On May 11th, 2022, JD was admitted to the ER for pain in his leg after what was assumed to be a routine pediatrician visit. After extensive tests, the doctors determined JD had a 10 cm tumor attached to his adrenal gland and diagnosed him with stage four neuroblastoma cancer which had spread to most of his body with the exception (thankfully) of his vital organs. JD was uprooted from preschool and remained at the Children’s Hospital of Orange (CHOC) for the foreseeable future.

 

In their second week admitted at CHOC, doctors provided the Hammersley family a treatment plan spanning a minimum of 15 months that included inpatient chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to remove the tumors. During the extensive inpatient procedures, JD’s parents Tricia and Todd are the only visitors allowed at CHOC due to COVID protocols, and at least one parent stays with him 24-hours a day.

 

JD started his first round of chemotherapy on May 20th, and his second round on June 12th. He has been able to spend approximately 9 days at home since they went to the ER just a short month ago. When home, JD enjoys being around his five-year-old brother Ethan who is learning how to navigate this new normal just like us adults. Ethan is a phenomenal big brother, making sure JD always has what he needs and is entertained while recovering.

 

We are creating this fundraising page to aid in providing JD with the best care and treatment plan possible. For many families as well as the Hammersley’s, this means a long road of financial pressures including the loss of income, additional medical bills, additional supplies for special needs and care, prescriptions, and everything in between.

 

As the Hammersley family must be extremely careful about JD’s health while he is home between chemotherapy sessions with a compromised immune system, they unfortunately cannot have visitors. However, they sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support in the form of meals, cards, gifts for the boys, texts, calls, prayers, and love.

 

It’s with a very heavy heart we create this page as no child should ever have to face something like this before their 3rd birthday. JD's care and successful treatment plan is our #1 priority.

 

If you would like to show support in another way by signing up to send the Hammersley family a meal, making blood or platelet donations at CHOC, or anything else, please contact Tricia’s sisters, Julie Engh or Danielle Gentry.

 

Much love,

Team JD