Celebration

I just wanted to thank everyone for all of their amazing support. It means so much to our family to see how loved and respected Dallas IS among so many. Although this is a hard road to travel for us all we are comforted by your continued thoughts and prayers. Dallas was an amazing brother to me and David and the least we can do to repay that honor is to pay tribute to him in all that we do.

In celebration of Dallas and David's birth and lives we would like to invite friends to our house at 1753 Copperfield Circle this Tuesday, April 28th at 7 PM for their 21st birthday. A cookout followed by a candle lighting and beer pong are on the agenda. We hope to see you all there.

And although Dallas is gone from us now, I hope you all realize that he did in fact beat Timmy. Timmy after all only gave him 3 months to a year to live in 2006. Dallas fought valiantly for nearly 3 years.

-Jessie

Lawrence "Dallas" DuBose

Lawrence "Dallas" DuBose, 20, died at home Monday, April 13, 2009, of a brain tumor. He was surrounded by his family and was loved by many. The service will be at 1 p.m. EDT Friday, April 17, 2009, at Bradfordville Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at Bradfordville Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to The University of Florida Foundation, Brain Tumor Program, P.O. Box 100296 Gainesville, FL 32610. Dallas graduated from Chiles High School and attended TCC. He was employed by Publix. Survivors include his parents, Larry and Shel DuBose of Tallahassee; his twin brother, David DuBose of Tallahassee; one sister, Jessie DuBose of Washington D.C.; his maternal grandparents, Charles and Jane Ault of Tavares; and numerous other family members. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Molly DuBose. Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193) is handling arrangements.

http://www.legacy.com/tallahassee/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=126233238

The website for the Brain Tumor Program is:

http://www.peds.ufl.edu/braintumorprogram/donations.asp

Lawrence "Dallas" DuBose 4/28/88-4/13/09

Dallas passed away at 4:58 this afternoon, surrounded by his family. He suffers no more and is in the loving arms of God.

April 8th Update

Dallas' condition has continued to decline as expected. He received his last steroid dose Sunday evening. And the anti-seizure medicine we started him on last week was switched from capsules to IV Monday afternoon. He's sleeping peacefully most of the time with a few restless moments here and there. Swallowing has become very difficult and he hasn't had anything to eat, nor has he wanted anything, in several days. We are able to get a few droppers of water or apple juice down him a couple of times a day. Most importantly, he's not in any pain. He said his head hurt a little bit yesterday morning and I gave him a small dose of morphine. He hasn't had a headache since but we have both liquid morphine and IV on hand if needed.

The outpouring of love and support has been simply amazing. So much food, sodas, paper products, etc has poured in that we are now storing some items at several neighbors. Dallas is so loved and our family is so very blessed. Thank you all.

Until Monday, a steady stream of kids made daily visits. Things have slowed a bit now, as we have become more selfish of Dallas' time. I also have to share with you that Dallas' twin brother, David, has been incredible....seldom leaving Dallas' side. He lovingly cares for him....lifting him, repositioning him, and joking with him. Dallas' older sister Jessie has also been a steady source of strength and support for him.....also lovingly caring for him, sitting by his side and making sure his favorite music is always playing softly in the background. Through it all, Dallas, as usual, takes it all in stride.....not one complaint has been uttered. What a remarkable young man he is.....how courageous and brave. He is the epitome of grace.

Shel

In Good Company

Dallas' condition has been fairly stable since our last post. A hospital bed was delivered Tuesday afternoon so he now has the best seat in the house, right in front of the TV allowing for endless Cash Cab, King of Queens and Sports Center viewing. He also seems to think the bed's controls are a toy as he likes to trick us on which position he's putting it in and to test how high it will raise. This just proves how strong Dallas is and how resilient his spirit is. No one is safe from his signature barbing.

Numerous friends have been in and out throughout the week and the last of the family from Orlando arrives today. Dallas' friends are amazingly supportive and he perks up everytime they visit. The outpouring of love and support is truly a sight to see. We've had so much food and supplies donated that we've run out of places to store it all. Luckily we have understanding neighbors with extra fridge space.

Thank you as always for the unwaivering support and prayers.

-J

Visits

Dallas' condition has declined dramatically since Friday. We left Tallahassee Friday afternoon for our grandparents' house in Tavares where we had planned a family gathering on the lake. Dallas was able to walk Friday with assistance, but by Saturday morning he was in a wheel chair. We've stopped all chemo and his doctor has made the referral to Big Bend Hospice. We stopped at Shands on our way home so Dallas could see his doctor and returned to Tallahassee Monday night.

We are so grateful to everyone for all of their support, thoughts and prayers. But most of all we're so grateful that Dallas has had such wonderful people in his life.


** A special note to all of Dallas' friends. Please come and see him whenever you can.....you're always welcome...day or night. **

-J & S

Defeat of the Platelets

Just as we always knew he would, Dallas definitely stuck it to those stubborn platelets. They were at 271,000 today! He had his weekly trip to Shands this morning which confirmed that his platelet level was still on the rise. He hasn't had a nose bleed in over four days!

Dr. Smith decided that since the platelets were so high he had the green light to begin taking Rapamycin along with the Tarceva he takes daily now. Both are oral chemo treatments which we're hopeful will slow Timmy down.

The numbness in his left side continues as does his neverending appetite, as demonstrated Saturday night during a BBQ with all his friends at the house. We had a nice turn out with about 20 or so people gathered around to eat burgers and play a little Beer Pong. Sunday included boating down at St. Marks.

Dallas is staying in Gainesville tonight to watch the Gators play in the NIT. Hopefully he'll continue to be their good luck charm. GO GATORS!!