Our 4-year-old son Colt was recently diagnosed with leukemia (B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia [ALL]). What started out as a high fever for days and days at a time that never seemed to break, led to his hand swelling and then a cough. The doctor couldn't find anything wrong, but later that evening his fever spiked over 105. That was our sign we needed to go to the ER. While at the ER, lab work was done, and ultrasounds of his hand and stomach were also done. His lab work showed cancer, but to be sure, they transferred us via ambulance to another hospital. Once transferred, they began running lots of tests, everything still pointing towards leukemia. He also has another virus on top of that because his immune system is down, and that is causing him to stay in an isolation room. After X-rays, MRI, echo, labs, cultures, EKG, a check of his bone marrow, and his first of many spinal taps, it was confirmed: leukemia. He had surgery to put in a port and started chemo within days of being at the hospital. He also has a bone infection in his hand. He has already had 4 blood infusions and set to have his 5th platelet infusion in the morning. We are on day 13 of our hospital stay.

Colt is a bright and energetic boy who loves arts and crafts, soccer, kinetic sand, playing at the park, and playing with his 4 older brothers.

He’s now beginning a treatment plan that will include two years of treatment, with at least 7 months of chemotherapy, spinal taps, bone marrow checks, several oral medications, and frequent hospital stays. With weekly hospital visits that take between 3 and 6 hours a day once per week, and on top of that, the hospital isn't our local one. Because of his treatment and weakened immune system, Colt will need to be out of school until further notice. During this time, we are doing everything we can to make our home a safe, comfortable, and nurturing space for him to rest, heal, and keep his spirit alive. Because he has several older siblings, it's important that we create a space that is all his in case anyone brings home germs from school.

In addition to the enormous emotional and physical toll, the financial burden of medical bills (just the ambulance transfer is costing us almost $2k!), time off work, and daily living costs will be significant. Even more so because we will restart our deductible within a month of his treatment. So many of you have asked how to help. This is one meaningful way to lift some of that weight and allow us to focus on what matters most: our family.

Your donations will go toward:

• Medical bills, prescriptions, and hospital expenses

• Lost income during time off work

• Making the home safer and more comfortable for Colt during his recovery, creating a space that supports his health, minimizes infection risk, and helps him enjoy life at home.

We are in communication with Colt's medical team and pediatricians throughout the day, which makes it hard to keep up with calls and texts. We deeply appreciate all the love and support. For now, leaving an encouraging message here is a wonderful way to show your support and stay connected.

Thank you for your kindness, love, and support as Colt begins this journey toward recovery.