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Riley - The Cancer Fighting Ninja

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Riley Duckworth, a normally healthy, energetic 10-year old boy, began feeling fatigued, experiencing headaches, and losing weight.  He had also been suffering from unusual neck pain since November 2019.  After seeing an ear, nose and throat specialist and chiropractor with little results, Riley's parents decided they needed more answers.  They took Riley back to the doctor on Tuesday, 2/4/2020, for another exam and bloodwork.  Riley was diagnosed with leukemia the next day.  After hugging friends and family, Riley was quickly taken to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, AR for more testing and treatment.

Riley, a 4th grader at Frank Tillery Elementary School in Rogers, AR, is a strong guy! He spent many years in the foster care system before being placed in the home of Jeremy Duckworth and Michelle Hammarstrom in November 2017. He was a perfect fit with this family and was adopted by them in June 2019. Jeremy and Michelle also have a 7-year old 1st grader, Bodhi.  The boys are now forever brothers, friends, and buddies!

Right now, they are waiting for some final test results, but have confirmed it is AML. They most likely will be starting treatment Wednesday, 2/12/20, but he is having to have his appendix taken out first - the diagnosis after struggling with nausea and weakness from not wanting to eat. The first round of chemo will keep him at the hospital for 3 to 4 weeks. The next 5-6 rounds will be 7-10 day stints, so they will be in and out for a while. They hope to move treatment close to home, but it is unknown at this time.

Jeremy and Michelle own and run a small business giving them flexibility on where they can work, but also uncertainty on income due to how many hours they will need to be focused getting Riley well. No work = no income.

How can you help? Their IMMEDIATE NEEDS are financial support for medical expenses and lost income, travel to and from Little Rock (a 3-hour drive from home), food, new tires for their vehicles, and a laptop to work remotely. Also, PLEASE PRAY for Riley’s complete healing! 

Thank you for any support you can offer this sweet family! They appreciate everyone that has reached out to help and really feel loved. They are sharing all the support with Riley, too. 

#CancerFightingNinja
#CancerSucks
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Donations 

  • Dan Sullivan
    • $25 
    • 4 yrs
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Fundraising team (3)

Jenny DeMent
Organizer
Rogers, AR
Michelle Hammarstrom
Beneficiary
Steven Brooks
Team member
Jeremy Duckworth
Team member

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