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On May 7th, 2022, we received life changing news that Gavin has leukemia. He was admitted to Boston Children’s Hospital and within two days had a bone marrow biopsy, lumbar puncture and his first dose of chemotherapy. In a matter of weeks our sweet, healthy, sports loving boy’s world had turned upside down.
After Gavin’s bone marrow biopsy was analyzed, he was diagnosed with Philadelphia Positive Chromosome Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Only 3-5% of children diagnosed with ALL have this type of chromosome rearrangement. The research being done at Dana Farber (and beyond) is critical for rare diagnoses like Gavin’s.
Gavin was in patient at BCH for 6 weeks and since being discharged has been receiving out patient treatment at Dana Farber in the Jimmy Fund clinic. He will continue to go between BCH and the Jimmy Fund regularly for the next 2 years. Adjusting to our new normal has not been easy but we are extremely grateful that BCH and the Jimmy Fund are so accessible to us.
In the 3 months since Gavin was diagnosed he has had bone marrow biopsies, lumbar punctures, IVs, chemotherapy, nausea/vomiting, a PICC line, x-rays, CT scans, feeding tubes, blood transfusions, platelet transfusions, seizures, an ICU stay, MRIs, an EEG, a CPap, port surgery, fevers, ER visits, endless blood draws, and many daily meds. The care Gavin has received for these expected and unexpected parts of this journey has been second to none. From the doctors and nurses to the social workers and child life (and everyone in between), BCH and the Jimmy Fund have always made sure Gavin/us are informed and comfortable with what is happening.
Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana Farber and the Jimmy Fund are now integral parts of Gavin’s life and our family’s life. We want to reciprocate the amazing support we have received and will continue to receive. Please consider donating to our first Jimmy Fund walk.💛