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Mom to Mom with Morgan Arrington

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Mom to Mom feb RRP
RiverRegionDerm DigitalFull Jan

Tell us about your girls and what makes them unique.

Morgan: Sarah (12) is a voracious reader. So much so that she regularly is asked to put away her books at school. She enjoys playing basketball. Anne Phillips (9) enjoys running. She impressed us all when she participated in Girls on the Run in April 2024 after walking again using her crutches to complete the entire race. She also plays basketball and is committed to not letting her amputation hinder her physical activities. Millie (5) loves school and is having a wonderful time in Kindergarten. She is learning and hand sewing with her grandmother and has finished two pillows.

What was it like when your daughter Anne Phillips was diagnosed with cancer?

Morgan: We took her in for a check-up after 10 nights of regular complaints of knee pain. The pain was confusing because she was very active and involved in gymnastics. It was hard to understand how she had pain when we could see her move so limberly. We honestly expected to hear news of some impact-related injury. Her tumor appeared on a basic x-ray, and we were referred to Children’s of Alabama. After several diagnostic exams, Anne Phillips was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her right distal femur. We learned that pediatric cancers are first treated with standardized protocols, so we opted to pursue treatment in Birmingham so we could maintain as much contact with our other daughters and utilize our family support system.

How did Anne Phillips and your other girls handle the experience?

Morgan: The surgery recovery and remaining chemo treatment were about as awful as you might imagine they were. However, Anne Phillips tackled this obstacle with a good sense of humor, a patient demeanor, and an inner drive to move past it as quickly as her body would allow. She has always had a great sense of humor, and it shows with her newest prosthetic leg. It has a pickle pattern, and she named it Diane. She is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Our other two girls handled this experience with strength and selflessness.

How was your support system during this time?

Morgan: We are so grateful to our parents and extended family for stepping in to give Sarah and Millie as much normalcy to their routines as possible. My husband and I would both go to Birmingham. The chemo treatments were given as in-patient treatments, so on average, in five weeks, we were at the hospital for three weeks with a few days home here and there. It was chaotic!

What have you and your husband learned throughout your journey as parents?

Morgan: My husband and I have gained a new perspective on parenting and life through this experience. Being faced with the reality that one of your children is sick and that you have no direct way to help forces you to look at the role you serve in their lives. We have embraced the idea that there are many adventures to embark on and meaningful moments to share as a family. We learned about living from a suitcase in 2023 and we took that lesson with us into 2024, taking six family trips. We’ve begun to view the time between quarterly scans as a green light and are trying to ensure we maximize that time as a family.

How do you and your spouse stay connected?

Morgan: Although we both have busy schedules and demanding careers, we try to find the time to ensure our foundation is healthy and nurtured. Quality time together is vital not only in our marriage but also in our parenthood. We strive to ensure we are a united front for our girls.

What does self-care look like for you?

Morgan: I enjoy searching for hidden treasures at estate sales and antique stores during my free time. I’ve also recently become a big fan of podcasts. With our recent travels, I’ve also tried to tap into my high school and college language studies and brush up on Spanish.

What is the most rewarding part of being a mother?

Morgan: I love seeing the girls grow into their personalities. I feel like all three entered this world with a specific sense of self. It is so fun to get to know them in new ways as they mature. I enjoy embracing their individual characteristics.

Rapid Fire Questions

  1. What’s your favorite indulging dessert? Pecan pie
  2. Do you prefer summer or winter? Winter
  3. What’s your favorite podcast? Organize 365
  4. What’s a bucket list adventure? To spend a summer
    exploring Europe by train with my husband and the girls while
    having a “base” of operations somewhere in Central Europe.

Morgan Arrington works as a sole practioner in local government law, currently serving as Covington County Attorney. She is married to McMillan Arrington, an entrepreneur serving on the board of BastCore, Inc., based out of Montgomery. They have three daughters: Sarah, Anne Phillips, and Millie.

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