No More Treatment!

Diagnosed at just 5 years old, Charlie fought for years to beat leukemia. Read more about Charlie’s successful journey to ending treatment.

Approximately 75% of people under age 20 diagnosed with leukemia are diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Most cases occur between age 2 and 5, which was the case with Charlie.

The Diagnosis

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that causes a person to have many immature white blood cells, known as B-cell lymphoblasts, in their bloodstream and bone marrow. The more mature the cell, the more difficult it is to treat. ALL is the most common type of childhood cancer. 

Charlie was diagnosed with leukemia, B-cell ALL, almost four years ago on September 5, 2018 when he was just starting kindergarten. Over Labor Day weekend, his family noticed the lymph nodes along his jawline were swollen. After the holiday they immediately brought him to the pediatrician. The doctor told them to go home and that Charlie should be fine in a few days. After much hesitation, mom Aurora shared that Charlie had been bruising easily for quite some time. Initially, she wasn’t sure if she should share because she didn’t want them to think Charlie was being abused. The doctor sent them to the hospital for blood work and within an hour they were notified to take him to the ER right away. The next day Charlie was diagnosed and the journey of fighting ALL began.

The Process

It had been very difficult for Charlie to step into such a rigorous regime. The most traumatic part of the process was getting access to the port which went into his spine. Charlie received his chemotherapy through this port, as well as receiving it orally, and eventually it became his normal. Going through so much at such a young age… What a soldier! He essentially went into lockdown while undergoing treatment, which made COVID-19 protocols a piece of cake. The COVID-19 lockdown is a peek into the reality of many Icing Smiles family’s – needing to seclude themselves from everyone in order to minimize germ exposure and stay healthy.

Prayers are Answered

Charlie completed almost three-and-a-half years of treatment. The family looks back with relief, joy, weariness, and thankfulness. The family’s faith comforted them during the tense beginnings, emergencies and through the dreary daily routines. They held onto their belief in God and it helped them feel as though they were not alone. 

Charlie is a fun, inquisitive young boy who enjoys cooking and working with tools. He has a lot of empathy and expects fairness and justice. He and his family are thankful to the many friends, neighbors, and caring strangers who have helped ease the load, distracted the pain, and lifted them up in prayer.

Aurora found the strength to be there for Charlie and stay strong for her husband and other children. She shared some kind words with us about her experience with Icing Smiles,

Thank you!!! You guys are awesome! The impact you have on families that are going through cancer treatment is incredible. You do make dreams come true.

Icing Smiles continues to help with bringing happiness to families with children who have suffered from a variety of illnesses. If you want to be a part of bringing the happiness, donate now!