Everyone in my family is dying.
My 44yo husband was diagnosed with ALS, 7 months ago. He can no longer speak or walk.
Last week, my 8yo was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. His light has gone out.
Me, of heartbreak.
Eli passed away in my arms this morning at 6:13.
His suffering from
#DIPG
is over.
Brian
@Drive73737681
and I are both shattered and numb. We have just been through the most brutal 10 days, and it still doesn't seem possible.
Forever with us, Dewdrop.
#LoveForEli
We have stopped chemo.
It is the most difficult decision I &
@Drive73737681
have ever made.
He is an angel.
Perfect.
He is not in pain, and we are by his side, every second, of everyday.
Love your people NOW!
Love them all!
#LoveForEli
This is Brian...my brilliant, funny
#ALS
husband, extubated, then trached.
His front tooth is broken from the intubation and seems to be the least of the concerns for the ICU staff.
He is breathing better now, but don't scroll without understanding this is what ALS looks like.
Dear
@POTUS
@FLOTUS
My nine year old, Eli, died four months ago from
#DIPG
: a brain stem
#cancer
. Please don't forget about "rare" childhood cancer. His brain was donated so no parent has to endure this horrific pain.
Make the
#CancerMoonshot
Count!
I miss you bubby
Brian
@Drive73737681
is finally out of pain.
He fought
#ALS
as long as he could. WE fought the good fight. We did what we are suppose to do.
I love you forever babe, and both ecstatic and jealous you are with Eli. I promise I will meet you there, one day.
#BelievingInBrian
2 years ago today,
my 9yo son Eli, died from
#ChildhoodCancer
.
He was perfectly healthy until he fell down at school, taken to the ER, and diagnosed with a
#DIPD
brain tumor, which is 100% fatal.
Not all kids live.
Support
@CureStartsNow
and other non-profits.
#LoveforEli
🧡
I am taking Eli home today, not because he is ok, but because he is not.
I will get him home to dad
@Drive73737681
and do everything I can to make the rest of our time together spectacular.
#DIPG
#childhoodcancer
Dear
@BrunoMars
Both my son Eli, and husband Brian, recently died. You were my son's favorite musician.
A friend of mine is taking me to
#Vegas
to see you live on Friday 13th to cheer me up.
I have a HUGE ask.
Could you PLEASE do "just the way you are" and dedicate it to Eli?
This AM Brian, my 45yo husband with
#ALS
@Drive73737681
, was transported to the hospital and put on a ventilator.
Before Eli died he was not DNR.
We didn't talk about it after Eli. Too much grief.
Now I am left with this decision, 7 weeks after my 9 yo died.
#cursed
Attention United States Senators:
We do not care if YOU want witnesses.
You work for US.
The American people overwhelmingly want to hear ALL evidence- then vote the way you want.
It will tell us more about you, than it will tell us what we know about Trump.
#ImpeachmentDay
Eli isn't singing anymore.
He is no longer opening his eyes, or swallowing.
Today is day 5 that our 9yo with a
#DIPG
has been completely unresponsive, but with normal vitals.
He is comfortably medicated for pain, but I worry most if he is afraid.
This is agony.
#LoveForEli
Hey! Calling all
@MomsDemand
Parkland parents want to THANK Dick's Sporting Goods and Walmart for enacting gun sense policies in the wake of their personal tradgedy.
Please support them TODAY and ask for your kids and family to buy your
#MothersDay
gift there!
#NeverAgain
My 9yo with cancer has little time left on this earth, and I can not take him anywhere to experience anything, because I don't want him to die of covid, before the brain cancer kills him
&
UNVACCINATED
PEOPLE
ARE
ASSHOLES
I HATE YOU ALL.
#LoveForEli
#dipg
Good news, Finally!
Eli has been extubated and breathing independently.
He is still groggy and asking what happened, but then falls asleep.
Not sure of next steps, but we got to hear our baby's voice, and that's EVERYTHING!
Keep the good energy coming!
#LoveForEli
#DIPG
Yesterday, I got in my car, left Louisiana to find the beach. Needed some quiet time with my thoughts.
I sit here and wonder what do I do with my life now that my son and husband are gone.
I'm sitting here with tears rolling down my face...
Help me yall-
What do I do next?
This was the first time Eli stepped foot in the Gulf...he was so happy, always.
#DIPG
took him away from the world a year ago today. He was 9yo.
He was the best of me-
I want this day over, and it's only 1:23 AM.
I miss & love you bubby, more than life.
#LoveForEli
Starting our new life in Covington, outside of New Orleans, today!
We had to charter a Med Jet for
@Drive73737681
, but totally worth seeing this smile. He is a pilot and loves being up there!
#BelievingInBrian
Thanks to all who have comforted me, the past couple of days.
Also,
@ArtShaky
for drawing a matching angel pic you did for Eli.
Both of my guys are gone now, and I'm lost and alone. No one to take care of. I'm so incredibly sad. So sad.
#LoveForEli
#BelievingInBrian
Collectively, send good vibes to my love
@Drive73737681
.
He just went down to surgery for a tracheotomy.
When the surgical transport team came in they recognized us because they treated Eli.
The whole room started crying.
It's all too much.
#BelievingInBrian
@marcorubio
REALLY?
As more evidence bubbles to the top, YOU, as my representation in the Senate, have the OBLIGATION to hear every bit of evidence that is available. EVERY BIT!!
YOU owe that to ALL of your constituents! We as Americans deserve to hear from Bolton, Mulvaney!
One week ago today, my son Eli was diagnosed with a brain tumor (DIPG).
Today he starts radiation.
PLEASE take a moment at 4:30pm to collectively think about him and send ALL the energy and good vibes you have to give.❤
#LoveForEli
Everyone in my family is dying.
My 44yo husband was diagnosed with ALS, 7 months ago. He can no longer speak or walk.
Last week, my 8yo was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. His light has gone out.
Me, of heartbreak.
Today, August 9th, my husband Brian Valimont would have turned 46yo.
He was a genius, kind and loving husband and father.
#ALS
robbed him, us, of everything.
Please donate to
@iamalsorg
to make sure another family doesn't have to go through this.
Wow. I haven't checked twitter since this morning.
I'm overwhelmed with love.
Eli and I got in the pool today and will start radiation on Tuesday.
Brian
@Drive73737681
, my husband, will start a stem cell trial
@MayoClinic
April 6th.
We will not give up. 💔
Everyone in my family is dying.
My 44yo husband was diagnosed with ALS, 7 months ago. He can no longer speak or walk.
Last week, my 8yo was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. His light has gone out.
Me, of heartbreak.
I can't sit still and allow everything I have worked for with
@MomsDemand
in Florida to go up in smoke.
So I buckled my bootstraps and went to talk to
@CharlieCrist
about permitless carry, stand your ground and strengthening background checks.
My grief has to wait, for now.
My sweet baby, Eli, finished 9 out of 30 radiation treatments, this morning. He feels good.
I had to leave him for the first time today, one hour, so Brian and I could see a gastroenterology about inserting a feeding tube.
If I don't stop, I don't cry.
#IamALS
#LoveforEli
My farewell to 2021.
The morning Eli died, I asked my sister to take his finger print. Not just any finger, Eli's middle finger.
With date and time on the back.
My way of saying
#FuckCancer
#FuckDIPG
I will wear it forever.
”After being shot multiple times he made it outside and told the first response team where the shooter was and those details were invaluable."
"He died a hero and we are beyond proud but there is a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.”
#Pensacola
As
#Florida
mother who sleeps with my hand on my 9yo's chest at night to make sure his heart' still beating & still breathing, til morning...
It's UNIMAGINABLE
that ANY parent is against a 4x4 piece of fabric on their face to save them.
I would do anything to save Eli! ANYTHING
Yesterday we had a setback, Brian has a staph infection in his lungs. He is still on a vent, but awake and alert.
Fingers crossed, BIG TIME, today for extubation.
👋 Docs:
Just because a patient has
#ALS
, doesn't mean they need to be trached immediately.
#BelievingInBrian
This AM Brian, my 45yo husband with
#ALS
@Drive73737681
, was transported to the hospital and put on a ventilator.
Before Eli died he was not DNR.
We didn't talk about it after Eli. Too much grief.
Now I am left with this decision, 7 weeks after my 9 yo died.
#cursed
Wow, wow, wow!
Over 200 cards, from around the world, for Eli on his 9th birthday.
We are overwhelming with LOVE...
and jokes, and stickers, and positive messages.
Thank you all
@MomsDemand
and beyond, from the bottom of my heart.
#DIPG
#LoveforEli
#BelievingInBrian
This weekend, we will celebrate the love of my life, Brian
@Drive73737681
Per his will- no memorial- just a party...
Brian and I met at the
@highlandtap
. It's special.
I will see you all at the on Saturday at noon.
It's also Eli's 10th birthday.
Look who is home from ICU , and rehab!
Today is the first day back in his chair, because he was afraid he would lose his airway. But we loaded up on Ativan (both of us) and took it slow. Moved over a complete room with his home vent, oxygen and monitor. A huge fucking step.
In the span of 2 weeks, I sold a house, packed a house, and bought a new house to take any financial struggle away from us, all the while caring for a trached Brian with
#ALS
and, never-ending grieving, for Eli.
FLORIDA- I'm taking my talents to Louisiana!!
#nola
Brian's reaction when I showed him the video of
@POTUS
signing
#ACTSforALS
.
Thank you
@sabrevaya
&
@bsw5020
and the bipartisan support for our families.
@MiamiNeuroRes
and Dr Granit, what's the plan. When will we start?
And I don't want to hear it's too late.
We
@momsdemand
have requested a meeting
@SenRickScott
many times.
This is our chance Senator!
As luck has it, I am also in Naples.
You JUST said on
@MeetThePress
"it's important to meet with everybody".
DM me, I'll grab a shower and be right over!
#flapol
Today I finally read Brian's will. I put it off, as but
@Drive73737681
is near the end.
In his will, there was all the legal stuff, but for final wishes he said "I do not want a memorial." calling it "wasted time & money", but he does want "a party with drinks" ❤
Fantastic babe!
We
#WearOrange
for the 96 Americans shot and killed EVERYDAY.
This is a uniquely American problem.
@MomsDemand
refuse to accept this!
So today we
#WearOrange
and continue to fight, everyday!
#FlaPol
Famous Pensacola Graffiti Bridge,
#WearOrange
, Now the graffiti starts! Stay tuned.
@MomsDemand
National Gun Violence Awareness Day comes to the panhandle for FL senseless victims -Pulse-Parkland- CARMEN-TRAYVON AND JORDAN
#flapol
Eli has mostly been unconscious for 2 days.
I haven't left his side.
Today while I was laying with him, he started a rhythmic "umm, umm, umm" I said "bud! are you in pain?"
With his eyes closed he said "Natalie".
⬇️
We sang for an hour.
#LoveForEli
Your December 26th, 2019 reminder that some "currently seated" lawmakers, want to twist gun safety reforms as "taking guns away".
These lawmakers should be replaced, FULL STOP.
No matter their party- if you can't get onboard- we
@MomsDemand
will send you home.
#2020isComing
I
Hate
Hate
Hate
my life.
Hate!
#watchingmyhusbanddie
of
#ALS
Fuck you
#FDA
- dragging your feet has caused this real life trauma.
Also-
Today marks one year since I took Eli to the ER.
1 year, since he first started having symptoms.
I hate my life.
Eli fell down at school on 3/23/21 bc he was dizzy. I took him to the ER & 10 hours later we were in a helicopter to Miami.
I was alone when the doctors told me he had a
#DIPG
brain tumor, that was inoperable.
He was dead in 6 months.
He was 9 & perfect until
#ChildhoodCancer
Today, my beautiful, sweet, smart, loving son, who liked to ride his bike, argue about homework, and danced more than he walked, would have been 11 years old today.
#ChildhoodCancer
#DIPG
stole him from me and the world.
I wish every day it had been me, not him.
#LoveforEli
A couple of days ago, while home from the hospital, a lady came to the door with flowers, then said,
"My son was playing on a sand pile & it caved in on him, suffocated him at 13, then my husband died of cancer 5 months later. You are not alone".
Me- "Come in, please"
#DoGood
After Eli died, one of my closest Moms friends,
@sjmommagreen
said, "while Eli was sick none of us knew what we could do to help you, so I started writing letters to DC". Which sounds odd, but she totally gets me.🍒🌳
One day I hope to announce my candidacy under Eli's tree.
Traveling with
#ALS
is awful & thanks to
@TSA
, who treats my husband to a full pat down, testing his collar for explosives, all while an officer hovers with a semi-auto rifle +
@RSWAirport
employees that nearly dropped my husband, it's also dangerous and degrading.
🧵
To all the people that are surprised & sad by this ad, know that your children will not be shocked in the least. This is their reality.
Doing lockdown drills regularly, at school, will be far more traumatizing.
#BackToSchool
#SandyHookPromise
Survive the school year with these must-have
#BackToSchool
essentials.
This PSA contains graphic content related to school shootings & may be upsetting to some viewers. If you feel this subject matter may be difficult for you, you may choose not to watch.
I wore Orange for years for my son Eli and husband Brian, to protect them from sensless gun violence.
Now I
#WearOrange
for your children and families.
We can fix this, but we need everyone.
Text ACT to 644-33
When I was 22, an abusive boyfriend held a loaded gun to my head.
I am one of 4.5 million women alive today that have been threatened with a gun by an intimate partner.
52 women are shot and killed every month in by a partner.
#MomentsThatSurvive
@MomsDemand
@Everytown
Eli just wrapped up 5th radiation treatment, 25 more to go.
Brian is
@MayoClinic
starting his ALS stem-cell trial today.
Currently, we are having a picnic in our backyard, trying to hold on to every second.
#ALS
#LoveForEli
#DIPG
He calls himself
@Soloyaker
and he shows up at
@MomsDemand
meetings
@AMarch4OurLives
events in an attempt to intimidate people, carrying an AR-15.
Thinks he's making a case for open carry, when actually he proves ours-
Thanks crazy guy with big gun!
Our son Eli, is exceptional.
They tell us:
He's an old soul.
He's funny.
He's smart.
He has the longest eyelashes.
He's so sweet.
He's so happy.
Why do the worst things happen to the best people?
#dipg
#LoveForEli
#ChildhoodCancer
It is Monday, I think, the middle of August, not sure of the day, and I am so, so very sad.
I feel like I'm cracking.
See, my super power is making other people feel like I have it all under control.
My weakness is my family, Brian and Eli.
#LoveForEli
#BelievingInBrian
UPDATE:
In Tallahassee at the hearing-
@NRA
LOBBIEST Marion Hammer just testified
"how do you tell a 10-year-old little girl that the rifle she got for Christmas is an assault weapon and she has to give it up or risk arrest on felony charges?"
Whaaaaat?
FACT: Florida elections were attacked in 2016.
FACT:
@RepMattGaetz
did nothing about it, called it a "hoax".
FACT: Gaetz will never stand up to Putin & disinformation, to protect America, if it benefits him.
FACT: Veteran
@PhilEhr
will always protect us.
#flapol
.
@MattGaetz
, you refuse to take Russia and election disinformation seriously.
To get your attention, my campaign made a
#DeepFake
where you admit
@BarackObama
is cooler than you and
@FoxNews
sucks. If my campaign can do this, imagine what Putin is doing right now:
I miss Eli, like he died today, everyday.
It's been 5+ months.
Today I had to ask myself, "How long can Brian
@Drive73737681
live like this?"
#ALS
has taken everything from him. He is in severe pain if he is awake or a drug induced sleep. This is not living.
#FUCKALS
It was more emotional than I thought it would be, then
@kbellgerke
, my BFF, made a genius suggestion.
She said "write him a note, then cover it up, and it will always be there".
#LoveForEli
Nope, there is no event today.
When I need a little extra strength & determination,
I put on the oldest
@MomsDemand
RED shirt I own. The first one I ever received (the letters are all cracked), then I went on to fight the gun lobby .
This shirt has special powers.
#keepgoing
As I read this, all I can think about are the military mothers, fathers, wives and husbands with their family members stationed in those bases.
#allisNOTwell
you insensitive dickhead.
This weekend, with MARCH FOR OUR LIVES in most cities in Florida, I not only take my hat off to STUDENTS that have taken a stand, but the droves of new
@MomsDemand
volunteers, Melbourne, Manatee, Martin, Broward, PBC and of course,
#Parkland
#ExpectUs
#NeverAgain
#flapol
These are my boys, Dec. 31, 2019.
Just before Brian began having
#ALS
symptoms, then diagnosed in Aug. 2020.
And my beautiful boy.
My beautiful, kind, loving miracle baby, Eli.
I'm so terribly sad.
.
@Drive73737681
began sitting up yesterday, so our goal today is to get him in his chair.🤞
.
@SenRickScott
and
@marcorubio
We are your constituents. Brian is suffering along with many Floridians from
#ALS
.
How about go to work today, and do something good.
Pass
#ACTforALS
This is Brian...my brilliant, funny
#ALS
husband, extubated, then trached.
His front tooth is broken from the intubation and seems to be the least of the concerns for the ICU staff.
He is breathing better now, but don't scroll without understanding this is what ALS looks like.
I would, quite literally do ANYTHING to have my babe, and my baby, back.
Don't spend one minute of your life on dumb arguments, anger or pettiness.
I would do anything 😪.
#LoveForEli
#DIPG
#ALS
#BelievingInBrian
This is not how I historically spend this weekend, but I take solice in knowing 6 million
@MomsDemand
have my back, and will continue the hard work of actually saving lives.
#FloridaMoms
are strong.
Have a productive, inspiring
#GSU2021
ya'll!
@WendyMalloy
@barefootchic
🧡
I have spoken with many of your staffers
@SenRickScott
I have given you the facts.
I will be at your home office on the 12th, for a 1:00 meeting.
I hope you will be there to talk about how, together, we can solve this.
Sen. Rick Scott on how to explain to the American people why Congress isn’t acting toward mass shootings: “This is not a partisan issue. This is an issue about how do we keep Americans safe. I’m going to do everything I can”
#CNNSOTU
On our way to Vegas to see
@BrunoMars
tomorrow night, Friday 13th.
Really hope he got the message about
#JustTheWayYouAre
, and Eli, but if not, It will still be awesome anyway.
This is just what I need.
🎲
@silksonic
🎲 Cocktails
🎲 Vegas
A good friend said..
"He was not here to stay.
Some just come to bless us for a short time, then God just wisk them back to Him.
He wants them to stay as pure of heart as they are before the world can touch them."
I really want to believe that. Every second I am heartbroken.
@VickyLyda
Every morning I wake up and ask if I can take anymore, then I just do it because as much as I am suffering, he's got it worse and I love him so much.
HE IS STILL IN THERE!
Thankful for the best friend in the world, that makes you get out of the house when you are a full time caregiver & feel like you can't leave home.
Also, in honor of
@GovRonDeSantis
we went to a Gay bar.
One day I will have your seat and
#Florida
will truly be free.
#SayGay
LAST RADIATION DAY!!
Eli looks like he is pain,
but he is screaming with joy!
He feels good and the radiation will continue to work for 2-3 weeks.
Big ❤ to our therapist/technicians at
@GenesisCare
that treated Eli like their own.
Now
#onward
to be the 1st kid to beat
#DIPG
It used to bother me when people gave me fresh flowers, you know, because they die.
When Eli was diagnosed, people sent flowers, and someone said "it smells like a funeral home in here", but now it reminds me of him.
Now, I am capable of giving myself flowers and that's power.