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