Donna Lubell Quirke-Hornik¹ (F)
b. 20 July 2005, d. 19 October 2009
Pedigree
Family_Line=Q

     Donna Lubell Quirke-Hornik was born on 20 July 2005 at Chicago, Illinois, daughter of Jeremy Hornik and Sheila M. Quirke.¹ She was ill with a discovered brain tumor on 22 March 2007 at Children's Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Avenue & Fullerton Parkway, Chicago, Illinois.² She underwent surgery for her brain tumor on 26 March 2007 at Children's Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Avenue & Fullerton Parkway, Chicago, Illinois.³ Donna celebrated her second birthday with mother Sheila. She underwent second surgery for her brain tumor on 25 July 2008 at Chicago.³ She Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:54 PM, CDT
There is so much in my head right now, so much to say and to write, but I am tired. Soon, I will write more of what is in my heart.

I think there is some confusion based on a few phone calls we've had with friends and family the past couple of days. We will continue treatment with Donna; we are not at the complete end of the line right now. But it seems that the most realistic outcome is that Donna will die from her cancer in a matter of months. There is such a disconnect when I write that, when I say that, when I think that, but it is the truth. A new regimen of oral chemotherapy will start most likely on Monday. There was discussion with Dr. Stew of it providing a few extra months perhaps. It was also recommended we meet with a palliative care team while Donna feels well. That will be set up next week.


Today, though, she is good. Her Auntie Carol is visiting and brings much joy to our home. We've had visits and playdates from Auntie Sharon and Co., Patience, Kate and Lily and Jason and Rebecca and Willa, and our lovely neighbors George, Katrina, Isa and Baby Cat. Our days are full. Tomorrow is bowling. Donna is looking forward to it. Her smile is bright and easy. It is always easier to be with her than away. Nights are hard. The dreams are intense.

Thank you for the messages and support. Please keep it coming. We rely on them more than you know.
Much love.
Sheila.
On 11 June 2009.⁴ She died on 19 October 2009 at age 4.⁴ She was buried on 21 October 2009 I don't quite know how to start. I am tired and my fingers are a bit shaky as I type this. Want so much to share all that has transpired since Donna's death, but it is impossible. We are beyond grateful and held by the outpouring of love and support to be found on this site. Thank you.

For folks information, there will be a private burial for our girl on Wednesday. An open memorial service is to be held at the Elliott Chapel at Presbyterian Homes in Evanston on Saturday, 31 October at 10:00 a.m. Halloween seems fitting somehow. Donna's obituary will appear in Wednesday's Chicago Tribune. We haven't put pen to paper on that and you all know how important words are to Jeremy and I. Tomorrow.

More than a few folks have already asked about donations to Donna's scholarship fund. In lieu of flowers, we have identified three worthy causes that we will detail tomorrow, all near and dear to Donna's life. Too tired right now.

And to my girl, I felt you today. I'm listening and I heard. We'll meet you there. Much love. Donna's Mama, Sheila.⁴

Last Edited=25 Oct 2009