I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on Christmas Eve 2017 when I was 5 years old. A couple of high fevers, a headache and stomach pain brought me to the ER. My hemoglobin and platelet counts were virtually zero. I spent a month in the hospital initially where I had numerous hemoglobin and platelet transfusions, surgery the day after Christmas to install my port, bone marrow aspirations, numerous spinal taps and my first of many months of chemotherapy. I was also on high dose steroids for the majority of the first month which fatigued my muscles to the point where I could not even walk. As a five year old at the time, I was glad Santa Claus did manage to find me in the hospital. As well as all my family and friends which significantly brightened my spirits. There was a constant parade of visitors and presents in my hospital room.
Missing out in activities as well as school was very difficult for my 27 months of intense chemotherapy treatment. Two weeks after I took my last dose of Chemotherapy and finally “rung the bell” for the end of treatment, COVID hit. Since I was still immunocompromised for another year post treatment I had to continue to miss out on a lot of the things I enjoyed for yet another year. For almost my entire Elementary School years cancer treatments and staying safe during COVID dominated my childhood.
I am now an eighth grader who continues to cherish my health and is enjoying everything life has to offer. I enjoy dance especially Ballet as well as riding my quarterhorse Hedwig. I also enjoy playing my violin in my middle school’s orchestra. I am looking forward to starting High School next Fall and hope to focus my studies in the areas of math and science.
Last February I was moved from “in remission” to “cured” status from ALL. I hope to continue to live my life cancer free.
Organizations like St Baldrick's are essential to finding cures and better treatments for childhood cancer. Please consider supporting St Baldrick's so that one day no child has their childhood robbed by cancer.
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