I hate to be the one to bring everyone down with sad news, but I recently received some information on a former student of mine and I can't stop thinking about it. His name is J.J. He is in 8th grade and is 14 years old. After having a stomach ache for a few days, he went to the doctor to make sure it was nothing serious. The doctor gave him some medicine and told him he would be okay. Two days later, he woke up and went to take a shower. After his mother heard the shower repeatedly turning on and off, she went to see what was going on. She found him confused and disoriented. His whole body was turning blue so she called the paramedics. Come to find out, he had a stroke and lost his short term memory, which is why he kept turning the shower on and off. He couldn't remember that he had already taken a shower. His parents were then told the worst news a parent could hear. He had leukemia. The stroke was due to the numerous tumors that were found in his brain. They said that the next week was critical, and they would be lucky if he survived. Thankfully, with lots of prayers, he made it through that week. He is now at St. Jude's undergoing intense chemotherapy. His prognosis is not looking good, however everyone is positive and hopeful.
Our community has really come together over the past week and in addition to lots of prayers and helping the family, we have started fundraisers, benefit dinners, and raffles to raise money to help the family with medical costs. J.J. and his family have a long, difficult road ahead of them so everyone is doing whatever they can to help. It's nice to see the people of this community work together to help out J.J. and his family.
Amy that is terrible news. I cannot imagine what that poor family must be going through, luckily they live in a community that seems so strong that they can come together in a time of crisis. As a future parent I cannot imagine being told that news about my child!
ReplyDeleteHi Amy,
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad situation for J.J. and his family. Your original post from last Thursday mentioned that the next week would be critical. Have you heard any news as to how J.J. is doing? Thank goodness St. Jude's is around to be able to help families like his.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteHe did thankfully make it through. He is undergoing intense chemo right now. We are having a benefit dinner for him next Wednesday. The doctors said he will be in the hospital for at least 6 months.