The Beginning

It was on June 5, 2013 that we found out that Everett has Leukemia. It was a moment in time that Jeff and I will never forget. Fortunately, in the midst of blood tests and cuddling our sick boy, Everett's older brother, Ben, began singing and talking to the doctors and nurses. Ben came alive when the rest of us were falling apart. I'm thankful that Ben can't truly grasp what is happening. It enables him to be a ray of light when the rest of us need it.

We knew something was wrong with Ev about a month or so leading up to this, but nothing made sense with what we knew. Cancer was not on the radar. We went through common issues that kids have and nothing added up. Then, tiny red spots (petechiae) began to multiple on his legs and spread towards his belly and arms. He also was bruising very easily and was increasingly lethargic.

I talked with my sister-in-law who is a nurse and she had a suspicion in her mind, so she told me to go see our pediatrician. We did and our doc sent us to the nearest hospital for blood tests. From this point on we were just waiting for someone to tell us what was wrong so we could get started on healing this little boy. We were sent by ambulance to Riley Hospital for Children. More tests were given to provide a concrete diagnosis once we were there. It was also here that we almost lost Ev. He was anemic, his platelets were very low and he had a respiratory infection. I will spare any further details. We were thankful that he came around and proud that he fought the first fight so well.

We spent the next few days in ICU. But after the life changing news and horrific night, we have had a lot to be thankful and hopeful for; his respiratory infection was healed, he did well for the bone marrow aspiration, his response to chemo was great and we've been at home for 3 days now.

We are forever grateful and thankful for all the help, prayers and thoughts that have been sent our way. We could not have come this far without the help of others. Many people have asked how we have even managed to get through this past week...I'm not really certain myself. One day at a time and with love and support.