Sophia has a vibrant and joyful personality, finding laughter in jokes and delight in creative activities. She loves swimming, dancing, anything musical, dressing up, baking, and crafting. Her favorite things include mermaids, princesses, and fairies, which spark her imagination and bring her joy.
On September 5, 2024, our daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. Before her diagnosis, she began experiencing pain in her legs, which we initially thought was growing pains. The pain shifted to the back of her knee, causing her to limp. Concerned about a possible knee injury, we scheduled a doctor’s appointment, only to discover it was leukemia.
Currently, she has no major limitations but will soon begin wearing a backpack for treatment in November. Her journey so far has included a bone marrow biopsy, two lumbar punctures, lab work, chemotherapy, and medications. Adapting to this new reality has been a challenge as we work to create a safe environment for her at home while also caring for her healthy 2.5-year-old sibling.
Our family life has significantly changed. We are now living a more isolated “bubble life,” similar to the precautions taken during COVID-19, to minimize exposure risks. We’ve limited visitors in our home, and our daughter is no longer attending 4K, with her activities adjusted to avoid crowded settings.
Caspian is a bright, curious, and joyful little boy with a love for cars—especially Hot Wheels, which he takes everywhere. His best friend is a dragon stuffed animal named Georgie. Incredibly intelligent, he began reading at just 2.5 years old and will be turning four in October. Caspian can read anything you give him and asks thoughtful questions to fully understand what he reads. He also enjoys singing, dancing, and spreading smiles with his vibrant personality.
Caspian was diagnosed with cancer in December 2022. Leading up to his diagnosis, he experienced a constant fever, bone pain, and lethargy. Due to his condition, he avoids big crowds because he’s immunocompromised. He also tires easily and occasionally feels nauseated.
His treatment journey has included port placement, regular lumbar punctures, various types of chemotherapy, medicines to manage side effects, blood transfusions, and numerous tests. These treatments have been tough on Caspian and his family. His mom took a year off work to care for him, and while she recently returned, adjusting has been challenging. Their lives have been turned upside down, filled with hospital trips, stress, and trauma, profoundly altering their outlook on life.
Through it all, Caspian has shown immense bravery during treatment. He adores his nurses and doctors, who have been a big part of his journey. His resilience and courage inspire everyone around him.
Abram loves Spider-Man, his big sister, dinosaurs, and being outside!
Abram was sick with what we thought was a cold for 2 months, after many doctor visits and blood tests he eventually stopped walking. He was diagnosed with leukemia on September 22, 2023.
He has had several lumbar punctures and has to receive chemo every 10 days. It has taken a mental toll on me for sure seeing my baby go through this.
When Abram was diagnosed, we were in a different state for my husband’s job and ended up having to come back to Texas. So he had to quit his job.
Joey was diagnosed in July 2021 with ALL and relapsed this year on Labor Day. He will get treatment at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis and Philadelphia Children’s Hospital for CAR T trial.
Before his diagnosis, he had bruising, increased drowsiness, lack of appetite, couldn’t walk far, and pale skin. His PCP assumed it was a bacterial infection but we fought for lab work because something else seemed off.
Throughout this journey, we have learned that family always comes first.
Carson was diagnosed with leukemia in April 2022 when he was 3 years old. He completed treatment in July 2024 and just started Kindergarten! We are hoping he can be a normal kid and we can celebrate!
Before his diagnosis, he was pale, not eating, and lethargic. When we had lab work done, it was discovered it was very low and he had to have a blood transfusion. The following day we found out it was due to cancer.
He has had numerous lumbar punctures, chemotherapy, steroids, heparin injections (he threw a blood clot), inhalers (due to his low immune system he kept getting sick), hospitalizations for oxygen, and port surgery. It was a balance when he couldn’t be in school/daycare for 9 months and he has an older sister that was impacted.
In the fall of 2023, we thought Adalyn was anemic and did blood work to confirm but found out it was very abnormal. We were sent to the hospital right away.
We are in the first cycle of long-term maintenance which is 18 months long for Addi. Addi has an NG tube for her meds that she refuses to take due to the taste, which has to be changed every month. Also, she gets a lumbar puncture every 3 months with chemo into her spine.
We were facing money issues with treatment bills and therapy for both our kids but we are in a better place now. We have had to lock ourselves down with money and no traveling. We were going to Disneyland every quarter and we liked to travel a lot. We have moved in with my parents to help save money to buy a house.
