Lee Jepson's Leukemia Fund
Donation protected
I started this fund for my sister, Laila. Here is her story:
"As many of you already know, in December our 4 year old son Lee was diagnosed with ALL (b-cell acute lamphobastic leukemia). Starting mid-spring 2018, Lee had a limp that affected his walk that reappeared about every 4-6 weeks and then disappeared again without apparent reason. Visits to the chiropractor and physical therapist did not improve his condition. By December, when the whole family visited Grandma Wendy in Tappan, NY, he was unable to put any weight on his left leg and had begun to complain of pain. Since Lee has a significant speech delay, he was unable to tell us more exactly what part of his leg was hurting: all he would say was, “Please don’t walk so fast.”
"When we returned to Des Moines right before Christmas, we began a series of medical appointments and referrals, including x-rays, an MRI, and finally a bone marrow biopsy. My husband, Josh and I were just relieved to be closer to having answers to why our vibrant little boy was in pain and could not walk.
"On January 4th we visited the pediatric oncology clinic for the first time, carrying Lee because his walking was too painful. Lee was sedated for the bone marrow biopsy. The conclusion: 38% leukemia cells. Lee’s chemotherapy began in February, with a four-day stay at Children’s Hospital. All the staff were amazingly supportive and Lee loved the playroom there.
"While I have excellent insurance through Marriott, it will not cover all the expenses of the next 3 years (minimum) of treatment. The treatment protocol will involve repeated bone marrow biopsies, spinal taps, and constant vigilance. Josh and I have been uplifted by all the prayers, support and well wishes from everyone who hears of Lee’s challenge. Many have expressed a wish to help in some way and therefore we have set up this GoFundMe site. It is not known exactly how much the total treatment will cost. But the costs of overnight hospital stays, chemo transfusions, blood transfusions, ER visits, on-going medications at home, and PT sessions have already started to accumulate. Any donations, of any size, will be received with great gratitude.
"If you would like to read about Lee’s story, click the updates link above. I have written in more detail in the first update."
Note: To satisfy GoFundMe's terms, I need to state that my sister's official first name is Sandra. But everyone calls her by her middle name, Laila.
"As many of you already know, in December our 4 year old son Lee was diagnosed with ALL (b-cell acute lamphobastic leukemia). Starting mid-spring 2018, Lee had a limp that affected his walk that reappeared about every 4-6 weeks and then disappeared again without apparent reason. Visits to the chiropractor and physical therapist did not improve his condition. By December, when the whole family visited Grandma Wendy in Tappan, NY, he was unable to put any weight on his left leg and had begun to complain of pain. Since Lee has a significant speech delay, he was unable to tell us more exactly what part of his leg was hurting: all he would say was, “Please don’t walk so fast.”
"When we returned to Des Moines right before Christmas, we began a series of medical appointments and referrals, including x-rays, an MRI, and finally a bone marrow biopsy. My husband, Josh and I were just relieved to be closer to having answers to why our vibrant little boy was in pain and could not walk.
"On January 4th we visited the pediatric oncology clinic for the first time, carrying Lee because his walking was too painful. Lee was sedated for the bone marrow biopsy. The conclusion: 38% leukemia cells. Lee’s chemotherapy began in February, with a four-day stay at Children’s Hospital. All the staff were amazingly supportive and Lee loved the playroom there.
"While I have excellent insurance through Marriott, it will not cover all the expenses of the next 3 years (minimum) of treatment. The treatment protocol will involve repeated bone marrow biopsies, spinal taps, and constant vigilance. Josh and I have been uplifted by all the prayers, support and well wishes from everyone who hears of Lee’s challenge. Many have expressed a wish to help in some way and therefore we have set up this GoFundMe site. It is not known exactly how much the total treatment will cost. But the costs of overnight hospital stays, chemo transfusions, blood transfusions, ER visits, on-going medications at home, and PT sessions have already started to accumulate. Any donations, of any size, will be received with great gratitude.
"If you would like to read about Lee’s story, click the updates link above. I have written in more detail in the first update."
Note: To satisfy GoFundMe's terms, I need to state that my sister's official first name is Sandra. But everyone calls her by her middle name, Laila.
Organizer
Laila Bayne Jepson
Organizer
Des Moines, IA
