Help Nathan Keep Smiling!!

Hi, my name is Gina. I’m fundraising for 2 year-old Nathan! Nathan is a sweet natured boy who happens to be very ill with a rare disease called Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). What the heck is that you ask? It’s a great question because I had to research it myself before reaching out to you. In short, MDS are a group of rare disorders in which the bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells. About 1 in a million children are diagnosed with MDS each year. In Nathan’s case, he is undergoing chemotherapy as part of his treatment due to the high risk of him developing Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) which can happen secondary to MDS.

 

With that said, what does this mean for Nathan? For now, it means extensive hospital stays. Nathan's care is complicated because since he was admitted to the hospital, he's gone to the operating room a few times for central line placement, a lumbar puncture and bone marrow aspiration. His tiny veins are very fragile due to the multiple attempts at IV access and daily blood draws, his veins do not handle intravenous interventions well. Specialist have been called in to place his most recent central line. He receives his chemo treatment, transfusion, medications due to nausea/vomiting/pain and antibiotics all through the central line. Childhood MDS generally doesn‘t have a good prognosis. At this time, there is no cure. But hope is what Nathan’s family focuses on! 

 

 

Meet Nathan‘s parents: Alee (left) and Ace (right). They are two of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Their generosity for friends, family and their community is astounding. They are both nurses. They understand the prognosis for Nathan; but with love, faith and prayers, they hold onto hope for their son. Unfortunately, finances and time aren’t on their side. Ace had to go back to work and can’t be with Nathan as much anymore. Alee has had to file for FMLA as there is no close family nearby to help them take care of Nathan. Both Alee and Ace struggle not being able to be together with Nathan. All of their time and energy is spent on Nathan and making sure his hospital stay is the best it can be for him.

 

Alee and Ace’s own words: “It is more difficult to see him suffer like this at his young age, especially during the times he had complications from the treatment. Not eating or drinking, feeling weak, not even wanting to do what he loves to do such as playing with his toys, read books with us, singing and dancing or watching his favorite nursery rhymes video. However in his little body, weak and tired he manages to keep a sweet smile on his face.

 

He loves walking and running outside, but now he can barely stand up.

 

His first haircut! He is losing his hair now.

 

He loves water, but right now he can’t swim or take a bath. I miss my swim class.

 

Mouth sores stopped him from showing his lovely smile.

 

A loving and sweet boy that misses going to the park.

 

2nd Birthday! Every day is a very special day to celebrate and we are thankful to be alive.

 

Alee and Ace go on to say that “knowing others care helps to alleviate the pain and lessen our burden. It helps us feel we’re not alone in this battle”.

 

This is where we come in. They need help!! Now! Please take a minute and ask yourself if you are in a position to make a financial donation. I guarantee no amount is too small! There are some that can donate $5.00 and there are some that can donate $500.00. I also guarantee that Alee and Ace would never ask this for themselves. They have a huge financial mountain to climb. I hope our donations give them some breathing room and time to focus on what’s important… Nathan! Alee and Ace live for the moments that put a smile on their sweet boys face.

 

No matter if you are able to donate at this time or not, PLEASE SHARE Nathan’s story!

 

Thank you for taking the time to read Nathan’s story! Please Share! Please donate! Please pray! I’ll be updating on Nathan’s progress as we go! Please reach out with any questions! Did I mention Sharing Nathan’s Story?

Please share with your phone contacts, email, on Twitter, in Messenger, FB and WhatsApp!

Thank you!!!