Colin is 9 years old this year and is in 4th grade. He has an older brother, a younger sister, 2 dogs and 2 cats. Colin enjoys swimming and riding wave runners, camping, biking, cooking, the Wii, board games, and guitar. Although he won’t admit it, he likes school too!
In July of 2008, we noticed a bump on the top of Colin’s head. After several trips to the doctor, we were told that it was a calcified bruise. We thought it was a result of horseplay and accepted the diagnosis. However, we became puzzled when the bump did not go away and grew larger in size. After further investigation and a biopsy, we received the devastating news that Colin had Leukemia. Within 24 hours, Colin began treatment at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. His cancer was in remission after 28 days of aggressive chemotherapy. Colin continues maintenance chemo treatment and is scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2011.
As with most families living with a critical illness, our lives changed dramatically. At first, it was very hard to process what was happening. We found it hard to share the news with Colin and his siblings. Hospital visits, especially during the first 6 months, became routine. Most everything else was put on hold during that time (ex. careers, school, travel to visit family, etc.). We eventually adapted to a new schedule and lifestyle. Today, we are extremely fortunate that Colin’s prognosis is favorable and we continue to pray for him and everyone else that has been afflicted by this horrible disease.
