Jaxon was diagnosed with High-Risk B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on March 16, 2020, at 19 months old.
Jax had been presenting with cold-like symptoms and was very lethargic. Our once-busy little boy was very tired, sleeping a lot and refusing to walk. Initially he was treated for potential pneumonia, but when
he wasn’t getting better, blood work was ordered. The initial CBC results came back, and his pediatrician called immediately, noting the results were indicative of leukemia because of a high white blood cell count, and low red blood cell count, and very low hemoglobin levels. We were preadmitted to Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center and told to pack an overnight bag and head to the hospital right away.
Jaxon was admitted for 10 days, during which the Leukemia diagnosis was confirmed, a port was placed, and he started his chemotherapy and steroids. During this hospital stay, COVID-19 shut down Pennsylvania. Technically, the hospital was only allowing one parent with pediatric patients, but I was 36 weeks pregnant with Jaxon’s baby sister. Thankfully, the hospital allowed both Jaxon’s parents to stay with him until the baby was born. We were not able to have any visitors.
When he was discharged, Jax was seen in the Hershey Oncology clinic once for treatment. During this time, it was noted that his voice was raspy. This caused the team to hold one of chemotherapy drugs due to concerns for potential vocal cord paralysis concerns.
Jaxon was home for about four days before he spiked a fever. We headed back to the hospital where he was admitted again and treated for bacterial meningitis. He was admitted for 14 days. During this stay, his baby sister, Rylie was born on April 11, 2020! Thankfully, Rylie was born Saturday, we came home Sunday and Jaxon was discharged on Monday!
Jax was in the hospital for the 24 out of 28 days of the induction phase of treatment. Following the first 28 days, Jax was in REMISSION (even after he missed one and a half doses of chemo)!
Jax proceeded through his frontline treatment during the summer of 2020 and had four scheduled inpatient chemo treatments. One of his admitted treatments started on his second birthday.
He was re-admitted in November 2020 for a fever, but was discharged a few days later and finished his frontline treatment!
He started his maintenance treatment in December 2020. This consisted of monthly steroid pulses, oral chemo treatments and scheduled lumbar punctures (which needed a COVID swap before each procedure). During this phase, Jaxon started having trouble with his blood sugar dropping. His daily chemo dose was decreased and there was an additional medication so that his blood sugar wouldn’t drop.
In April 2022, he was admitted for 18 days due to a bacterial infection that needed to be treated in the hospital. When he was discharged, I apologized to him, saying, “Buddy, I am so sorry we had to be here so long.” His reply was, “It’s okay mom, we are going home now!”
Jax finished his chemo on July 14, 2022 (exactly two weeks before his fourth birthday!). All his favorite people came to celebrate his end of treatment with a breakfast party and a balloon drop. Even the local fire department came to wish Jaxon well!
Jax rang the bell on August 5, 2022.
Jaxon is now a happy and healthy six-year-old! He loves playing sports like baseball and soccer. He enjoys spending time with his friends and cousins and loves video games. He is getting ready to start first grade this fall!
To ensure that THON is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, we heavily rely on donor support. These donations provide us the resources to create endless memories for our Four Diamonds families & foster a deep love & connection to our mission for our volunteers through Pre-THON Events, alternative fundraisers, & THON Weekend.
