Very often I try my best to Pay It Forward. The past month I haven’t been as active in charity as I wish. I’m a full-time working mom, with a life full of surprises, and an energetic almost 3 year old that my world revolves around. He’s my pride, joy, and sunshine. So when I hear of devastating stories such as this one, it breaks me heart. I can’t even imagine what I would do if this happened to my little boy. I’m posting today because I admire this family’s strength. I hope you take time to read the whole post, and Pay It Forward any way that you can.
theCHIVE Maryland brought this story to my attention just yesterday. Jaxsen Lee Palmer can be described as a “loving and curious almost-three-year-old, nearly always found with a big toothy grin on his face“. Sadly on January 8th, Jaxsen’s family found out that he has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). This unfortunately is a quick-acting cancer affecting the white blood cells.
Amazingly, the cancer was caught super early and Jaxsen’s prognosis is great. Though it’s going to be a long road to recovery. Jaxsen has already endured eight procedures to assist him in preparing for treatment. This included spinal taps, a port-a-cath implanted into his chest, IVs, bone marrow aspirations, steroids, and lots of blood work. According to ChiveMD, Jaxsen will continue receiving chemotherapy treatment through the chest device weekly at Sinai Hospital. Due to his compromised immune system, he can no longer attend day care, or play with other children who could potentially be sick or have a simple cold. Jaxsen’s mother has since left her job to help care for him.
This upcoming Saturday, ChiveMD will participate in a local St. Baldrick’s event. Participants will now have their heads shaved in honor of Jaxsen and his fight to kick cancer’s butt! For more information, please take a look at Jaxsen’s St. Baldrick’s Page. Please click the “Get Involved” tab on the navigation bar if you are interested in finding a St. Baldrick’s event near you.
With the loss of a full-time paycheck and with medical bills mounting, Jaxsen’s family could use the help! Please consider sharing Jaxsen’s journey to fight cancer or making a donation to assist his family via their GoFundMe website.
I was not financially compensated for this posting. I just think it’s for a good cause and wanted to share to help a local family out! All opinions are my own.
He looks like a really happy kid and that is great! My friend shaves his head every year for St. Baldricks.
Oh, what a handsome little boy! Best wishes to Jaxsen and his family.