Team Christopher
Donation protected
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Christopher has always been an athletic boy. So when he had trouble keeping up in a soccer game one Saturday morning, it was clear something was wrong. Prior to this there had been a few trips to Urgent Care, but nothing conclusive with only antibiotics being proscribed. How was it that a boy who had played soccer since he could basically walk could only last 15 minutes in a game?
A MOTHER'S INSTINCT
Mom took Chris to UCI, in Orange. There some tests were conducted. They were informed this could be serious. The "C" word was mentioned, within hours he would be transferred to CHOC for further testing. Hours felt like days, mom by his side the entire time, Chris keeping his contagious smile on his face. Then the results were in...what no child should have to endure, Chris had Cancer. Confirmed to be Leukemia, everyone was devastated but his smile never faded.
THE BATTLE BEGINS
Chris has begun undergoing chemo. He did well about a week in, even got released from the hospital. Then a major and painful speed bump. His leg swelled up almost triple it's size, he had an infection. He also lost over 10lbs within a 2 week period, with weight still dropping. Back in the hospital since then, he has been in excruciating pain. Thanks to medication, surgery, and his positive attitude, things have slowly improved though there is still a long battle ahead.
LIFE ON HOLD
All this time, since late March mom has been by his side, spending night after night at the hospital. Being a single mother of 4, with an infant just shy past 1yr, with your first born fighting cancer...hard is an understatement. Stressful doesn't cover it. Brave, brave is all you can be. Dad is in his life but on the other side of the U.S., prepping to move to CA to join his side, but his assistance is non existant at the moment except for moral support. Mom is on her own. She's always been a provider, but this is a new kind of monster to deal with. The big "C" consumes your life, your thoughts, your emotions, and your finances.
MOM NEEDS HELP
No longer able to work, always by his side, our friend Carla, Chris' mom, needs help.
There's so much more to this part of their life. Having to tell younger siblings big brother is sick. Explaining why he shaved off his long locks of hair which ironically he was growing out to donate. The day to day struggle, and so many tears and prayers. Thanks to wonderful organizations Chris' medical care is for the most part covered. However, that doesn't cover rent, phone payment, food, and childcare for Chris' mom. She is literally by his side, only leaving the hospital for hours at a time to be with her infant daughter. Family and friends have helped for now. But we all know, money is a necessity. Skip your Starbucks or bring lunch to work for a day or two, you don't really need to buy that shirt this very second...take a moment and realize what a difference any bit will make to a family that needs it. There is no exact goal, I set a high number just in hope we reach it. At this point, anything raised is a blessing to this family.
You can also donate to venmo: @queen_lala
Christopher has always been an athletic boy. So when he had trouble keeping up in a soccer game one Saturday morning, it was clear something was wrong. Prior to this there had been a few trips to Urgent Care, but nothing conclusive with only antibiotics being proscribed. How was it that a boy who had played soccer since he could basically walk could only last 15 minutes in a game?
A MOTHER'S INSTINCT
Mom took Chris to UCI, in Orange. There some tests were conducted. They were informed this could be serious. The "C" word was mentioned, within hours he would be transferred to CHOC for further testing. Hours felt like days, mom by his side the entire time, Chris keeping his contagious smile on his face. Then the results were in...what no child should have to endure, Chris had Cancer. Confirmed to be Leukemia, everyone was devastated but his smile never faded.
THE BATTLE BEGINS
Chris has begun undergoing chemo. He did well about a week in, even got released from the hospital. Then a major and painful speed bump. His leg swelled up almost triple it's size, he had an infection. He also lost over 10lbs within a 2 week period, with weight still dropping. Back in the hospital since then, he has been in excruciating pain. Thanks to medication, surgery, and his positive attitude, things have slowly improved though there is still a long battle ahead.
LIFE ON HOLD
All this time, since late March mom has been by his side, spending night after night at the hospital. Being a single mother of 4, with an infant just shy past 1yr, with your first born fighting cancer...hard is an understatement. Stressful doesn't cover it. Brave, brave is all you can be. Dad is in his life but on the other side of the U.S., prepping to move to CA to join his side, but his assistance is non existant at the moment except for moral support. Mom is on her own. She's always been a provider, but this is a new kind of monster to deal with. The big "C" consumes your life, your thoughts, your emotions, and your finances.
MOM NEEDS HELP
No longer able to work, always by his side, our friend Carla, Chris' mom, needs help.
There's so much more to this part of their life. Having to tell younger siblings big brother is sick. Explaining why he shaved off his long locks of hair which ironically he was growing out to donate. The day to day struggle, and so many tears and prayers. Thanks to wonderful organizations Chris' medical care is for the most part covered. However, that doesn't cover rent, phone payment, food, and childcare for Chris' mom. She is literally by his side, only leaving the hospital for hours at a time to be with her infant daughter. Family and friends have helped for now. But we all know, money is a necessity. Skip your Starbucks or bring lunch to work for a day or two, you don't really need to buy that shirt this very second...take a moment and realize what a difference any bit will make to a family that needs it. There is no exact goal, I set a high number just in hope we reach it. At this point, anything raised is a blessing to this family.
You can also donate to venmo: @queen_lala
Organizer and beneficiary
Cynthia Morales
Organizer
Santa Ana, CA
Carla Beaty
Beneficiary
