Our Fight with Brain Cancer - WE ARE #Devinstrong

Yesterday truly couldn’t have gone better! We entered Riley with ease in our minds and hearts —and that alone is rare, for me anyway. Devin continued to fist bump his way thru the halls from appointment to appointment & wishing others a good day. ☀️

Only this time, he had a trick up his sleeve —literally;) Devin saw this baggy of a large tootsie roll on the counter before we’d left for the day, he thought it was poO. . So! We decided to have some fun with it. Devin held this baggy up to each receptionist, nurse, & doctor sharing that he had brought a “stool sample” 😂 The look on their faces were priceless and had left me giggling for hours!!!

That’s not even the best part —what brought my heart greater joy is hearing Devin’s scans are unchanged, his labs are free from worry. His testosterone is still low so we’ll continue injections at home bi-weekly. However, Devin’s routine MRI and labs have now been scheduled out to ANNUALLY!!!

To leave Riley Childrens laughing, then crying, on the rooftop of the parking garage was surreal —we’ve sure been thru it. . We are grateful our hearts feel peace & we hold so much gratitude for you all and your continued love and prayers for our Devin and family. We hope to have been a beacon of light in the hearts of many others who are hurting & to them; I lift all of your prayers. ✨

Wishing you all peace, love, and BIG hugs!

Holland family

Hello friends and family ☀️

Tomorrow, Tues 9/12, we will be spending the day at Riley. Devin will have labs of all sorts, routine MRI of brain and spine, follow-up with Oncology & physical medicine.

We ask that you please pray Devin continues to be free from cancer. We look forward to celebrating t h r e e God blessed years of no evidence of disease on October 6th! 💛

Devin’s 2nd follow-up with eye surgery in Aug. was cancelled & rescheduled for November 3rd. Overall he is doing well & continuing to spread JOY —one fist bump at a time;) I will update you all on tomorrow’s appts as soon as I’m able.

Many, many thanks for your continued love and prayers for our family. Together, WE ARE Devin STRONG! 🤗

Good morning everyone..

Please Share..

My brothers bike and nephews dirt bike was stolen overnight from the Heartland Crossing area. Please keep an eye out.. Thank you..

We are

This is s i x t e e n ✨

Devin spent his day watching movies;) Happy Gilmore, The Cobbler, Mr. Deeds, and started watching The Out-laws. He made me a list of snacks he wanted; Pringles, Werther’s caramels, mint chocolate chip ice cream, chocolate milk, and carrot cake. Also asked his Dad to pick up some curly fries and a chocolate shake, per usual. 😆

Later this month, we will be celebrating Devin by going to the show! We’ve gotten him back stage passes to meet Murr before the show!!! Devin is STOKED, to say the very least. This show has brought him much laughter thru his healing —he’s played it out from start to finish, and more!

We’re now at 1,008 days no evidence of disease! For that, we’re grateful for. Devin’s right eye has healed well from his recent silicon implant surgery, still unsure on whether it’s truly helped; his eyes are still bothersome more times than not. We will see his optometrist again in Aug.

Sixteen y e a r s of courage, grit, positivity —and Devin adds; confidence, smarts, good looks, and he’s easy to talk to;) Devin is a lover of all humans and it shows. We feel beyond blessed to be his parents. Fist bumps & peace signs to all, much love! 💛

June 17, 2023 - update on R eye silicon implant surgery & awwdorable ‘then and now’ snapshots of our “baby” Devin. 🥰

We met with Devin’s ophthalmologist this past Wednesday, June 14th. Dr. Burgett says he is “cautiously optimistic” that the silicon implant will be of benefit to Devin.

So far, Devin hasn’t reported pain, blindness, nor double vision in his right eye —this, we are beyond grateful for! Healing hasn’t been easy but he’s sure enjoyed telling others that his sister punched him. . 🤪

We are allowing more time for healing & will follow-up with Dr. Burgett again Friday, August 4th. Dr. Burgett says he‘s “not in a hurry” to schedule silicon implant surgery for Devin’s L eye.

Your relentless prayers for Devin, and our family, are felt —and so greatly appreciated. 💛

June 5, 2023

Devin had his R eye silicone implant surgery this morning. Dr. Burgett placed a silicone “sled” behind Devin’s R eye with hopes to fill space caused by the proton radiation shrinking the fatty tissue of his eyes.

Things truly couldn’t have gone better! ✨

Devin will likely be bruised and swollen for a few days. He’s experienced zero pain, while his spirit & faith has remained 100, per usual. We will follow-up with Dr. Burgett on Wed, June 14th. I intend to share an update with you all in the coming days.

We have so much to be grateful for. 💛

Attached are a few snapshots of our day spent @ Riley Childrens today.

7:30a - labs
8a - physical med / Parkinson’s follow-up
10a - called family eye doc & eye surgeon to follow-up on low vision/light sensitivity/high risk for blindness. Dev should have another eye surgery “sometime this year” to have a silicon implant first placed behind his right eye. Still awaiting return call.
• Just this year Devin has run into (3) walls at school, most recent being just yesterday & brought about an abrasion on his forehead. Overall he is doing well but definitely puts fear into my heart for him & his well being. 😕
10:30-11:30a - brain & spine MRI
1p - Oncology follow-up
• labs, brain, and spine scans are unchanged from a cancer standpoint, 2.5y NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE!
2p - Neurosurgery shunt follow-up
• brain scan showed a somewhat swollen ventricle; NP sent us to radiology for x-ray/shunt series.
3p - Devin is —and has been constipated = pressure in stomach/shunt hose = swollen brain/ shunt ventricle = could cause shunt failure.

Overall we had a lovely day; we felt much less stressed about 8h spent at Riley than our frequent visits in the past. We played (13) games of Uno! Devin won (6) and I won (7) 🙂 Saxon had added a wild card noted to “hug Mom” and Bentley had added a wild card noted to do (4) squats and (4) push-ups. I have no doubt that helped our day go as well as it had;)

We’re upping Devin’s dose of miralax & docusate with hopes it will bring relief to his constipation; which I feel would also bring some relief to the fatigue he’s experienced. We’ll follow-up with neurosurgery in 2wks to evaluate Devin’s shunts & hope the ventricle has returned to normal.

I’ll update again once we hear from Dr. Burgett / eye surgery & learn of a date that the (R) eye silicon implant surgery will take place. 🫶

Many thanks for your continued love & prayers for our boy and family. ♥️

Together, We are Devin Strong! ✨

I sang my heart out to this song back when I was Devin’s age. . .

https://youtu.be/erFoLBcNyKI

Recently, I heard it and naturally began singing —then . . the lyrics hit me like a ton of bricks!!!

“Back in tha day”, I didn’t realize the words / meaning of what I was actually singing . . I just knew how it made my heart feel when I sang it out. .

Now. . . Holy s**t!!!

My heart. . . Sing it out with me? 💝

Creed-Higher with Lyrics The song Higher by Creed with lyrics

Happy New Year, We Are devinStrong!

A dear friend messaged me this morning & had asked about Devin & us all. I was honestly surprised with how easy it was for my heart to allow words to flow, without overflowing from my eyes. .

So, I thought I would take time to share my response with you all. Please know your continued love, care, and prayers for our family are felt & greatly appreciated. Peace & Love ✨

—Holland famILY

Good mornin’ —🌞

Dev is doin’ aight. Usual fist bumpin’ joy spreadin’ dude;) He will be s i x t e e n this year!!! Unfortunately we didn’t hear the greatest news @ his eye surg follow-up last Oct. Doc is very concerned and foresees blindness in his future.

Dr. Burgett is wanting to put a silicon implant in his R eye, “sometime in 2023” —hoping to fill the space that’s behind his shrunken eye. That space is only housing air and room for repeated infection —which could cause blindness.

Doc says, even with a healthy regimen of AM drops, PM drops, & PM hydration gel —Devin is still at risk. He assured, we (& Dev) have done the very best we could, with all we’ve been dealt. . Doc is striving for more research to take the best possible route to save Devin’s eyes/vision.

The silicon implant has risks for double vision or blindness. So, if we do nothing = potential/eventual blindness. If we do something = potential/eventual blindness. . & future surgeries. . What are we going to do about it?

Needless to say, our hearts have been a mess. Devin wishes for a time machine, so to return to life before cancer came about. He says he would use that time to go to school and learn, like other kids. .

Oh how I’ve wished with my w h o l e heart for the same for Devin. . but apparently God has other plans for him. I think it may be, as Aunt Jenni had also shared, that His plan is for Devin to become blind, with his unfailing positivity, he’d be blind to all the ugly in the world. 😔

Heartbreakingly blessed . . tis the story of my life!

All others are doing well. . fuhhhhhking g r o w i n g & changing —and FAST!!! 🤯

Haleigh will be t h i r t e e n this year!!!? She’s an amazing young lady! Jonathan is very strong & wise at 11 —and taller than me, Haleigh, and Dev!??? Brave Bentley will be 10 in 2wks . . A l l growing thru very interesting stages! Lord help us all!! And tha Legend, Saxon turned 9 on NYD:) We celebrated him yesterday. ♥️

My Ty and I are nearing 5 years together, 4 years married! We’ve experienced some heavy heavy heavy ishhh in just a short time. We’re praying for a year of abundance — spiritually, mentally, physically, & financially. We need and d e s e r v e aphukenbrake. 😅

How about you & a l l of your hearts outside your body? 🥰

—Please feel free to reach out, a n y t i m e! 💝

On 9/6, Devin had labs for endocrine; DI & hormones & labs for oncology, followup MRI & meet with Onc & neurosurgery -- ALL things reported stable & well!

Yesterday 9/17, Devin was honored at Bantam fields for cancer awareness week by Saxon’s team, Purdue. Devin was an honorary captain in the games coin toss! He also scored an opportunity to work at the concession stand. :) He said he wrapped hot dogs, burgers, and helped pack popcorn!

October 6, 2022 will mark 2 y e a r s NO evidence of disease! 💛

Together, We Are 💝

September is childhood cancer awareness month. This month is and will be difficult on my heart, for a number of reasons.

I can say, we feel blessed to share that Devin, of 1,548 days —he has been free from cancer for 695 days. It’s now been 80 days since his last procedure —reconstructive eye surgery.

Overall, we can say he is doing okay. . although now, Devin is 15 & that comes with struggles I never would’ve expected from him. . 😰 but, we are all striving to continue healing from all the things, right alongside Devin.

This upcoming Tues, Sept 6th. We will spend several hours at Riley for follow-up labs, brain MRI, Oncology, and more. While my heart is still very heavy. . I do feel confident that we will recieve a great report.

I am also grateful his Dad will be filling in for me . . bc, in all honesty, it is incredibly hard for me to spend the day in Riley childrens. My heart is so heavy, not only because of what we have endured as a family —but also empathizing with all others in the thick of the battle. . from my experience—I’ve never felt m o r e helpless in my entire life!

If you know someone experincing childhood cancer —please lift prayers for them. You could also send a card in the mail, provide a meal, encourage them to build an Amazon wishlist for care items to relieve them of additional worries. The options to be of help are truly endless! 💛

Much love to all!

Our lives have been forever changed, in a matter of seconds. . feels that I don’t expect a n y o n e to understand. This photo right here —is worth a 1,000 words, on 1,000 different days, in 1,000 different ways. .

Devin says, “Mom —get that down from there, I wonder if it still fits me. . 🤷‍♂️” . . He puts his proton mask on & says, “20 years from now, I’m going to try this on & see if it fits me!”

I so look forward to seeing you try this mask on in 20 years, Dev . . 🥰 It’ll be something you can use to have fun with all your nieces and nephews;) 😆

At beginning of a brand new day, at the end, & everything in between . . I am proud of you, Devin. Know that I love you BIGGER than the big blue SKY, unconditionally—always. 🤟

Hey friends! We have a bundle of lanyards on hand @ our healer bloom. 🌞💛✨

If you’d like one personally delivered by Devin Holland, please don’t hesitate to message. He’d love to see you! 🙌

If nothing else —please send me a pic or video if you, too, are dusting your shoulders off!! Dev would LOVE it!!!

Current situation - WEAREdevinSTRONG: https://youtu.be/Oz_-VaTHpc8

Some photos & video have been uploaded to an album in my photos from Devin’s Birthday yesterday! Many thanks for capturing SO many FUN moments yesterday, !! He said he had thee BEST day!
Photos @ Heather Sue Holland

Some dear friends of ours have volunteered their time and talent to create these lanyard keychains for those of you who need a daily reminder to .

What does it mean to be Devin strong?

To me, as his Mom, please wake & rise to y(our) blessed new day in this one precious life —motivated for whatever the day brings. Be sure to wave, nod, smile, greet each and every human you encounter —with absolutely zero discrimination of race, s*x, age, social status. . .

What’s more? Devin compliments them! It’s the little things —hair, eyes, shirt, shoes, vehicle. . And their day is simply made, as it was easy to see with their expression. If nothing else, he leaves your presence sharing his untouched sense of humor & joy! Use your voice, if you’re able.

We are ALL in this TOGETHER! 💛

If you’re interested in ordering —RagBag Crafts have lanyard keychains listed @ $7.99 USD on their website below —with option to make a donation. Donations received will be up to Devin use/or donate as he wishes. ✨

Many thanks and blessings on blessings for you & yours, Ragbag Crafts!

To Order: https://ragbagcrafts.com/shop/ols/products/devin-strong-wristlet

Do donate: I’m raising $711 until 7/29/22 for . Can you help? https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8L6jKAe9H6.

When the clock struck 1:02, this young man of ours began his 15th Chapter of life —643 dayzZz NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE. I am excited to see what He writes. ✨

We pray this Chapter will be filled with joy, healthy friendships, quality time, good music, loads of tater salad, French fries, and milk shakes. 💛🥰🤤

Devin’s wish? 🙏

Ultimately, Devin would like to opportunity to have time with who he calls his idol, his inspiration, the rapper NF —his music & lyrics that help him not only complete his chore of unloading/loading the dishwasher —but also helps his cognitive deficits. . memory, speech, and above all else He inspires him & brings Dev JOY!

At this time I do not see any tour dates for NF for 2022 or 2023. Unfortunately, Devin’s has also been put on hold due to the pandemic —and later, my Husband adopting him as His Son. Meeting and speaking with NF being one of his wishes. Does anyone have connections to make this happen —at any point in this precious life?

We had ”United as One” family photos captured around Our Healer Bloom on Haleigh’s 12th Birthday, June 26. This one. . . is the One! ✨ Had to share! 🤗

My Ty nearing Chapter 40, myself in the midst of Chapter 36. Next month —Devin will be a sophomore, Haleigh a 7th grader, Bentley 4th grade, and Saxon 3rd grade! 🌻

Oh! And cannot forget my BSSH, always alongside me! Bella Serenity Sue Holland, we believe, just turned 7? She is, without a doubt, my very own personal pet therapy snuggle puggle! So grateful for her & all of their unconditional love. 💝

Many thanks to for this video! In honor of our not-so-baby Devin’s upcoming f i f t e e n t h birthday! Oh my heart!!!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ddDj7WTGsa7FeEhy5

New video by Heather Holland

Hello friends and fam —near, dear, and far! I’d like to take the time to share a PSA. Needless to say, I feel we need and deserve 😰

With that, I’d like to refrain from shares/updates for some time. Devin has now completed most mid-year follow-ups with his extensive medical team. All reporting GREAT news!

We’ve also recently decided to refrain from his every W, Th, and Fri therapies for PT, ST, and OT over the next 6mo —as we’ve been consistent with them the last 3 y e a r s, so much they’ve become FRAMILY! 💝

Devin has been enjoying some time with new friends that has had him radiating with joy! What’s great for ?! —He doesn’t even realize he is working all therapies, simply by hanging and gaming with friends! 😁

Please know that Devin had his MRI & labs review in Jan and again in May. Both gave us the worry-free clear! However, they are watching a “spot” that has been unchanged in some time. He will follow-up with Oncology, as well as others, Sept 6th. I do intend to make time to update around that time.

I truly feel and am hopeful that this time with space & rest, as we will soon be sending off our 3rd, 4th, 7th, and Devin beginning 10th at the start of August —will truly be h e a l i n g for us ALL! Now & always, I pray that the next 6mo, at l e a s t, will be uneventful for our family —but especially Devin. 💛

🤯 The brain of our family, Devin, will be FIFTEEN on 7/11!!! IF you feel called to give and support our goal in surprising him, sooner than later, with a golf cart —I’ve been working to clear many blessings for others & have created a PayPal fundraiser, link is below. Whether it be THIS goft cart, or another. This Momma is d e t e r m i n e d to see her baby drive! 🤷‍♀️

https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8L6jKAe9H6

Much love & appreciation for all of your love, care, prayer and support —not only for Devin, but our family, too!!! ✨ IF you wonder, worry, or have ANY questions or concerns —please do not hesitate to reach out! We’d be so happy to help and/or hear from you! 🤗

Devin had his permanent reconstructive eye surgery follow-up this morning. His surgeon checked all things off as GOOD! He is satisfied with the shape of his eyes and says his eye balls truly look good, despite the crusty slimy eye lashes. . He provided a tool for Devin’s tool box, if he should c h o o s e to use it. 😎

Then, of course, we had to grab Krispie Kreme as we were up that way. Cashed in our golden ticket for our free dozen, mix for us, and a dozen to share with whomever calls to our hearts. 🤗 There’s something special about that HOT NOW light being on. 😉🤤🥰

So VERY grateful for Devin’s eye surgery being complete. The GOOD news received today is just what my heart has needed to rest, reflect, and replenish. Oh what a h e a l i n g journey we are all on. Many thanks for your continued love, care, prayer, and support!

A dear friend had asked how myself and all others are doing, seeing Haleigh’s birthday “s**tnanigans” shares. 😉

After responding, I thought —ya know? Might as well share with ALL. 🤔 So, there ya have it!

Chapter 36: I am h e a l i n g ✨

Devin (nearing Ch 15 on 7/11) is well, truly seems he too is healing! He’s recently shown signs of his memory improving! It’s mind blowing to see! Dev also made t w o new friends recently that have MADE PLANS to come over and hang!! Oh how God is good. Also received news that student services @ E will be weekly rather than monthly! Overjoyed!

Jonathan (nearing Ch 11 on 8/30) is growing like a weeeeeeeeed! We’ve recently made peace with each other since his move back to his Mommy’s, after 8 years home with me. Cheese and Rice —ONE of the most difficult heart tugging feels I have ever had to endure thus far!!! It is lovely to feel peace, as I know he knows he’d always have love, security, and comfort with me, unconditionally—if he’d think he’d need or want for anything. How do I “Mom” a child from 18m-9y and then. . . allow space to adjust to a new normal, with his Mommy. Where do I stand? Where am I “supposed to” stand? In my lane? Mmmk. So, that’s been a helluva adjustment, after all this time.

Bentley (half way thru Ch 9) is thriving! He’s home with us alternating weeks —which has shown to relieve his mental health greatly! If only, the consistency would be thru the school year —he’d have the opp to thrive academically, physically, and emotionally with consistent study, discipline, and routine. WHO AM I tho? 🤷‍♀️ Bentley is such a caring, compassionate, thoughtful boy. The bond we share is unlike any other. It feels good to know he trusts me with things, that were before very difficult for him to voice.

Saxon (half way thru Ch 😎 is awesome and still energetic as ever!! He is my little lover. I was just reflecting this eve on how each room I walk in there is an “I love you” or “I love my Mom” in sharpie - on something, on a post it, on a card, mirror. He’s sure to remind, I AM LOVED! So grateful for him.

Bella Sue (Ch 7?) sure misses me living the “deep-rest” life. She doesn’t know to react with me moving my body more and more everyday —mostly entirely TOO MUCH, as of late. I went away with a dear soul last week & upon my return, I heard Bella CRY in my embrace for thee first time!!! She has since been very protective & craving e x t r a snuggles.

is what the doctor ordered, y’all!

☮️ 💜 ☀️

For 24h, God willing —write, wipe, open, zip, shut, brush, wash, shave, etc. . . with your NON dominant hand!
✨💡🤟

All is well with our souls ✨

Tues eve 6/14 update: “Feelin’ good, like He should!”