On October 17, 2023, my life took a turn I never saw coming. My doctor sat me down and told me, "You have leukemia." It felt like the ground had shifted beneath my feet. I was scared, couldn't believe it was happening, and had no idea what the future held.
On April 6, 2021, we heard for the first time, “We think it's leukemia.” As I watched my boy jumping on the neighbor's bounce house enjoying the first warm spring afternoon, my mind went to one simple question, “Why him?” Up until that point, our then three-year-old, Henry, had been the happiest and healthiest toddler.
When I was just under two years old, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). My brother was born just a few days later, and it became an extremely difficult time for my family. Because I was so young, I do not remember most of my treatments that lasted until I was almost five years old.
I was diagnosed at two and a half years old in December 2003 at Valley Children’s Hospital. Some early symptoms that I had were paleness, unexplained fevers, and extreme fatigue. My babysitter noticed my naps were getting longer and longer as the days passed, and I was taken to my pediatrician because of the previously mentioned symptoms.
I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) one month before finishing my freshman year of high school. It was shocking and devastating to me and my whole family. I had to leave school, be hospitalized, and begin intense chemotherapy immediately.
My concerns began to rise when I noticed some spotting/bleeding between cycles that would last for 10 minutes or less. Additionally, I also started to experience slight abdominal cramps first thing in the morning.
Thursday night I found myself amidst a sea of people. Alongside me were survivors, family members, and friends. The atmosphere was one of unity, with banners and signs reminding us why we walked.
In September 2014, just shy of four months after college graduation, I was blindsided sitting in the emergency room at Duke Hospital.
On March 28, 2018, my husband brought Riley, my sweet, spunky six-year-old, to the emergency room for unbearable leg and hip pain, so unbearable she could no longer w
My world changed forever in April 2021. Life was going so well . . .