Help Carmelo Beat Leukemia

Last Thursday, February 9th, my godson, Carmelo Collazo, was suddenly diagnosed with leukemia and immediately admitted into the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite Hospital to schedule a same day blood transfusion. Friday morning doctors notified parents, Erick and Roxanne Collazo, of Carmelo’s complete diagnosis. Carmelo has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) which is the most common cancer in children. With the blessing of technological advancements and funded research, the increased survival rates give our family even more faith and confidence our strong Melo will show cancer who is boss.   


The Collazo’s are looking at about a 3 year treatment plan to fight this battle and we need all the battalions we can get. Carmelo is four years old and, in fact, two days prior to the devastating news for my family, his mother Roxanne, found out Carmelo was going to be a big brother. Therefore, my cousin Erick, who is far more defined as a brother to me, is standing strong but has a lot on his plate between providing for his family and handling most of Carmelo's needs while also making sure his wife and little one on the way are managing their stress levels and staying healthy. We have been helping as much as possible because as a pregnant mother, Roxanne, cannot handle any of Carmelo’s bodily fluids as they now have chemo in them.


This Monday, February 13th, Carmelo went into surgery to receive his IV port and also undergo a spinal tap procedure. Unfortunately, they found the leukemia cells in his spinal fluid which indicates they are most likely in his cerebral fluid; therefore, they injected chemo into his spine during the procedure. He also got his first IV dose of chemo and a steroid known to melt away these specific cancer cells that night after surgery. All he wanted was a toy and some bacon after such a long day and that’s exactly what he got! Three days later, February 16th, he had to undergo yet a second spinal tap and chemo injection procedure to try and tackle more of the leukemia blood cells found in his spinal fluid. He did well and hopefully he will be released soon to at least be at home between all his future and frequent hospital visits.


Through it all, he has been in high spirits and has been playing with family day and night whenever he is up to it. We are lucky to have a supportive family that shows him nothing but love. After meeting with a social worker this week, Erick and Roxanne were presented with the rough estimate of $25,000 in medical expenses. We will hopefully get a more precise estimate soon and update everyone as this journey unfolds. 
 

As a thank you for any donation, we will be sending out #MeloStrong silicone bracelets. Please include your email and home address if you are interested in receiving one of Melo’s bracelets that will also raise awareness of childhood cancer.




 
As always, please continue to keep #MyHeroMelo  in your prayers for God is providing all the strength needed for Carmelo and his, now, family of 4 to overcome such a monumental adversity of beating childhood leukemia. 



Thank you,


From Carmelo & I