Isabel May Turse was born on May 8, 1999. She was the first of four much loved children born to Elisa and Joe Turse. Isabel lived a happy and healthy life her first two years. She became bruised and lethargic after her second birthday, but the pediatrician repeatedly sent us home without any testing. We took Isabel to Children's Hospital on our own where she was quickly diagnosed with advanced leukemia (ALL). Isabel's course was not an easy one. She had surgeries, eye and bone marrow relapses, radiation and chemotherapy. Isabel was strong and smart. Her persistence allowed her to succeed when others would have given up.

Isabel loved stickers, Strawberry Shortcake, lollipops, Taco Bell, and Hello Kitty. Cinderella was her favorite princess. Isabel never was without a purse with writing paper and pens for her planning, thoughts and drawings. She loved blueberries, corn on the cob and strawberries. The strawberry plants in her garden still bloom with sweet berries every year around her birthday. Isabel loved to help in the kitchen and watched cooking shows. She always wore dresses and cardigans with a pink headband. Isabel danced ballet and pushed her physical limits with karate, soccer and yoga. She loved movies and created "tickets" for movie night at home. Isabel loved to shop for clothes, accessories, paper and pens.

She was generous, kind and loving, yet spunky for her petite stature. Isabel loved her family and loved to twirl her Mom's hair for comfort. She never met her youngest brother, but one of his first words was Bel.

On November 20, 2005, at home with her Mom and Dad in bed with her, Isabel breathed her last breath. We love and miss Isabel every second of every day. She is forever in our hearts.

Written by: Elisa & Joe Turse