Donaven’s battle with Leukemia

In March 2021 Donaven started complaining about back pain. We went to urgent care, where they discovered some fractures and we were referred to Ortho specialist. Our Ortho doctor said his fractures were comparable to ones he would see from people that would parachute and come crashing down on their butt, so he was very suspicious that there was a underlying health issue, so he referred us to Hematology and Endocrinology. Further test were done, PET scan, MRIs, CTs, blood work, etc. We were told the PET scan looked fine, but blood work was abnormal. They also found additional fractures in his ribs and sternum. Endo did diagnose him with Osteopenia, but also referred us to Nephrology, GI, Rheumatology and Genetics where they ordered more labs and testing, but couldn’t figure it out. While all this was going on, Donaven’s back pain was getting worse, he started having difficulty walking and became weaker. We also made a couple ER visits and it wasn’t until the second visit July 3rd that the doctor looked at him and knew something was going on, even though all his tests were baseline and couldn’t give them a clear idea, they admitted us and told us that they aren’t sure what’s going on, but they’re going to figure it out!

July 6th Don had a bone marrow biopsy, they found abnormal cells, but still couldn’t get a clear diagnosis, so they sent it out to “a couple of the top pathologist in the US” for additional help.

During this time Donaven lost his appetite and when he did eat, he threw everything up, so he had to get a feeding tube. He also stopped being able to bear weight. This was a very difficult time for a normally very athletic boy whose passion was playing hockey.

July 13th the doctors came to sit down with me, we were told that Donaven has B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia CNS3.

We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers ❤️ I’ve had people asking if they can help and at this time I wouldn’t turn it down. I can’t currently work with him needing 24/7 care and the outpatient appointments with Chemo/ Lumbar Punctures/Physical Therapy. Anything helps towards medical needs not covered, gas, bills anything else Donaven needs.