ABOUT LITTLE HEROES
When the word, '"Hero," is used,, many people think of such Super Heroes as Superman, Spiderman, and Batman, all of whom have extraordinary powers and abilities, and who use these powers and abilities to fight evil and protect good. To other people, the title, "Hero," might invoke thoughts of athletes who made a game-winning shot, or a last second touchdown pass, bringing their team to a triumphant victory.
Well, I'd like to introduce you to a new type of Hero, whom I have had the chance to witness and meet in person. This new type, who might be better known by the title, "Little Heroes," shows extraordinary power, has the courage to make that last second shot or effort to bring on victory, and yet retains the ability to have fun and smile, even with some of the harshest of sicknesses attacking them. They are our children who are fighting cancer, and you can find them anywhere in the world.
On January 21, 2008, my wife, Lisa, and I were told that our three-year-old son, Jason, had Leukemia. At that moment, when we were given the news about our son, our lives changed and our hearts broke. In the days that followed, a team of doctors told us about the treatment plan, and what our son was about to endure. It was impossible to understand how a little boy, who was so playful and happy, could be so sick and have such an evil sickness attacking his body.
As the days went by, we learned a lot about things described by words and names that parents hope never to have to use in the same sentence with their children. We saw our son sicker then we have ever seen him, with medical equipment attached to him that made it seemingly impossible, in our minds, for him to do anything but lay in bed. For a previously very active 3 year old, this inactivity was basically unimaginable.
As we progressed through the first round of several rounds of treatment, we were told by others that children are strong and handle such treatment better than adults because they are young. Even though it was nice to hear about children being strong, it never really hit home till about 3 weeks into our son's first round of treatment. Three weeks into his treatment, Jason was as sick as I have ever seen him. He was fighting cancer. The chemotherapy had wiped out his immune system. He hadteflitis, an intestinal problem. And, on top of everything else, Jason had developed right side heart failure.
He was transferred from the cancer floor, where he had been for the past 3 weeks, to intensive care. Jason slept almost continuously, and, when he woke, was very groggy. About the 4th day in intensive care, Jason showed extraordinary power and courage to not let evil conquer his body. His heart was showing tremendous - miraculous - signs of improvement, and he was not as groggy when he woke, showing renewed signs of strength. We were told that Jason would be returning back to his room on the cancer floor, a major victory in itself. Once back on the cancer floor, it was not a week until Jason had pulled a complete "180," and was back on his feet, laughing, playing and being...well...like Jason again.
The rounds of treatment that followed were challenging, but mild, compared to our first-round experiences. Jason would be sick at first, just wanting to stay in bed while his immune system was down; but then, he would fight back quickly and would be back on his feet chasing the nurses, playing with toys and doing crafts. During the times when Jason was allowed out of his room, recovering as his immune system strengthened, we met other children fighting similar battles to Jason's. It was so amazing to see the smiles on the children's faces as they played or worked on crafts, even though they were still tethered to a medical pole for most of the time, receiving medicine. Seeing these children and their bravery in taking on cancer, and yet enjoying life and having fun, made me realize that I was witnessing some truly heroic behaviors.
Jason finished three total rounds of chemotherapy before being sent to another hospital for a bone marrow transplant. Jason's transplant was the harshest battle that his little body was forced to face, but he never surrendered. He spent nearly 2 months in the hospital, confined to his transplant room, before being discharged for another 2 months, only to be confined to our living quarters. During the time spent in the hospital, my wife and I met other families with children also having bone marrow transplants. Today, almost a year after his transplant, Jason is home playing with his sister, Nicole, his Mom and Dad, and is enjoying each and every breath of life.
Witnessing the heroic acts of Jason and all the other children, and understanding the impact to the families of the children, I have decided to spread the word of the battles being fought by all the little heroes out there, and to also seek your help in supporting these families as they stand by the sides of their children. No battle with cancer is easy, and there are numerous little heroes and their families doing battle right now, as you read this, that are in need of our help. Please help us help the families of the children...theLittle Heroes...fighting cancer.
