Parents Of Girl Battling Leukemia Turn Hospital Trips Into Adventures
FULLERTON (CBSLA.com) — The parents of a girl who has been diagnosed with leukemia have gone to great lengths to lift her spirits.
Caitlin Lyle, 18, upon leaving her house for her fourth and final chemotherapy treatment, was all smiles Monday as she was greeted by Fullerton police officers and firefighters.
The officers were familiar faces for Lyle, having previously surprised her during similar visits to the oncology ward at Anaheim's Kaiser Permanente; one time they escorted her in a fire truck, another time in an armored police vehicle.
"I'm really excited that it's almost over," Lyle said. "I'm not looking forward to the chemo, but I'm looking forward to it just being over and I can start the new year fresh and recovered."
Lyle's parents' idea of adding some fun to her otherwise daunting visits to the hospital evolved and was joined by an army of community support, which has put together something special for her final trip for chemotherapy.
Lyle was taken to the hospital Monday aboard the Anaheim Police Department's helicopter, nicknamed Angel.
After boarding the chopper at the Fullerton airport, Lyle was treated to aerial views of Disneyland and Angel Stadium before she landed on the rooftop at Kaiser Permanente, where she was greeted by the doctors, nurses and hospital staff she has gotten to know throughout her battle with cancer.
Her final stay at the hospital for chemotherapy is expected to last about a month; the Lyle family plans to spend Thanksgiving at the hospital with Caitlin.
They expect her home for Christmas.
