TeamCaden

My name is Melissa Christian.  Caden, my 16 year old son, developed flu-like symptoms about one month ago.  Although his symptoms of fever and cough improved, he remained fatigued and began bruising in odd places on his body.  I took him to the doctor where they found one of the blood products (platelets) were critically low.  We were transferred to St. Children's Hospital in St. Louis.  Initially Caden was diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) secondary to a virus.  However, all of his viral panels were negative leading the doctors to do a bone marrow biopsy. On Monday March 23rd  the doctors gave us the diagnosis of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia.   This is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that if caught early and treated aggressively has a high cure rate.

We are looking at least one month or more of inpatient treatment with potentially 6 to 9 months of outpatient treatment.

I will be with Caden during his entire treatment and unable to work.  I do not want to leave my child but more importantly  as a healthcare provider my exposure to bacterias/viruses  could make Caden sicker.  He has no immunity and a simple cold could be detrimental.

As the soul source of income for my household it will be impossible for me to pay bills.  I am not one to ask for help but find myself in a scary situation I would not wish on any parent or their children.

Please pray for my son.  They have told us that the first month will be the hardest on Caden.  He has a long road ahead and remains in good spirits.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  After he is better I will diligently attempt to repay the favor in any way I can.