We are proud to call Charlotte Jean (CJ) our daughter. We love her to little pieces and our dog Broadway can’t wait for her to come home and play once again.
Charlotte loves to walk around the neighborhood and our yard. She would be perfectly happy to play outside as much as she can.
She was diagnosed with M7-Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), also known as acute megakaryoblastic leukemia, on September 11, 2010. She was 27 months old at the time. We created this blog to update family and friends on her condition, treatment and road to recovery. She will likely be confined to her hospital floor for 90% of the next 7-9 months while she undergoes chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions and bone marrow transplant, and tries to rebuild her immune system without the leukemia cells.
To complicate matters a wee bit, Amy had our second child, Molly Louise, on November 20th, 2010 So we will be watching over both Charlotte and our newborn for a few months here in the hospital until Charlotte can return home.
Please consider thinking of us in your prayers during this difficult time.
Lon and Amy Elske.
CJ Elske's blog 
Dear Charlotte (and Mommy and Daddy), precious child, you are in our prayers throughout each day. We pray that Jesus will hold you in His arms, that He will protect you, that He will fill you with His calming peace and love. We ask Him to cover you with His grace and mercy just like a blanket all around you. May He give you into the charge of His angels to guard and keep you. And may He speak words of healing and encouragement and hope to you all! You are in our hearts and in our thoughts and most of all, you are all in our prayers. Love, Dan & Patsy Roe
Dear Charlotte & Mom and Dad,
I heard about you from your GrandMother Jean at Comm Memorial Hospital your Grandma and I started talking and she started to tell me all about you Charlotte and your Grandma is very proud of you. My own daughter faught hard against the Cancer Monster too. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers sweet girl and remember that tomorrow will be better then today. Keep on kicking the cancer Monsters butt and you will be as good as new soon.
God Bless you all
Suzie Meyer
Charlotte is an amazingly empathetic, intuitive and inquisitive child. She has an uncanny ability to know how to interact with children and adults of all ages. Charlotte is a forgiving child who very much enjoys having all of her loved ones with her, whether she is feeling good or not so great. If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet her in person, the pictures on this site do capture a lot of the beautiful qualities that make up Charlotte’s personality. We love you Charlotte, and can’t wait for the day when you and your baby brother or sister come home to stay! Aunt Lynn, Uncle Bret & Cousin Drew
Dearest Charlotte, Amy and Lon;
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray for strength, encouragement and some peace during this long and difficult road you will be on. God be with you.
Heidi Endicott
Dear Amy, Lon and my precious Peanut:
Be assured you hold a special spot in my heart and can turn to me for help, guidance, and lots of hugs. Please take care of yourselves and ask whenever you are in need.
Cheryl Batterman
Amy and Lon,
The day you placed Charlotte into our arms was a day of such joy and love. Charlotte continues to fill our lives with love, total unconditional love. The day we heard the diagnosis our hearts were ripped apart and we felt such despair for our “Tooty” Thank you for this blog, it gives us a peek into your day while we have to be back in Jackson. We will be with you soon to give you hugs and Charlotte can “snuggle” with “Gam-ma”.
Love all of you–you are in everyone’s prayers.
When i heard the name Broadway, I know who you are, as I think you walked passed our house the other day, funny how the good Lord put you in our path. I will get right on it and include you in our prayers. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Charlotte, and you new little one coming soon.
To my Amy Girl, Lon and Charlotte,
My heart and soul is with you everyday.
Charlotte is blessed to have you as her Mommy and Daddy.
Amy you are a loving, kind, patient and a strong person
and Lon, I love you for taking such good care of Amy and Charlotte. Every morning I read your blog and it gives me great comfort to know that Charlotte is getting such excellent care. Sending hugs to you all.
Love Aunt Mary Beth.
Hi Amy, Have been keeping you in my prayers since I heard of Charlotte’s prayer. Mary
Charlotte:
You are a beautiful little girl and such a brave fighter! 13 years ago, our daughter Abby fought AML and won. You can too! You have so many people behind you. Best wishes to you and family!
Amy and family,
I wasn’t aware what your family is going through. Beautiful, beautiful little girl. My thoughts and prayers are with your family on this difficult path you have ahead of you. If you need anything please ask.
Leesa Handrich
Lon & family,
I know it has been years since we’ve seen each other or spoke but I heard about Charlotte in church (Zion), when we prayed for her last week. I am so sorry for all that your family & Charlotte have had to endure. Please know that we are praying for all of you. If there is anything we can do to help your family (besides pass the word & donate blood – which we will obviously do) please let me know. Hope to see you in December in Clyman – the ‘ole stomping ground.
Take Care!
Dearest Amy,
I’m not even sure if you remember who I am, but I certainly remember you as a cute, little girl. It was not by accident that I crossed paths with Grandma Jean at CMH this morning, where I heard the news about your sweet, little Charlotte. I can’t even imagine how it must feel to receive such sobering news, but I know that you are people of faith. And because of that, Jesus, who knows your every hope and dream, is going to sustain you through every minute of this. He has His ear to your heart and is holding Charlotte in His lap through it all. He knows how this story will end, and I know He hears our cries for her recovery. Please know that I will be asking for prayer from all of our family and many Christian friends, who will gladly join me in begging the Lord for a happy outcome. We are standing with you and your family, and Charlotte’s name will be on our lips until Jesus chooses to finish His plan. You are one blessed daughter to have such a wonderful mom. “TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTAND. IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATHS.”
Congratulations on your new baby girl. I’m sure Charlotte will be a great “big sister.”
Your in our heart and prays. I work with Your Grandma Jean
We just became aware of Charlotte’s health problem through an email message from Jeanne. Our prayers are with you at this time. I’ll always remember the good times we had at Barkus’ Reort. Of course, you were a little girl then. You were a very close knit family and I’m sure this is a big help in getting through these difficult times. Love and Prayer, Gert & Bob
Hello My Name is Nicki and I am a general manager at Cardinal Ale House in Columbus. Someone told me about you and we are doing a Red Cross blood drive in Columbus on October 27th. We would like to do it in Honor af all the local kids that have leukemia. Could you please contact me at 623-1997 if you would or wouldnot like to be involved in this. You could also e-mail me if you would like at nickibraker@bowlcec.com
Thank You,
Nicki Braker
General Manager
Cardinal Ale House
920-623-1997