Our life was forever changed in March 2019. My sweet 9 month old baby was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. We were immediately forced into the Childhood Cancer Community. We were introduced to people and non-profits we had never heard of and were instantly forced to rely on the kindness of complete strangers. We met the wonderful staff of ASK in the first few weeks and they have grown to be friends over the last 6 years. ASK provided various things over the years - financial assistance, phone check ins, backpacks of school supplies, trips to the Zoo, pool parties with our Cancer Family Friends, and even summer camp. We had returned to a more calm life after the diagnosis and treatment - Holden started kindergarten, we enjoyed camping, and we found a new love of all things Disney. I love and support the mission of ASK. I even joined the team in August 2022. I had no idea that on May 22, 2024, Holden's birthday, our lives would be completely flipped again. Holden's relapse has been one of the hardest things for us to navigate. We immediately knew to turn to ASK to seek support - they have helped us with bill assistance, check-in texts, care packages, and many gift cards for food in the Hospital cafeteria. The last 10 months have been filled with hospital stays, clinic visits, specialist appointments, and learning how to administer so many different home meds and tube feeds. With Holden’s fragile immune system we have also had to learn about Homebound Education. ASK has educational navigators that have held my hand and helped with every confusing form and question along the way. I could not have made this happen without their help. With the hectic schedule I decided to step away from my job so that someone could permanently fill my place and provide the best care for my fellow ASK Families when I wasn't up for the job. ASK relies on the support of the community to continue to support all of the local cancer families - including my own. Thank you for your support!
Post surgery to get his first central line and start chemo.