Latest news with #AcuteLymphoblasticLeukemia
USA Today
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
‘Is this real?' How Disney makes wishes come true for critically ill kids
Jamie Martinez didn't imagine her family on a Disney vacation in Hawaii. 'I didn't picture my daughter going to the beach again, swimming again,' the Los Angeles mom said. Her 6-year-old, Luciana, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, medulloblastoma, in January of last year. 'When something like that hits your life out of nowhere, the last thing you're thinking about is doing something like this,' Jamie said. 'We were just thinking about that specific moment and how to bring her out of that.' Each day, families with critically ill children face hardships most people can't imagine, but Make-A-Wish can. For more than 40 years, the nonprofit has been granting their kids life-changing wishes through partners like Disney. 'They were the only ones thinking about the future,' Jamie said. 'They were able to picture that for us.' Disney is Make-A-Wish's largest wish grantor, fulfilling more than 165,000 wishes since the first official wish for then 7-year-old Frank "Bopsy" Salazar at Disneyland in 1981. Most of those are park-related. Disney Experiences Chairman D'Amaro serves on Make-A-Wish America's national board of directors and his niece is a Wish alum. At a Star Wars-themed Wish event at Disneyland last year, he told USA TODAY, 'We've been thinking about how can we continue to make these experiences even more immersive, even richer, even more memorable for these Make-A-Wish kids.' This spring, Disney properties around the world did just that for scores of families like Luciana's during Disney Week of Wishes and Aulani Wish Week. The royal treatment Nearly 50 Wish families were treated to a two-day Once Upon a Wish Party at Walt Disney World in Florida. Lilly Fernandez of Chester, New York, chose Disney World 'because I wanted to see the castle and the other Disney princesses. And I got crowned princess, so now I'm not just Lilly. I'm Princess Lilly!' The 6-year-old has been battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia since March of last year. Her mom, Heydi, said Lilly takes her chemotherapy 'like a champ,' but it's been tough. 'We have some good days and some bad days." The Disney days were good ones. 'It was so magical, and I was like, 'Is this real or am I like just asleep?'' Lilly said. 'I danced, and I was playing with Pluto. And I was pretending to be a squirrel, so he was chasing me.' The kids were treated to a royal ball, a pajama party and other special surprises. 'Just seeing Lilly happy and just for that moment, it just felt like we were in a dream,' Heydi said. 'I'm sure that a lot of parents felt the same, where they saw their kids happy, being that they have gone through maybe months, maybe years of going through what they're going through with their health.' Give Kids the World: This Florida resort gives critically ill children the chance to just be kids A hard journey A post shared by Make-A-Wish Oregon (@makeawishoregon) 'This journey, honestly, in day-to-day life, it is hard,' said Linda Pham of Beaverton, Oregon. 'My son can be fine right now. The next day he can be in the ER fighting for his life.' Her 5-year-old Raiden has UBA5, which UMass Chan Medical School describes as an ultra-rare neurodegenerative disease. 'Think of cerebral palsy that can get worse over time and causes epilepsy, as well,' said Raiden's dad, Tommy. 'And his brain ... it's kind of like frozen in time. Maybe it's like a five, six-month-old.' Raiden also can't control his body and is non-speaking, but his dad says they're closer to getting gene therapy. At home, Raiden's parents take turns caring for him around-the-clock, with help from their 7-year-old, Jordyn. Linda and Tommy also juggle full-time jobs and work on the Raiden Science Foundation, which they started to raise awareness and funds for rare disease research for kids. 'We never really have a moment together as a family, so this week has been incredible,' Tommy said. They chose Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii for Raiden's wish because he loves the water, and Linda said he giggles like a baby whenever anything Disney is on TV. The Phams shared laughs and reconnected on the trip. They also connected with other Wish families. 'Having a family that understands and to be able to relate to when they're there, it just makes you part of a community, too,' Linda said. Full of hope Luciana's family knows the importance of community. 'That reminder that there's someone else looking after you, that you're not alone, that is huge,' Jamie said. Make-A-Wish gave them something to look forward to, at Aulani. "It brought us out of all that routine of going to the hospitals, going to every appointment,' Jamie said. 'Like you're able to picture again how your life was, but now with a different sense of view that's full of hope.' What she didn't imagine was that Luciana would be done with cancer treatment and in remission by the trip. 'I go to the pool and dance, said hi to Moana and Stitch,' Luciana said. 'And then I went to a luau. I went to see the sunset.' The pool was her favorite, but she called the whole experience exciting. "That filled our hearts so much,' Jamie said. Make-A-Wish America says 87% of alumni consider their wishes a turning point in their treatment and 99% of doctors say wishes help ease the family's traumatic stress. Any child being treated for a critical illness may be referred to Make-A-Wish by their parents, legal guardians, family members with detailed knowledge of their current medical condition, medical professionals, social worker or child-life specialists.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nurse gets ready to draw blood—what this 5-year-old says through tears leaves viewers in awe
Reece is five years old. He sits on the hospital bed with tears clinging to his lashes, his small frame stiff with fear. A nurse gently prepares the materials for yet another blood draw—one of many he's endured over the course of his cancer treatment. And then, through shaky sobs, Reece begins to speak: 'You're okay. You're brave. You can do this.' The words come out haltingly at first, like he's reminding himself how to breathe. His voice trembles, but it doesn't break. With a determined little fist pump, he adds, 'Heck yeah! Just do it. Yeah boy! That's what I'm talkin' about.' It's a moment that has struck millions online. Captured in a now-viral TikTok posted by his mom, Morgan Handley, Reece's pep talk delivers a powerful emotional gut punch wrapped in internet sweetness. For any parent who has watched their child face something painful, it's deeply familiar. This is bravery in real time: scared, tearful, but moving forward anyway. Reece's courage shines brighter when you understand the journey behind it. At just three years old, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer. (According to the National Cancer Institute, it accounts for about 25% of all childhood cancers in the United States and occurs most often in children aged 1 to 4 years.) Since then, blood draws like this one have become a biweekly ritual—a necessary, but often painful, part of his treatment. Related: How to raise our sons with a full emotional life—from vulnerability to strength The road hasn't been easy. According to Upworthy, his family has navigated the ups and downs of immunotherapy and the side effects that come with it, from rashes to the challenges steroids can bring. Despite this, Reece's resilience remains unshaken. His treatment is expected to conclude in July 2025, when he will ring the bell, a cherished milestone signaling the end of his cancer journey. But while the 'ringing the bell' moment is often celebrated as a victory, the path there is paved with days like this one. Blood draws, needle pokes, and medical tests aren't rare interruptions; they're routine for Reece and many families facing childhood cancer. Related: This mama's honest post about childhood cancer is going viral and it's heartbreaking What makes Reece's pep talk so powerful is how deeply it reflects the emotional tools he's internalized over time. His mantra captures the delicate balance between fear and determination that so many kids experience in hard quiet self-coaching is no accident. Morgan Handley, Reece's mom, shared with Upworthy that their family has long practiced pep talks and emotional encouragement, turning those words into a kind of armor. Over time, Reece has absorbed these scripts and rituals, learning to face pain with resilience. Experts in child development note that young children often internalize the emotional tone set by their caregivers. When parents model calm encouragement and use consistent emotional scripts—especially during repeated stress—it can help children feel more secure and build resilience over time. Reece's courage is, in many ways, a reflection of the love and steady guidance that surrounds him. Related: How to teach kids about cancer—from a Certified Child Life Specialist Watching your child face pain and fear is one of the hardest things a parent can endure. There is often no way to take the discomfort away—only to sit beside it, soften the edges, and help your child walk through it. Behind moments like Reece's are countless hours of emotional scaffolding. Parents like Morgan Handley are managing medications and appointments—and also nurturing resilience, one bedtime pep talk, one calming breath, one whispered 'you can do this' at a time. Related: A letter to new cancer moms They build emotional toolkits: mantras that ground, breathing exercises that regulate, stories that reframe fear. They validate their child's pain while gently offering strategies to move through it., even when their own hearts are breaking. Reece's pep talk may sound simple, but it carries the weight of this emotional labor. It's the echo of every time he's been told he's strong, brave, and not like his grows through practice and love—not something we're simply born with. The outpouring of love and support for Reece has been overwhelming. Commenters from all walks of life are cheering him on: Luv2laugh: 'I didn't see cancer right away! My son had stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma and was in heart failure, he was 16 and had a 10% chance and he is a healthy 22 today!! This guy is gonna be great!! What a great attitude!! Sending love and prayers!!' Dia D: 'How can I love him so much and never met him? Token8885: 'Please tell him he is the most bravest lil guy ever!! ' Biochemgeeek: 'A positive attitude goes such a long way in cancer treatment! So proud of this little dude!!!' Dani: 'What a beautiful little boy! Wishing him lots of blessings and hoping everything turns out great. He's a fighter, he's going to grow up to be an amazing man. ' Related: 6 simple ways to teach kids emotional intelligence (that you're probably already doing) Reece's story shows us how resilience can be quietly built day by day, with love, encouragement, and emotional support. For parents navigating difficult medical journeys with their children, it's a reminder that the scripts we teach, the mantras we share, and the patience we offer all become tools kids carry with them. Related: 4 ways to support challenging behavior in kids, from a Speech Language Pathologist
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Metro Atlanta 4-year-old finishes cancer battle that took more than half his life
After spending more than half of his life battling cancer, a 4-year-old metro Atlanta boy has finished his treatment. Austin Herre rang the bell at Children's Arthur M. Blank Hospital this week after 854 days of treatment. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] His mother said he was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) at just six months old more than two years ago. ALD is a rare disease that affects 1 in 17,000 people. It's a neurological disorder that affects the adrenal glands and brain and causes long-chain fatty acids in the brain, which destroy the protective myelin sheath around nerve cells responsible for brain function. In January 2023, he was also diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. TRENDING STORIES: This metro Atlanta city is ranked No. 1 on new 'Best Places to Live in the U.S.' list Keisha Lance Bottoms makes it official, announces run for Georgia governor Parents sue after they say 6-year-old daughter was racially attacked at school: 'It's disturbing' That same year, he was able to visit a Cherokee County fire station to see some fire trucks and was named an honorary firefighter. Members of the Cherokee County Fire Department reunited with him to be at the ceremony marking the end of his treatment. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lee's Summit West student passes away after battle with Leukemia
LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. — Lee's Summit West High School is mourning the loss of Keaton Miller, a junior student and wrestler at the high school. Miller, 17, passed away after a year-long battle with Leukemia. on April 25 at Journey Church International in Lee's Summit. New 52,000 square foot sports facility in Lee's Summit set to open Miller had undergone a bone marrow transplant earlier this year and was recovering but recently had to be admitted to intensive care. Other Lee's Summit West sports teams held several fundraising events over the past year for Miller and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia research. Principal Kayla Maid confirmed his death in a letter sent to families, adding that grief counselors will be at the school this week. 'Titan Families, It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Keaton Miller, a junior at Lee's Summit West High School, passed away this afternoon after a courageous year-long battle with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Keaton was a beloved member of our Titan family. He was a proud member of our wrestling program, a dedicated student, and a young man whose infectious personality left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Even during his treatment, Keaton remained connected to his classmates and teachers, showing strength, optimism, and unwavering love for the Titan community. This is an incredibly difficult loss, and we recognize the deep emotional impact this may have on our students, staff, and families. Tomorrow, we will have additional counselors and mental health support available at school for anyone who may need someone to talk to or process this news with care and compassion. If you are concerned about your student and would like one of our staff members to check in on them, please complete this form. Additionally, this district resource provides helpful information on supporting individuals through grief. You may find it useful as you navigate this difficult time with your student. If you have any questions or believe your student would benefit from additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out. With care, Kayla MaidPrincipal, Lee's Summit West High School' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lackawanna County residents rally for 20-year-old cancer patient
THROOP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local college student is in the fight of his life, battling cancer. Lackawanna County residents are rallying around him as the 20-year-old is now in search of a blood stem cell donor. All week long, there are swab events to help find a bone marrow match for Eddie Kaufman. The 20-year-old Mid Valley alumnus has been battling leukemia since the fall. 28/22 News spoke with his dad and friends earlier Tuesday about Eddie's diagnosis and the race to find him a match. 'I would like to be the one to help him out, potentially save his life… we've been best friends since preschool,' Eddie's friend Jaden Carroll explained. Carroll, a Sophomore at Penn State Scranton, says he's hopeful he is a bone marrow match for his lifelong friend Eddie Kaufman. 'It was shocking, I mean it just goes to show that it could happen to anybody because I thought that was the healthiest, most athletic kid I knew,' Carroll explained. After starting his second year at Roanoke College last fall, the standout baseball player was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cold case arrest after body found in garbage bags on I-80 'He had gone back to school in Virginia. He called and said he's got some swollen lymph nodes and something's going on, and that was the first sign there was an issue,' Eddie's father, Brian Kaufman, said. The diagnosis is a form of cancer that impacts blood, tissue, and bone marrow. Months into the fight, Eddie is now in search of a blood stem cell donor. 'They warned us going in that 70% of family members are not perfect matches, and we fell into that 70%,' Brian continued. Family and friends are now pushing to find the Mid-Valley alum a perfect donor match. 'Everybody just kind of came together and decided that we should find this match for Eddie,' said Eddie's Friend Emily Deoliveira. Contractor sued for alleged 'subpar' work, violations Through the National Marrow Donor Program, the community is holding several swab events across Lackawanna County. Anyone ages 18 to 40 can be a potential donor; all it takes is a simple cheek swab. For potential future matches, 90% of donations are non-surgical and are as simple as giving plasma. 'There's a lot of people out there that need a bone marrow transplant, and 22,000,000 people are in the database. It sounds like a lot, but it's not enough,' Brian added. 'We're getting a lot of love for Eddie, which is really, really nice,' Deoliveira said. Team Eddie K is growing locally and beyond. The swab results take about one to two weeks to come back. There are also campaigns going on in Virginia, Georgia, and New York. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
