LOVE LIGHTS A TREE TOOL TO FIGHT CANCER

Four-year-old Lexi Ramsey is celebrating the Christmas season at home this year, the first time since she was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago.

She's playing with Santa figurines and rearranging ornaments on the Christmas tree at home.

Her mother, Marilyn Ramsey, also is celebrating. Lexi's cancer is in remission. The little girl has another year of chemotherapy, but she's thriving.

To celebrate, Ramsey is leading a new fund-raising project for the local American Cancer Society called Love Lights a Tree.

A keepsake ornament is available for a $25 donation to the American Cancer Society. The ornament can be personalized in honor of or in memory of someone. To receive an order form, call the American Cancer Society office at 334-9197.

Last year, Lexi was in the hospital from Nov. 1 through mid-February. She was allowed to go home on Christmas Eve, but she had to be back at the hospital on Dec. 26.

She also was in the hospital at Christmastime the year before. "It was tough," said Ramsey.

To keep in the Christmas spirit, Ramsey hung Christmas lights from Lexi's chemotherapy pumps and helped her cut out pictures of the toys on her Christmas wish list.

This year, Lexi is feeling good and looking forward to Santa's visit.

She has bone marrow cancer diagnosed in 1992. She began limping and within two weeks lost the use of her arms and legs. The first year she spent more time in the hospital than at home.

Lexi has a 75 percent chance that she will remain cancer-free five years after her treatment ends. Her mother says that's a good prognosis for the little girl.

In the time that Lexi has been treated for her cancer, treatments have improved, thanks in part to American Cancer Society research.

Lexi is getting chemotherapy shots at home. She has a new anesthetic cream so she doesn't feel the pain of the needle stick. She also receives a new drug to help control nausea.

"In the time that Lexi has been sick, we've seen so many changes in treatment," Ramsey said. "And she's doing so well. That's why I agreed to do this project."