Palmer is a kind, funny, and loving 12-year-old who loves soccer, golf, his dogs, and all-you-can-eat crab legs.
In December 2020, Palmer was diagnosed with stage 3 Burkitt lymphoma (BL). At the time, Palmer was a 7-year-old soccer-playing first-grader. Palmer’s story started like any normal childhood rite of passage – appendicitis. It looked like a stomach bug that he couldn’t quite get over. After an ER visit and ambulance ride to Hemby Children’s Hospital, Palmer went into the operating room to have his appendix removed. It was during that surgery that they found “suspicious lymph nodes” all over his abdomen. That was the night Palmer was diagnosed with cancer. Palmer’s treatment had to start immediately: five rounds of chemotherapy, multiple surgical procedures, and weeks spent in the hospital. There were many sleepless nights, holidays spent apart, lots of tears, and lots of prayers. Through it all, Palmer has shown strength, courage, resilience, bravery and even maintained his solid sense of humor. In March 2021, Palmer finished treatment and celebrated by ringing the bell.
In May 2023, Make-A-Wish granted his wish of traveling to Hawaii where Palmer and his family celebrated his complete and total healing.
Throughout this experience, Palmer has been supported by his parents and his older brother and best friend, Cameron. Palmer’s extended family carried them through this: grandparents, cousins, church family, close friends, neighbors, and more. Some would drive an hour to the hospital just to wave at him from the parking lot. Others would fill the cabinets and refrigerator at home. Donations poured in to cover travel, meals, and short-term rentals in Charlotte to keep Palmer’s family as close ‘together’ as possible.
Organizations like Claire’s Army provided lodging and hot meals at the hospital. Most importantly, Palmer had the medical dream team through the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic in Charlotte. His oncologists, hospital nurses, clinic nurses, and all the support staff at the clinic and Hemby Children’s Hospital made this experience bearable and survivable.
Today, Palmer is thriving, 5 years from completing treatment with no evidence of disease. He is enjoying middle school, playing soccer and golf, traveling, spending time with his family and friends, loving his dogs, and eating as much fresh seafood as he can. In the years since completing treatment, Palmer has spoken about his journey at many events, from hospital board meetings to a gala with nearly 2000 attendees. Palmer has hosted several blood drives and toy drives for other children facing life-changing illnesses.
Palmer and his family want others to know that cancer does not get the final say, cancer does not get to win. By sharing their story, they hope to say thank you and honor those that care so much for children and their families, including organizations that support children during and after a life-changing diagnosis. Palmer hopes to inspire other kids (and adults) to keep fighting and never give up.
Palmer
Burkitt lymphoma (BL)
