After six months of frequent hospital and doctor visits for unexplained fever, weakness, and changes in John's activity and personality, an ultimatum to his primary care pediatrician led to a blood draw. Finally, after so much unknown, we had an answer, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This was May 24, 2022, exactly one month prior to John's 7th birthday. The news allowed us to understand, however, it also threw the entire family into chaos. We immediately endured 11 days of inpatient treatment and multiple procedures. John was strong but very scared and confused. Add to this, John is an identical twin. Donald, his twin, could see changes in his brother and his life but couldn't grasp what was happening. Why was their birthday canceled, why was John so moody, and why was John getting so much attention? The life changes had just begun, and we, as a family, leaned on the community for support. While many people do not know what to say or do, they try. As John continues to fight, his twin must be tested monthly for leukemia. Keeping faith in family and community continues to drive us forward on the long journey.
Story written by family member.
John
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
