Help Gabe Beat Cancer Again
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Twelve years ago, when Gabe was just a day older than one, doctors diagnosed him with Leukemia. The family endured the nightmare of their third baby having to fight for his life against cancer. The treatments lasted until Gabe was four and doctors were finally able to deliver the news that the cancer was in remission. As the years passed they celebrated the likelihood that the cancer would not return (it becomes much rarer for a relapse after 5 years). Now 13 years old Gabe is a happy, spunky kid who loves his family, pets and video games. After so many years, Gabe and the family hardly thought about his ordeal with cancer anymore.
Then everything changed just before Christmas this year. Gabe started to have worsening and debilitating back pain. After failed attempts to alleviate the pain an orthopedic doctor confirmed that Gabe had three broken bones in his spine. This finding caused his pediatrician to order blood work which revealed abnormal platelet and white blood cell levels. After talking with the oncologist, they determined Gabe should be seen as soon as possible.
The day after Christmas Gabe was admitted for a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. That night the results confirmed Gabe has Pre-b cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the same one he had as a baby. Because his cancer relapsed, it will be treated more aggressively this time around. The treatment begins with one full month in the hospital with strong chemotherapy. Doctors have already installed the chemo port in Gabe’s chest and begun treatments. The overall treatment protocol will last about 2.5 years.
Gabe’s parents and siblings are adjusting to be with him as much as possible. Gabe’s mom works part time as a nurse and homeschools the four children while also teaching two classes at a Catholic co-op. Gabe’s dad is the primary earner for the family and works solely on commission. He works more hours than anyone I personally know but will have to cut way back to be there for his family. They will have large medical deductibles to meet for the treatments in 2019 and the coming years. Your generous support will help Gabe’s family get through this prolonged treatment period and allow them to dedicate the time needed to Gabe’s recovery.
Please visit Gabe's CaringBridge Site for the most recent updates: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gabemcgovern
Then everything changed just before Christmas this year. Gabe started to have worsening and debilitating back pain. After failed attempts to alleviate the pain an orthopedic doctor confirmed that Gabe had three broken bones in his spine. This finding caused his pediatrician to order blood work which revealed abnormal platelet and white blood cell levels. After talking with the oncologist, they determined Gabe should be seen as soon as possible.
The day after Christmas Gabe was admitted for a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. That night the results confirmed Gabe has Pre-b cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the same one he had as a baby. Because his cancer relapsed, it will be treated more aggressively this time around. The treatment begins with one full month in the hospital with strong chemotherapy. Doctors have already installed the chemo port in Gabe’s chest and begun treatments. The overall treatment protocol will last about 2.5 years.
Gabe’s parents and siblings are adjusting to be with him as much as possible. Gabe’s mom works part time as a nurse and homeschools the four children while also teaching two classes at a Catholic co-op. Gabe’s dad is the primary earner for the family and works solely on commission. He works more hours than anyone I personally know but will have to cut way back to be there for his family. They will have large medical deductibles to meet for the treatments in 2019 and the coming years. Your generous support will help Gabe’s family get through this prolonged treatment period and allow them to dedicate the time needed to Gabe’s recovery.
Please visit Gabe's CaringBridge Site for the most recent updates: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gabemcgovern
Organizer and beneficiary
Lisa Smith
Organizer
Celeste, TX
Nicole McGovern
Beneficiary