Havalah Jones Cancer Bills (#HopeForHavi)
Donation protected
In June 2020, Havalah and Ryan were thrilled to discover that they were pregnant! They were so excited to welcome a little one into their family. Things looked as good as can be expected during the first trimester, with the usual sickness and fatigue. However, Havalah started feeling more and more physical drain to the point she was lethargic and would nearly black out when standing up. During Havalah and baby's 4-month check-up, abnormalities were discovered in Havalah's blood. More samples were taken and sent to specialists, then to an oncologist who discovered the abnormality to be Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
What does this mean?
- Acute: This means that the disease has a rapid onset, and moves and grows quickly. Often associated with very distinct symptoms due to the severity of the disease.
- Lymphoblastic: This means that it affects the lymphoblasts, or immature white blood cells, in the blood and bone marrow.
- Leukemia: This is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow over-produces immature and/or abnormal white blood cells.
Havalah was rushed to LDS hospital in Utah where, due to the rapid nature of this disease, doctors recommended immediate and aggressive treatment. They also recommended that the best option moving forward was to terminate the pregnancy. After much deliberation, Havalah and Ryan made the excruciating decision to follow the recommendations and terminate the pregnancy so that Havalah's body could focus on fighting this awful disease. This was the most difficult decision that either of them have ever had to make. In just a few short days, Havalah had been diagnosed with a severe form of cancer, and had lost her first baby. Near the beginning of her pregnancy, Havalah learned that her baby was the size of a tiny poppy seed- from that point forward, baby has been lovingly referred to as Poppy. We see Poppy's life as a miracle and a blessing, and instrumental in discovering Havalah's cancer. We love Poppy and look forward to the day when we get to meet this sweet child.
Phase 1 of Havalah's treatment started on September 18th when she was diagnosed and admitted to the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. Here, she underwent her first chemotherapy treatments, multiple bone marrow biopsies, and spinal taps. Due to her compromised immune system she was not able to leave her small hospital unit; and due to COVID -19 restrictions she was not allowed any visitors except for her husband, Ryan. They felt the love and support of all who sent letters, packages, and prayers their way. Havalah spent just over a month in the LDS Hospital and was able to leave on October 22nd. Phase 1 was very successful! The treatments helped Havalah rid her blood of the cancerous cells, so now the focus moves to correcting the issues in her bone marrow and the production of abnormal white blood cells.
Phase 2 of Havalah's treatment is set to begin on November 9th. Havalah and Ryan made the choice to proceed with phase 2 in Maryland to be near Havalah's family. Havalah will receive world-class care at Johns Hopkins Cancer Center. Ryan was blessed to find a part-time job in Maryland to provide for their necessities, however caring for Havalah will continue to be his number one priority. Please continue to send prayers and good vibes their way as they move into this next phase.
There are 6 phases of treatment, spanning the course of roughly 2 years, if everything goes smoothly. Havalah and Ryan have endured so much, but they have so much more ahead of them. They need your help to be able to continue to focus on Havalah's treatment and recovery. Your donation will be used to pay for chemotherapy treatments, hospital stays, their move to Maryland to be close to Havalah's family, and to supplement Havalah and Ryan's income over the following months. All donations, big or small are extremely appreciated!
If you'd like to stay up-to-date with Havalah's progress, consider following or liking the "Hope For Havi" Facebook page. When you send uplifting messages, encouragement, or advice be sure to use #HopeForHavi. Thank you!!
What does this mean?
- Acute: This means that the disease has a rapid onset, and moves and grows quickly. Often associated with very distinct symptoms due to the severity of the disease.
- Lymphoblastic: This means that it affects the lymphoblasts, or immature white blood cells, in the blood and bone marrow.
- Leukemia: This is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow over-produces immature and/or abnormal white blood cells.
Havalah was rushed to LDS hospital in Utah where, due to the rapid nature of this disease, doctors recommended immediate and aggressive treatment. They also recommended that the best option moving forward was to terminate the pregnancy. After much deliberation, Havalah and Ryan made the excruciating decision to follow the recommendations and terminate the pregnancy so that Havalah's body could focus on fighting this awful disease. This was the most difficult decision that either of them have ever had to make. In just a few short days, Havalah had been diagnosed with a severe form of cancer, and had lost her first baby. Near the beginning of her pregnancy, Havalah learned that her baby was the size of a tiny poppy seed- from that point forward, baby has been lovingly referred to as Poppy. We see Poppy's life as a miracle and a blessing, and instrumental in discovering Havalah's cancer. We love Poppy and look forward to the day when we get to meet this sweet child.
Phase 1 of Havalah's treatment started on September 18th when she was diagnosed and admitted to the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. Here, she underwent her first chemotherapy treatments, multiple bone marrow biopsies, and spinal taps. Due to her compromised immune system she was not able to leave her small hospital unit; and due to COVID -19 restrictions she was not allowed any visitors except for her husband, Ryan. They felt the love and support of all who sent letters, packages, and prayers their way. Havalah spent just over a month in the LDS Hospital and was able to leave on October 22nd. Phase 1 was very successful! The treatments helped Havalah rid her blood of the cancerous cells, so now the focus moves to correcting the issues in her bone marrow and the production of abnormal white blood cells.
Phase 2 of Havalah's treatment is set to begin on November 9th. Havalah and Ryan made the choice to proceed with phase 2 in Maryland to be near Havalah's family. Havalah will receive world-class care at Johns Hopkins Cancer Center. Ryan was blessed to find a part-time job in Maryland to provide for their necessities, however caring for Havalah will continue to be his number one priority. Please continue to send prayers and good vibes their way as they move into this next phase.
There are 6 phases of treatment, spanning the course of roughly 2 years, if everything goes smoothly. Havalah and Ryan have endured so much, but they have so much more ahead of them. They need your help to be able to continue to focus on Havalah's treatment and recovery. Your donation will be used to pay for chemotherapy treatments, hospital stays, their move to Maryland to be close to Havalah's family, and to supplement Havalah and Ryan's income over the following months. All donations, big or small are extremely appreciated!
If you'd like to stay up-to-date with Havalah's progress, consider following or liking the "Hope For Havi" Facebook page. When you send uplifting messages, encouragement, or advice be sure to use #HopeForHavi. Thank you!!
Organizer and beneficiary
Brandon Jones
Organizer
Idaho Falls, ID
Ryan Jones
Beneficiary