Emilia was diagnosed when she was 2 1/2 years old on July 15, 2016. Just two days before, she was complaining that her feet hurt. It rapidly progressed to a very swollen leg and her complete refusal to walk. Our pediatrician had us go to the emergency department where they drew blood and three short hours after arriving at the ER we received her diagnosed, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
To say our world was turned upside down doesn’t even explain the impact. Emilia took every step in stride, and if you ever need strength or encouragement you can just watch her. She has had no major side affects from treatment and she has loved learning about all things medical. She gets tired easy and is slower than other kids her age, but chasing behind them doesn’t bug her. She does everything she can to keep up.
The biggest obstacle to overcome on this journey has truly been our commitment to maintain a normal life for both our girls. They are both vey aware of cancer and chemo, but to them, it’s like a cold and cough syrup. We are very cautious of germs and try to keep healthy. Our family is committed to not letting cancer take Emilia’s childhood or push Avery, her sister, to the backburner.
Cancer has been a huge speed bump in our lives. We have learned to make changes in our routines and taught us a lot of hand hygiene, but our number 1 rule is still the same… have fun! Trying to navigate doctors appointments and medications has certainly been a lot, and managing the daily anxiety over illness prevention is overwhelming to say the least. I have said many times that cancer is something I would have never asked for in life, but it has brought our family many things. It has built us stronger when we felt like crumbling, it has brought some of the most amazing people into our lives, it has taught us that there are far bigger battles to fight than many we were willing to fight before diagnosis, but most of all it has brought an appreciation to the little things in life.
We are inspired by Emilia and her courage, joy and spirit. Knowing that some days she is injected with multiple chemotherapy drugs, and then later that same day we are admiring the beauty of the quiet trees and playing chase while collecting countless belly giggles makes you appreciate everything you have. It makes you respect and honor the fighters. Cancer is a journey we never wanted to take, but it has given our family strength, admiration, courage and a new perspective on life had we not been given this journey.
Jaden is your typical loving corky little boy who loves family. His little brother and cousins love to be around him because he always finds a way to make them smile
He is extremely talented with electronics and loves to figure new things out. Jaden loves doing anything or nothing at all as long as he is surrounded by his family and friends. He is perfectly happy sitting on the couch watching T.V, playing board games or getting out and about riding bikes….it doesn’t matter the activity, its the company he gives.
On Mother’s Day weekend in 2009, our world changed. Jaden was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or ALL. He has been through chemo, blood transfusions and all the procedures required while in treatment.
I had to quit my job in order to tend to his care, this caused a lot of financial stress on our family. His diagnosis has changed our family life. We appreciate the small things and are able to roll with the punches. He has truly taught us that anything is possible and you can get through anything with a smile on your face.
Jaden has celebrated his 5 years as a survivor in July. This is a huge milestone and we could not be more prouder of him! He has shown strength and courage through it all. Even after treatment Jaden had a big battle ahead of him to catch up with everyone his age. He still had some side effects of forgetting things and learning new concepts, even learning to read at his class level. However, with determination and consistency he has proven that there is no challenge he can’t take on. Jaden is now at his reading level, has completed level 9 swimming and currently looking to go for the Bronze medallion. He has taken his love for electronics and applied it to his math subject to help him better understand the one subject he has struggled with the most. Our nick name for Jaden is ” Little Soldier” because he has been an absolute soldier through this entire journey and continues to accomplish the impossible.
Amina is a fun, loving, smart girl. She loves to sing, dance. She is always posting videos on Musically and Snapchat. She loves riding her bike because she just learned at age 9 how to ride it. She loves the outdoors, being with her cousins and with her me, her mommy. Amina is an amazing girl that loves being a kid even though she missed out of so much while she was sick.
In the spring of 2013, Amina was having tummy pain, leg pain and sleepless nights. She also had bruises on her shins and was feeling tired. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or ALL. Amina has had 2 surgeries, to place and remove port. Amina has had many spinal tabs and chemotherapy treatments. She has been hospitalized and has had to take chemo pills. She received numerous blood and platelet transfusions. Amina had her 2 year off treatment anniversary on June 10th but she is currently going to check ups every 3 months.
Amina’s cancer diagnosis has definitely changed our family life in every way. I constantly worry about her being in school…getting hurt or sick…I feel like I’m over protective. The worry doesn’t go away.
After a few sore throats and fevers, Haley was diagnosed with Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia or MPAL on November 14, 2014. MPAL is a combination of both cute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This type of Leukemia is rare and usually affects adults but can present in anyone. It can be a bit harder to treat since there are two different types of Leukemia cells present. This is Haley’s second time having Leukemia. She relapsed on June 9, 2017 and she needed a bone marrow transplant.
Haley’s six year old brother, Jaylen, was her match. As you can imagine transplant day was a very long day that was full of emotions. Haley’s parents were full of nerves having both of their children undergoing procedures on the same day but the word of the day was most definitely COURAGE.
It started with Jaylen. For being only six years old I have never seen such bravery. He was determined to not show an ounce of fear. He was incredibly courageous leading up to his donor procedure and his parents showed immense composure until he was lead back to surgery. I gently excused myself and let them have their “moment” together. I simply could not let myself invade their privacy. It was simply too raw.
Haley has a spunk and sass that is completely endearing. This is not her first rodeo and she knows what is coming. She is brave, courageous, strong and smart as a whip. You aren’t going to pull one past this one.
The mood of the day was one of celebration that Haley was receiving what could be her life saving transplant. But underlying of course was that element of knowing that Mom & Dad have two children that were going to be suffering because of it. Jaylen came out of his donor procedure hurting. It took him much longer than expected and in pain. Of course there was also the knowing that this was the beginning of a very long a hard road for Haley.
Oh yes… and interesting fact. This all happened on the day of the eclipse. I truly believe what happened that day was far more important and life changing than and eclipse of the sun!
Dakota loves CARS! It is his favorite thing. He even answers he is doing great in the race when someone ask him how he is doing. He loves saying he is in the grand prix. He has such an amazing laugh and he is a great brother. He loves playing with his little sister (18months) and big brother (7Years old). He loves to swim and you can always make him happy by taking him to the water!
Our story begins with his little sister having a 15 month check up. At the appointment I noticed swollen lymph nodes on his neck asked the pediatrician to peak at him… expected nothing but to our surprise he was diagnosed with Pre B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). He is in active treatment and has had multiple emergency surgerys on kidneys along with lumbar and bone marrow biopsy every 2 weeks.
Childhood cancer changed our life as a family. I am a RN who had to take leave with no pay for several months. The financial hardship is a huge part. At times we are all seperated for months or days at a time. Dakota is fighting for his life. His battle became our battle. And we are all fighting every day now. Watching my son suffer is the worst thing I have ever had to endure.Through it all, Dakota has shown how much of a warrior he is. He puts others first. He draws pictures for the other kids at the clinic to try and make them smile.
On 4/17/15, at 9 years old, Paige was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Before her cancer diagnosis, Paige was silly and spunky and almost a little selfish. As you would expect any 9 year old girl to be. Her cancer journey, while never dimming her light or stealing her spunk, calmed the selfish. She’s become one of the most selfless, caring, compassionate people I know.
For 2 and a half years, Paige has been receiving chemotherapy. She’s undergone at least 15 spinal taps, had countless needle pokes, had minor surgeries, lost all her beautiful hair, multiple hospital stays and….she’s endured it all with grace, strength, and her unwavering smile. When her counts were low, and she couldn’t go outside, she spent her time reading, coloring, making ALL kinds of arts and crafts, painting, snuggling her puppy and watching YouTube.
Now that she is out of her protective bubble, she’s thoroughly enjoying getting to hang out with her friends, playing softball, enjoying middle school, riding her bike, going shopping, getting her nails done…and still reading (she LOVES Harry Potter) and watching YouTube.
This entire situation has changed all of us. While Paige was going through all of this, it was easy to sometimes view life with the half glass empty. But when you watch your child stand strong and ENDURE, it makes you appreciate everything. Every smile, every giggle…Every hug and I love you.
We are a household full of positivity now. Our cup runneth over!
Paige began her cancer journey a terrified, 9 year old, little girl with a lot of unknown lying ahead of her. On August 8th 2017, Paige, now 11 years old, will received her FINAL chemo treatment. On August 24th 2017, she will take her FINAL dose of oral chemo before bed.
Though she will still have to get monthly lab work done for the new few years, on August 25, 2017 she will get to go back to just being a kid again!
