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One of my best friends from college met a lovely, beautiful girl. Then, he fell in love with that girl and eventually got married. Since they've been married I've gotten to know that girl pretty well and now I love her too.

After a couple of years of waiting, they decided to have a baby and last February when Amber announced her pregnancy, N and I were ecstatic despite being in the midst of dealing with a two month old CrazyBaby.

A week ago, I found out my friend's baby has cancer. They got the results of her MRI the same day she turned four months old. It was a devastating day for all of us who know and love them.

I can't say enough good things about these folks -- they are truly amazing.

Their daughter, Baby M, has had surgery to remove part of a tumor that infiltrated her spine and was causing nerve damage to her left leg. Yesterday, she started a vigorous round of Chemotherapy.

I've read that the more stubborn and cantankerous a person is, the quicker their recovery and discharge.

Baby M never got to meet her paternal Great Grandma, but they share a physical resemblance, and I'm hoping that's not all. Great Grandma B wasn't someone I knew well, but through my limited encounters and through the stories I've heard from Ryan, I know she was very determined, stubborn, and tenacious. The woman was built on resolve and she was wicked smart.

If the two are anything alike, this baby will beat cancer with energy to spare.

Please keep her in your positive thoughts.