Five-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Gets One-of-a-Kind “Curbside Pickup" Experience

Vaughn was a healthy baby until he was diagnosed at 11 months old with high-risk infantile leukemia. He was placed on an aggressive experimental infant leukemia protocol, and spent months in the hospital. The side effects of the chemo combined with multiple life-threatening infections nearly took his life a number of times. Over the course of two-and-a-half years, Vaughn endured nearly all of the expected chemotherapy side effects. In addition, he patiently endured endless hours of physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture and infant stimulation therapy.

Thankfully, Vaughn finished his last chemo treatment in November 2018, and he remains in remission. He miraculously has very few lasting side effects from the chemo, surgeries and procedures. According to his mother, Emily, “Vaughn is a true warrior in body and a beacon of light in spirit. His smile is incredibly infectious and his will to live life is unmistakable. Vaughn's healing success is truly a miracle.”

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), a global leader in the fight against cancer, and Burlington Stores, the national off-price retailer, are putting a special spin on today’s popular “Curbside Pick-Up” routines, by surprising childhood cancer patients across the country who think they’re just making a usual trip to their local Burlington store, with a one-of-a-kind gift surprise and celebratory cheer from their local community at select Burlington locations nationwide, including one for Vaughn that took place yesterday in Porter Ranch, CA.

Vaughn’s special “curbside pickup” surprise and all events happening nationwide throughout the month allow LLS and Burlington store associates to recognize and cheer for young cancer survivors and their families in their communities, who need support now, more than ever — all while keeping safe and socially distant! To top it off, each young survivor will be presented with a personalized gift bag and shopping spree-worthy gift card based on their very own interests and personal style.

LLS and Burlington have teamed up for the 19th consecutive year to raise critical funds for life-saving research and cancer treatments. Together, the partnership has raised more than $43 million for life-saving blood cancer research and treatments. This year, funds raised in all Burlington store locations nationwide will not only support LLS’s mission to find cures and help blood cancer patients access the care they need, but also support programs including The LLS Children’s Initiative. LLS’s newly established initiative is setting out to change the course of treatment and care and provides much-needed financial and emotional support to the children and their families impacted by blood cancer. From September 28th through November 30th, Burlington is encouraging customers to donate $1 or more at checkout in its more than 735 stores nationwide.