Cody vs Cancer

Any child interested in medicine has had the thought of being the one who finds the cure for cancer. They've probably pictured themselves barring a prestigious research hospital lab coat, or toying with miscellaneous test tubes as a future physician. What has never crossed their mind, nor should it cross anyone's, is that they may end up being the one who needs to be cured. Cody Canavan is a third year medical student at Florida State University Medical school. (He would also probably like for me to mention at this point that he went to the University of Florida as an undergrad and, regardless of his future medical alma mater, will always be a "Gator.") On July 7, three days before Cody was about to start surgical rotations at Florida Hospital, he noticed his right calf was swollen and painful. Knowing more than the average person who would likely attribute this to a pulled muscle, Cody went to an urgent care. He was diagnosed with a DVT, a form of blood clot in his leg and sent to the emergency room for further evaluation. A Cat scan was subsequently taken of his chest after he had onset of chest pain and shortness of breath that showed clots in his lungs as well. But nothing seemed to add up, he had no risk factors and he's never had anything like this happen before. Further blood work obtained on July 9 concluded Cody's biggest fear. He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cancer of the blood and bone marrow), and scheduled for his first chemotherapy treatment on July 16, a week later. There is no adequate way to describe how someone can react to a diagnosis like leukemia, especially in what seemed to be the best time of his life thus far. Somehow though, with the help of his tremendously supportive family and friends, Cody has kept a substantially positive attitude. How someone can be going through chemo yet still be using social media as a source to find out which absurd hair color/ style he should get before his hair falls out, proves optimism at its core meaning. After returning home for a few short days in between treatments, Cody has headed back to Florida hospital, the institution he was supposed to begin his surgical rounds a mere month or so ago, to receive his next round of chemo. Anyone who knows the Canavan family personally has felt the homely, altruistic, and humble affect each of them exhibit. It is truly incredible to witness how a family so strongly bound is able to take each day as it is, all while doing everything in their power to help Cody physically, emotionally, and financially. As there is obviously no monetary amount to place on saving their son's life, the costs of Cody's treatments now and in the future are detrimental. I write this today asking for any donation, no matter how small, to help the Canavan's out during this hardship. We have the ability to alleviate some of the financial burden, allowing the focus to be on Cody's health and future, not hospital bills. The only loans they should be worried about are those to further his medical education, not his cancer cessation. Thank you for taking the time to hear about Cody's story, your donation means the world to him and the rest of the Canavan clan!