Aiden is a very active 4-year-old. He is very smart, funny, strong, and brave. He has beautiful energy and spirit. He loves Hulk and the Avengers.
It was normal for Aiden to have some bruises on his shins due to his level of consistent activity. However, in the first week of June, my husband and I started to notice more, different, looking bruises, in odd places for bruises. Like any mom, I immediately scheduled an appointment with our pediatrician, and while we were there, his pediatrician ordered blood work, as a precaution. Aiden sat and watched the blood being taken from his arm like a champ, and we joked that he definitely didn’t get his weak stomach from his Mom who has all kinds of uneasiness and lightheadedness with anything medical-related, including bloodwork. Later that evening after being at the pediatrician earlier that day, we noticed another bruise, on his stomach, and felt bumps underneath the skin. Now, I panicked and began feverishly googling what it could be to give myself a diagnosis, but came up empty-handed because the only symptom was bruising.
The next morning, June 8th, my stomach was turning, still unsettled about what I had googled, what it could be…blood disorder, or something worse. So, I turned to my husband, and said, “I’m taking Aiden to the ER”. And at that exact moment, my cell phone rang, it was Aiden’s pediatrician, telling me to get to Phoenix Children’s Hospital ER right away, as his white blood cell count was at 80,000. After hours of tests at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH), my worst fear became a reality, as Aiden was diagnosed with Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and was on a high-risk protocol due to his white blood cells being over 50,000 at admission.
Aiden has been just like The Hulk through it all. From starting out being very anxious, nervous, and shy, to slowly adjusting to his weekly clinic visits for chemotherapy, getting his vitals taken, and his blood and platelet transfusions. He still does not like getting his port dressing changed, but who would! He thinks physical therapy is fun! Needless to say, Aiden has taught us to live in the present and focus on each day as its own, new day. Aiden’s beautiful spirit, happiness, silliness, and strong-willed character fills our hearts with joy every single day.
We remain strong and optimistic that Aiden will make a full recovery, and are extremely grateful for all of the love, prayers, and support we have received from so many of you. Words cannot express our gratitude.
Hope session by Jessica Juniper | Facebook | Instagram