Mummy she needs a few cuddles too.
Hope you haven't got that really annoying USA accent!!!

Ps Nan is hyper ventalating, is is safe to say that she has missed you and she has something in the "box" for youxx

Love you lots (like jelly tots) only a couple of days to go and I will give you the biggest hug that willl break the world record!

Lots and lots of love from Auntie Elaine, Uncle Mick, Marika, Helina and Anniexxxxxxxxxxx

Good morning Fran,
I hope you are feeling better today. I'm sorry I haven't sent a message for a few days but life has been hectic. It doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about you and watching the web-site. It looks as though you have had a busy week, too. I'm glad that your operations are now over and you can concentrate on regaining your strength.
It appears that you will be leaving St Louis very soon and home on Wednesday if I have understood the messages from Marika and Helina correctly. (I suppose they might mean that they are coming to see you!!!) Anyway, I am sending you lots of good wishes for the coming days and hope that YOU will realise the wonderful progress you have made and feel encouraged to continue with what must be very hard work.
Hoping to see you before too long.
With love and prayers,
Yvonne

hello Frannie :)
I will be glad to see you this Wednesday, can't wait!
I am so proud of you, your videos of your psyio are fab.
We had a fundraising do for you last night at Barrats club, it was great, but it would have been better if you were there, like Helina said, you and Annie would do your rap, that you learnt together in Dubai!
We can hear your funny laugh, raps and jokes really really soon!

Love you lots, like jellytots :D

Marika

xxxxxxxxxx

hey sis :D
can't wait to see you on wednesday!
last night was pretry fly, we had a blast.
wished you were there, so you could have done your rap that you and annie made in dubai ;)
hahaha!
was nice to speak to aunty caroline again, you are a full on mum in a million to fran, and like a second mother to me and i love you loadssss!
xxxx

Hello Francesca and Team.
You probably won't know me but I know you from Sacred Heart. I have gratly enjoyed following your progress on your website.
You seem to be doing really well and apear to to have enjoyed your days out. The Rooftop Garden looks like a lovely place to recover from any operation or iillness. You couldn't picked a nicer place if you tried. Your hospital team sound like a friendly lot too.
I'd like to say very well done and I hope you continue.
All the best from Mary.

hello!
I hope your okay out there in the states!
We had that fundraising party for you in Barratts last night! Was so much fun, I hope we raised alot of money!
There has been alot of fun things, last night was especially to top it all! Dancing all night with alot of friends, was immense!
Still wishing you luck, see you soon.
Shauna xxx

Good Sunday Morning to you!

Just caught up on the latest blog - really pleased that you are making such good progress, Franny, though as you and your Mum know, there is still a way to go. But the worst is over now that the operations are behind you, even though there is obviously much for you to do with the exercises and the general therapy. Such hard work, and such bravery! But it will all be worth it and I am sure that when you get back home and have hands on support from all your friends and family back here, it will encourage you even more. You are doing so well and we are all so proud of you and love you very much.

Now, it has stopped raining for the first time in ages, so am off into the yard to do battle with the weeds - the 'garden' looks awful ,battered and beaten down - just like the owner.

Will be in touch next week and look forward to hearing how you are progressing.

Love and kisses,

Robert,

Dear Francesca and Caroline,

Just a note to say I`m thinking about you all of the time. I am from the Sacred Heart Church too, and have the same birthday as you Francesca. I have just got back from Visiting my daughter in New Jersey. Glad all is going well

With much Love and prayers Bridget Henry XXXXXXX

Dear Francesca and Caroline,

Just a note to say I`m thinking about you all of the time. I am from the Sacred Heart Church too, and have the same birthday as you Francesca. I have just got back from Visiting my daughter in New Jersey. Glad all is going well

With much Love and prayers Bridget Henry XXXXXXX

hi fran
hope your ok ...looks like your doing really well with the physio!! im on holiday at the minuite so thought id come to a shop and see how you were getting on!!
look forward to seeing you when your back!!....wont be long now!!
got to go because its so hot!!! i need to cool down!!!
love dan xxxxx

hey franacousta :D
was lovely to speak to you on the phone yeserday, you little ray of sunshine!
everyone is very proud of you, and you have been so so brave.
you are a inspiration to everyone!
can't wait to see you!
not long now :D
-i'm counting the days ;)
i love you lots, like jelly tots :D
xxxxxx

Hi Fran and Caroline, we think of you all the time although we re busy too. Hold on, it will be fine very soon, and ofcourse you dont expect it to be totally allright right away, so be patient, but thats ofcourse a thing we dont do a lot in our families....I mean we re not extremely patient....none of us, but I suppose you have to and it must be very frustrating for Fran that its going slow, also because Fran, you ve been trough 2 Op s allready and it takes time..and you still have to recover.
Caroline can we skype?, because I would love to talk to you and dont be scared that we need to cry, I am very good at that...( remeber the film Ps I love you? hahahaha)
Take care for now and feel free to skype even in the middle of the night and look forward to the next update. The website is very good and informative and nice little films. lots of love from me to you for now and later. XXX

Hi Francesca and Caroline
Always thinking about you. So glad to hear that everything went ok on Thursday. I am following the St Louis Diary all the way and marveling at your progress. Keep up the good work. Talk to you soon

Ger

Hi Fran and family,
I'v been at school today to clean up, (it's so strange being there without you children) between us we have brushed, washed, tidied, moved and sorted out your new classroom, and made it a good place to be. I have come home battered, bruised and mentally exhausted, then I read your moms blog about you.
You must be the bravest girl I know, you've gone through things that many adults would run away from, or not be half as brave as you my darling.
Don't hold back Fran, if you want to shout out loud, no one will think any less of you.
Sometimes trying to be brave is hard work, I stabed my finger with a staple today and ran off to get a plaster to make it better,
if I had a Francesca size plaster I would come over there and warp you in it, to help heal your pain.
God is on your side (and your front and back) he is there with you, giving you help.
All my prayers to you and you family for a speedy return to your roof top sanctuary and a ride of your loverly bike ( so jealous).
God bless Mrs B :)

hi fran its the girls from unique (hairdressers) we are so glad things are going well, we get filled in every saturday by your nan on how everything is going.
keep up all your hard work and we all look foward to seeing you when you get home, take care lots of hugs claire, laura and all the girls at unique xx xx xx xx xx

Dear Jane and Luke,

Thanks for your lovely message, it is bossy Auntie Elaine here, delighted that you have got in touch, Francesca is really keen to promote the petition and bring SDR to the fore front, so all publicity is great! On a more social and local scale I am sure that in time Fran and her Mum would be keen to meet up, we have all learnt soo much on this journey so it would be great to meet up and share experience . So pic nic in Emberton Park suit you during the hols?? Please keep in touch, love to Lukexx

Hi girls, hope your doing well. We have been reading your diary every day & enjoying your video clips. We know its been tough but you are doing brilliantly Fran. Erin misses you & sends you a big kiss & hug. Take care & see you when you are home. Lots of Love Jessie & Erin. xxx

I came across your website when researching SDR for my son Luke who is eight. I just wanted to congratulate you, your blog is so insightful and I am addicted. It has taken me 12 weeks just to complete the massive application pack and get all the scans required let alone get accepted and raise the collosal amount of money and be there for surgery! Hooray for Francesca. With a Mummy like you, she can only exceed. Please drop me a line when you are home. We live in Olney and would love to meet you both.

Hi to all,

Fran has had her second Op and is recovering well. Remember the story of the Hare and the Tortoise? Slow and steady won the race!, we need to have patience! I Spoke to Caroline again tonight, there will be a slight delay in her blog but she hopes to be back on line in a day or so. Caroline and Fran send their love and thanks for all the lovely messages and prayers.
Two great socials this weekend, Friday is "Jack and the Diamonds" at Corby Irish Centre and Sat is Fynnius Fogg at Barratts Club, Northampton. Both events cost just £5 per person which includes a light suppChildren welcome. both events 8 til late.

Hello lovely Ladies

Hope all is well and yesterday was a successful day. Have to say I loved the basketball bloomers... soo funny!! I am meant to be doing some work at my desk but am catching up on the little videos instead... much more fun!! Have you got American accents yet??? Is everything "neat" and "awwweesome""!!!?? Look forward to seeing you both soon. Big hugs xxx

Hi there! We have been reading all about your progress so far Frannie and think you are doing amazing!! Daniel says "hi", he is doing well and working hard on trying to get back to full strength again. Take care and keep up the good work it will all be worth it in the end. Lots of love Adrian Jo Adam and Daniel XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Well done so far, I have just caught up with the blog and all the photos, I LOVE the roof garden! I wish you lots and lots of luck with you hamtring/heel operation and cannot wait to hear how you get on. You are the bravest and most inspirational little lady I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
Love to you and your Mummy from Didi, Otter, Beaver and Badger xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Darling Fran,

Delighted to hear that Dr Dobbs has reported that the second operation went well, he is the very best in his field, your mummy has placed your legs in great hands! We hope that you will recover well and will soon be back with us all, boy, life is quiet without you! Take yourself up to the roof top garden as soon as you can and delight in the beautiful flowers, look at the geraninums and say a prayer for Nan, she is missing you sooo much. Be strong Franacousta and remember our challenge, I need to buy some prizes to motivate us, any ideas?? Lots of love Anutine Elainexxxxx

Hi Francesca and Caroline,
We hope the operation went well yesterday, and we are keeping you both in our thoughts and prayers. Joseph and James loved your video of the zoo, James especially liked the penguins, and Joseph loved the bear! Keep your spirits high and we look forward to hearing more news on Francesca's progress! Love and Hugs AJJJ xxxx

Hi Francesca.

I hope you are doing well. I have seen a lot of the videos and photos you have been putting up-you are doing very well! Your mum must be very proud of you.

God bless.

Louise x x x

Hi Fran just wanted to wish you lots of luck and love for today we'll be thinking of you. Please can we see some more bloopers they are great and tell your mum she does a wonderful job as director behind the camera would be nice if you could film her and post it on your diary too!! Lilots of love Liz, Jason and Lewis xxx

Hello frannie and Auntie Caroline,

Good Luck today for your operation, i'm sure you'll be fine,
your laughs will be louder than mine soon, hehe :)
The videos of you are lovely to watch, especially the bloopers, and St.Louis Zoo.
It's amazing to hear your loud, funny laugh again!!

Everyone at St.Gregory's is asking how you are, and everyone is praying for you lots and lots.
Alysia has been playing with me most days, she misses you, and also all of your class, especially Mrs.H and Miss. Going :)

Love you lots Franacosta :D

Marika

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

10 EMC would like to wish you lots of luck for your second operation, today. Mrs McCloy says you're a star. We get our holidays on Friday, but will keep up to date by the website.
xxxx