McKINNEY - When their first child was born prematurely at little more than 3 pounds, Staci and Justin Cook never imagined that one of their children could face a greater challenge.

"People say, 'I don't know if I could handle it like you do.' But once you become a parent, you know there's nothing more important than your children," Mrs. Cook said. "It's a situation where running away and giving up just isn't an option."

Julianna, markedly mature and patient, sports a glittery pink "P is for Princess" shirt. She's a princess in only her belongings - not in attitude - she insists.

"Yuck!" she confidingly leans forward and chirps seven times in 90 minutes, mostly in reference to "the green medicine" she used to take. Crush 'em, eat 'em or swallow 'em - it was no trouble for her.

At almost 7, Jamison is developmentally about 2 and exhibits autistic tendencies. He forms limited sentences and sometimes talks to himself. He cries a great deal and hunts attention, though the Cooks say that's nothing new.

And Reagan - to whom her parents try to devote equal attention - is content playing with toys on the floor, being the child without medical woes.

Julianna completed chemotherapy about a week ago and is in remission. Her wavy, strawberry blond hair is growing back. Pills left over from her prescriptions were given a celebratory flush down the toilet.

The Cooks have forked over $20,000 out-of-pocket on Julianna's care - for which they still owe "quite a bit." Insurance has paid more than $100,000. They have toted Julianna to countless doctor appointments.

"We can withstand a lot more than other people can. If something devastating were to happen again, I have no doubt we'd be able to get through it," Mr. Cook said.

Ms. Inman acknowledged that she was uneasy at first. Would Julianna stand out? If so, would other children need an explanation? In reality, Julianna looks like every other girl in her class - only with slightly shorter hair.

Shelli Phillips lives in Allen and is Staci Cook's sister. She began watching the Cook kids three years ago so none would need day care. She admires her sister "to all extremes."

"I've had many one-on-one conversations with my sister. There's been many times she's been upset and real down - normal emotions," Ms. Phillips said. "I think this makes them stronger as a family. They can get through anything if they can get through this."

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