Fiona's Medical Fund

On February 6, Matt and I noticed that Fiona was limping. We could find no sign of injury and thought she had pulled a muscle or twisted her knee. On February 9, she was still limping and had also started running a fever, so I took her to the pediatrician. We were told she had toxic synovitis, which is an inflammation of the joints accompanied by virus-like symptoms. During the following week Fiona's fever subsided, but she still could not walk and was beginning to show other worrying symptoms including loss of appetite, increased tiredness, and a few strange bruises. On Monday, February 15, I brought her to our pediatrician and explained her symptoms. The first thing our doctor did was draw blood for a blood count. She found that Fiona's white blood cell count was very high and her red blood cell and platelet counts were very low. After checking Fiona, the doctor told me her liver and spleen were also enlarged. She told me that based on the symptoms and the blood count she was suspicious that Fiona may have leukemia and she sent us straight to the Palmetto Health Children's Hospital. At the hospital, the doctors did another blood count and told us that Fiona needed to have a bone marrow aspiration so they could officially diagnose her.  On Tuesday, February 16, Fiona had a bone marrow aspiration done and the doctors confirmed that she has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Over the course of the next week at the hospital, Fiona received several blood and platelet transfusions, had surgery to implant a porta cath in her chest, had a spinal tap, and received two chemotherapy treatments.

Fortunately, this type of childhood cancer is treatable and curable. However, this is going to be a long and difficult road of treatment and recovery for Fiona. The first month of treatment includes weekly chemotherapy  as well as several medications we have to give Fiona daily at home. After the first month, she will have another bone marrow aspiration to see how much of the leukemia is left in her blood. This will determine how intense her chemotherapy treatments will be over the course of the next 6-8 months. As long as all goes well during the next phase of treatment, Fiona will be in a maintenance phase after the 6-8 months of chemotherapy. The maintenance phase will last two years. Fiona's prognosis is positive so far, but she still has at least 2.5 years of treatment and monitoring ahead of her. 

This fundraiser is to help  cover the cost of medical bills for Fiona's treatment. At this point we really don't know how much this is going to cost, so our goal may change as we get further into the process. This diagnosis has changed things for us in many ways. Fiona's immune system is extremely low right now as a result of the chemotherapy treatments. Because Fiona needs constant care during the treatment process, Matt has decided to stay home to make sure that Fiona is taken care of with the least amount of risk to her health.  Our expenses are increasing, meanwhile we are down to one job supporting the family.  Any donations to assist in the cost of Fiona's medical care would be immeasurably appreciated.

We are so thankful for the support, prayers, and encouragement we have received from family, friends, and coworkers. It is such a blessing to know that Fiona is covered in love and prayer and that so many people are watching over her and supporting her recovery.

We thank you all for everything you are doing for our family.