Declan Joseph King's Fight with Leukemia

Almost six years ago now, we were blessed by the birth of our youngest child Declan Joseph King. While always open to life and God’s plan, this 40-plus-year-old man (and his beautiful younger wife and other children) were so happy to welcome another addition to the family. Probably still spoiled like a youngest can and should be, he’s also been our toughest. Always a scrapper, he’s held his own with his older siblings – willing to take on a 16-year-old if needed, and for the most part he’s been a very healthy young boy. That said, in late spring of this year he started complaining of pain in one of his legs. We monitored it and took it seriously, especially when we weren’t getting answers…

As many of you have learned, after a handful of doctors’ visits, our baby Declan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.), on June 2nd. We immediately started the normal induction phase in the hospital for almost a week, and then out-patient for the next few weeks, and have seen improvements, but it seems he is in the higher-end risk of the normal range, than we first thought/hoped. So, now, a month-and-a-half in the consolidation phase is much more intense: lumbar punctures (spinal taps) weekly, sometimes four chemo drugs in the same day, and all the now-routine meds – none of which is fun. But he remains a fighter! For his forth birthday 6/29, all the kids and mom and dad got a boxing glove pendant, as a sign of and in support of Declan the fighter. He is fighting and we know he can win, with God’s help.

Following is a link to the blog we will use to provide weekly updates on Declan’s progress, some photos, and hopefully his fun too: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/declanking

Over these first weeks, our family and friends have been extremely generous. We cannot thank you enough. And we apologize for not getting back to, thanking, and talking with all of you who have reached out. It is already overwhelming, both the struggle and stress, but also the outpouring of love we have felt. Thank you!

We don’t know the financial burden yet that this will likely bring upon our family. We know we will have normal, and now out-of-system, deductibles and costs, but we also know there will be many unanticipated costs over this next two-and-a-half-year journey with our little boy. It is likely Declan will need some special attention, other than the full-time invaluable care of his mom at home, postponing her planned return to work for a couple of years, (i.e. nursing if needed, given other health concerns in the family and our work schedules, as well as having family out of town come in to help, and other non-medical help around the house, etc.).

After talking with multiple friends, who sadly have gone through this too, we were advised to put the goal at $30,000. Anything will help to defray the financial burden of this challenge. All donations will reside in a special fund for Declan’s benefit. If, and hopefully when, there are funds that exceed his needs, we will gratefully assist other children. Please know your appreciation for your prayers, support, and sacrifice at this difficult time. Thank you for everything and know of our prayers for you. St. Declan of Ardmore, pray for our Declan! St. Joseph, pray for our Declan Joseph!

In Christ,

Brent and Amy King