Meet Jaasiel – Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Hope session by Kimberly Cowan Photography | Facebook | Instagram
Meet Braxton – Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Braxton was diagnosed with ALL on July 4th, 2021. Three weeks before the diagnosis, we were told Braxton just had a virus in the back of his throat. It was very painful for him so they recommended doing Tylenol for pain, keeping him very hydrated, and trying cold therapy (popsicles). Well, he never got better so I took him to the ER a week later. They found nothing and sent him home. Another week passed and I just knew something was off. I called a doctor that gave me her personal cell phone number, and she told me to take him in to get checked for intussusception which he ended up having. That cleared up within an hour so they took blood work and found the leukemia blasts in his blood.
I think every major sickness and obstacle in life brings challenges, but I have a very big support system that has made this journey easier. God continues to provide for us! Of course, there are things that have scared Braxton (like being accessed) but even that, he does so well.
I just want parents to trust their gut. When you just know that something is off with your baby, Take them in. What does it hurt? I want caregivers of cancer kids to know that it’s okay to hurt, cry, and scream. It’s painful to watch your child fight for their life. It’s painful to watch your child get all the surgeries, chemo, pokes, lumbar punctures, bone marrow aspirations, and all the other things that involve cancer care. No child should spend more time at the hospital than they do exploring God’s creations. Childhood cancer is hard, but it’s okay to feel all the feelings that come along with it. Cherish every minute you have, cherish waking you every day. Life is so beautiful no matter where it’s spent. Make the best of every clinic day, every hospital stay… and LOVE fiercely.
He handles treatment like a champ. You’d never know he was fighting for his life by looking at him. I pray for peace over him every day. I know God standing with him every time he’s scared.
Hope session by Molly Garg Photography | Facebook | Instagram
Meet Eli – Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Eli is an old soul. He likes goofy things. He’s into Roblox, football, KC chiefs, fishing & playing with friends.
Eli was first diagnosed with cancer at age 1. He completed 3 1/2 years of treatments. In April of 2019, his cancer returned. He is currently in remission and is being monitored closely every month.
His cancer diagnosis has shaken our world 2 times now. As it’s been a struggle over the years we have learned to see the blessings through it all and strengthen our faith.
Hope session by Junebug Photography Studio | Facebook | Instagram
Meet Bo – Leukemia
Bo was diagnosed with ALL in February of 2021. Leading up to his diagnosis, he had an odd bump on his head. No other symptoms/changes. We are incredibly thankful that our pediatrician recommended we see a specialist to biopsy the bump.
He receives intensive treatment at least one day a week and we have to travel an hour and a half for treatments/doctor’s appointments.
Life has changed completely right now given our son’s demanding treatment schedule and the fact he cannot go to daycare right now.
Bo is a sweet, strong, and brave little boy!
Hope session by Lauren Wright Photography | Facebook | Instagram
Meet Angus – Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Angus is a very happy, healthy, energetic 4-year-old boy who thrives on his BMX bike, skateboard and swinging a bat. On Monday, our family was in the snow playing, and by the next day, we had symptoms of some illness- flu-like symptoms-fever, lethargy, paleness, and loss of appetite. After 24 hours of being lethargic, we went from urgent care to ER, to being admitted and then transferred to Rady Children’s ICU. Angus went from 0 to 100 in 24 hours.
Angus’ initial strep throat infection turned into sepsis shock which led to him being intubated for 6 days. After 2 days of testing, we learned the diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with an addition of an immune system syndrome-HLH- where your immune system kicks into overdrive and does not stop, yet starts attacking your own body’s organs. We spent 6 weeks total admitted at Rady Children’s Hospital while attacking all 3 difficult infections and diseases at the same time. We have no nanny care and work things out between us 5 the best we can.
Above all else our brave boy has been through, Angus is THE SWEETEST SOUL! He cares more about others’ feelings than most kids should worry about. He is an empath to the core. He also is the middle man, the only BOY in our family with 2 sisters- one older, one younger…. and the coolest part are that he shares an exact birthday with his older sister on NYE, 4 years apart.
Follow Angus’ journey at #ANGUStheGREAT31
Hope session by Robin Litrenta Photography | Facebook | Instagram
Meet Rowan – Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Rowan was first diagnosed when he was 18 months old, in 2014. He went through 3 1/2 years of treatment, was considered cured, and then relapsed almost 2 years after his cure date. His second diagnosis was when he was 6, in 2020.
He’s currently going through kidney failure. We have had to isolate and be very restrictive about where we can go and who we can see, due to a weakened immune system, and especially since COVID. We have faced psychological trauma and financial crisis.
We are more anxious, and timid, we are closer in some ways and further apart in others. The whole journey has broken our family into pieces and we did our best to hammer the pieces in where we really need them to fit.
Hope session by Shalimar B Photography | Facebook | Instagram