Lochlan the Lion-Hearted has Leukemia

Our sweet boy, my best friend, Lochlan (4 yo) was just diagnosed with leukemia. He recently came down with a cold/sinus infection that refused to heal and wasn't responding to antibiotics. The doctors checked his blood cell counts and found that everything was very low and that there was a large population of immature bone marrow cells in his circulation (which shouldn't be there at all). We were rushed to the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital where he was put on IV antibiotics and later given blood transfusions because his hemoglobin levels were too low to do other tests. They were unable to get a definitive diagnosis from his circulating blood cells, but a bone marrow biopsy revealed that Lochlan has B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

Lochlan still has a severe sinus infection and the doctors are working on identifying what bacteria is causing it and what drugs it might be sensitive to, because his body is unable to fight it due to his cancer. This infection has made his first few days in the hospital very difficult in terms of taking oral pain/fever medication and eating. So he is currently facing two separate battles, but he is tough (how many 4 year olds do you know who can run a 10 minute mile?). When asked, his biggest desire is to get home to be with his little sister Torren (2 yo). 

I suppose the "good" news is that B-cell leukemia, in a 4 yo, with low blood cell counts is a good prognosis with a high cure rate. However, we don't yet know the particular mutations driving his cancer which can greatly impact this prognosis and intensity of therapeutic intervention. The best case scenario is still an intense first 6 months of chemotherapy followed by ~2 years of maintenance chemotherapy. So it will be a long fight. Thankfully, the Van Andel Research Institute, offers great insurance benefits. However, due to the multiple years of therapy and doctors visits, we are still facing a large financial burden. We are grateful for any contribution that anyone can provide. If you're uncomfortable with making a financial donation, we also would appreciate offers for food, groceries, cleaning, play dates, or anything at all. We will continue to update everyone on Lochlan's status through Facebook and Instagram. We are all looking forward to getting Lochlan back to his healthy, happy, loving self in the near future. On behalf of our family "Thank you!" Love, Kevin