My son Will was a vibrant, active, and typical junior in high school. He was living life to the fullest with a rigorous class schedule, working, training for his upcoming senior year of football, participating in many outdoor activities, and enjoying time with family and friends.
On April 24, 2024, Will went in for wisdom teeth removal, and the oral surgeon had difficulty getting his bleeding under control. In a few short hours, including an ambulance ride to the hospital, Will would be diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Will would spend two and a half weeks at the hospital, including the first few days in the ICU as doctors stabilized his bleeding, monitored him very closely, and started treatment. The following eight months would consist of daily visits for infusions.
Much to Will's heartbreak, he didn't get to play his senior season of football. However, the accolades that happened "off the field" filled Will's playbook, including blood drives organized in his name, Orange Out Theme Night, participating in the Cleats vs. Cancer football game, and much more. Will spent the fall of his senior year filling out college applications while sitting in an infusion chair.
The sweetest sound came on January 15, 2025, when Will was surrounded by his doctors, family, and friends and rang the heck out of the bell! The road was not easy, but we hope Will can serve as an inspiration that silver linings are all around a cancer diagnosis.
Will
acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
