My Patient Hero... a fight for children with Leukemia...

Katie, my "Patient Hero", is a beautiful 3 year old currently fighting this difficult disease. On June 28, 2001, Katie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (A.L.L.). As her parents sat listening to the doctors at UNMH, they couldn't see how this could have a happy ending. Katie had always been such a happy girl - full of energy and life. Suddenly, at age two, she was sick and weak. A few weeks ago, Katie struggled to overcome what should have been a simple case of the flu - but, not so simple when your immune system is weakened by the side effects of chemo. Katie went through two rounds of oral methotrexate as well as a spinal tap with intrathecal methotrexate, vincristine, and a week of steroids. The amount of intrathecal methotrexate had been increased due to her age and her parents think that the increase of the chemo in combination with everything else, especially the steroids, caused her side effects to be worse this time around. As usual, she was very cranky and hungry but had nausea and vomiting on top of it all. The steroids are slowly leaving her body and she is getting back to normal. Katie and her family now have a couple of weeks off with only her normal nightly chemo and antibiotics to take. They are all very grateful for the break.

Today, one year later, Katie is back to her happy healthy self. At this time, she is in remission with no sign of leukemia cells in her blood or spinal fluid. Though in remission, Katie will continue to receive treatment for another year and a half. Katie's family is so thankful for all your support and prayers. They feel that they couldn't have made it through this past year without them.

"God has taken such good care of Katie and has given her and our family strength beyond imagination. As we look ahead to this next year and a half of treatment we ask for your continued prayers."

Katie's Mom (June 29, 2002)

Photo (above-left): Katie and big brother Luke.

Photo (right): Katie celebrating her third birthday in March.