Latest news with #AcuteLymphoblasticLeukemia
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Nurse gets ready to draw blood—what this 5-year-old says through tears leaves viewers in awe
Reece is five years old. He sits on the hospital bed with tears clinging to his lashes, his small frame stiff with fear. A nurse gently prepares the materials for yet another blood draw—one of many he's endured over the course of his cancer treatment. And then, through shaky sobs, Reece begins to speak: 'You're okay. You're brave. You can do this.' The words come out haltingly at first, like he's reminding himself how to breathe. His voice trembles, but it doesn't break. With a determined little fist pump, he adds, 'Heck yeah! Just do it. Yeah boy! That's what I'm talkin' about.' It's a moment that has struck millions online. Captured in a now-viral TikTok posted by his mom, Morgan Handley, Reece's pep talk delivers a powerful emotional gut punch wrapped in internet sweetness. For any parent who has watched their child face something painful, it's deeply familiar. This is bravery in real time: scared, tearful, but moving forward anyway. Reece's courage shines brighter when you understand the journey behind it. At just three years old, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer. (According to the National Cancer Institute, it accounts for about 25% of all childhood cancers in the United States and occurs most often in children aged 1 to 4 years.) Since then, blood draws like this one have become a biweekly ritual—a necessary, but often painful, part of his treatment. Related: How to raise our sons with a full emotional life—from vulnerability to strength The road hasn't been easy. According to Upworthy, his family has navigated the ups and downs of immunotherapy and the side effects that come with it, from rashes to the challenges steroids can bring. Despite this, Reece's resilience remains unshaken. His treatment is expected to conclude in July 2025, when he will ring the bell, a cherished milestone signaling the end of his cancer journey. But while the 'ringing the bell' moment is often celebrated as a victory, the path there is paved with days like this one. Blood draws, needle pokes, and medical tests aren't rare interruptions; they're routine for Reece and many families facing childhood cancer. Related: This mama's honest post about childhood cancer is going viral and it's heartbreaking What makes Reece's pep talk so powerful is how deeply it reflects the emotional tools he's internalized over time. His mantra captures the delicate balance between fear and determination that so many kids experience in hard quiet self-coaching is no accident. Morgan Handley, Reece's mom, shared with Upworthy that their family has long practiced pep talks and emotional encouragement, turning those words into a kind of armor. Over time, Reece has absorbed these scripts and rituals, learning to face pain with resilience. Experts in child development note that young children often internalize the emotional tone set by their caregivers. When parents model calm encouragement and use consistent emotional scripts—especially during repeated stress—it can help children feel more secure and build resilience over time. Reece's courage is, in many ways, a reflection of the love and steady guidance that surrounds him. Related: How to teach kids about cancer—from a Certified Child Life Specialist Watching your child face pain and fear is one of the hardest things a parent can endure. There is often no way to take the discomfort away—only to sit beside it, soften the edges, and help your child walk through it. Behind moments like Reece's are countless hours of emotional scaffolding. Parents like Morgan Handley are managing medications and appointments—and also nurturing resilience, one bedtime pep talk, one calming breath, one whispered 'you can do this' at a time. Related: A letter to new cancer moms They build emotional toolkits: mantras that ground, breathing exercises that regulate, stories that reframe fear. They validate their child's pain while gently offering strategies to move through it., even when their own hearts are breaking. Reece's pep talk may sound simple, but it carries the weight of this emotional labor. It's the echo of every time he's been told he's strong, brave, and not like his grows through practice and love—not something we're simply born with. The outpouring of love and support for Reece has been overwhelming. Commenters from all walks of life are cheering him on: Luv2laugh: 'I didn't see cancer right away! My son had stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma and was in heart failure, he was 16 and had a 10% chance and he is a healthy 22 today!! This guy is gonna be great!! What a great attitude!! Sending love and prayers!!' Dia D: 'How can I love him so much and never met him? Token8885: 'Please tell him he is the most bravest lil guy ever!! ' Biochemgeeek: 'A positive attitude goes such a long way in cancer treatment! So proud of this little dude!!!' Dani: 'What a beautiful little boy! Wishing him lots of blessings and hoping everything turns out great. He's a fighter, he's going to grow up to be an amazing man. ' Related: 6 simple ways to teach kids emotional intelligence (that you're probably already doing) Reece's story shows us how resilience can be quietly built day by day, with love, encouragement, and emotional support. For parents navigating difficult medical journeys with their children, it's a reminder that the scripts we teach, the mantras we share, and the patience we offer all become tools kids carry with them. Related: 4 ways to support challenging behavior in kids, from a Speech Language Pathologist
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Metro Atlanta 4-year-old finishes cancer battle that took more than half his life
After spending more than half of his life battling cancer, a 4-year-old metro Atlanta boy has finished his treatment. Austin Herre rang the bell at Children's Arthur M. Blank Hospital this week after 854 days of treatment. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] His mother said he was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) at just six months old more than two years ago. ALD is a rare disease that affects 1 in 17,000 people. It's a neurological disorder that affects the adrenal glands and brain and causes long-chain fatty acids in the brain, which destroy the protective myelin sheath around nerve cells responsible for brain function. In January 2023, he was also diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. TRENDING STORIES: This metro Atlanta city is ranked No. 1 on new 'Best Places to Live in the U.S.' list Keisha Lance Bottoms makes it official, announces run for Georgia governor Parents sue after they say 6-year-old daughter was racially attacked at school: 'It's disturbing' That same year, he was able to visit a Cherokee County fire station to see some fire trucks and was named an honorary firefighter. Members of the Cherokee County Fire Department reunited with him to be at the ceremony marking the end of his treatment. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lee's Summit West student passes away after battle with Leukemia
LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. — Lee's Summit West High School is mourning the loss of Keaton Miller, a junior student and wrestler at the high school. Miller, 17, passed away after a year-long battle with Leukemia. on April 25 at Journey Church International in Lee's Summit. New 52,000 square foot sports facility in Lee's Summit set to open Miller had undergone a bone marrow transplant earlier this year and was recovering but recently had to be admitted to intensive care. Other Lee's Summit West sports teams held several fundraising events over the past year for Miller and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia research. Principal Kayla Maid confirmed his death in a letter sent to families, adding that grief counselors will be at the school this week. 'Titan Families, It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Keaton Miller, a junior at Lee's Summit West High School, passed away this afternoon after a courageous year-long battle with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Keaton was a beloved member of our Titan family. He was a proud member of our wrestling program, a dedicated student, and a young man whose infectious personality left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Even during his treatment, Keaton remained connected to his classmates and teachers, showing strength, optimism, and unwavering love for the Titan community. This is an incredibly difficult loss, and we recognize the deep emotional impact this may have on our students, staff, and families. Tomorrow, we will have additional counselors and mental health support available at school for anyone who may need someone to talk to or process this news with care and compassion. If you are concerned about your student and would like one of our staff members to check in on them, please complete this form. Additionally, this district resource provides helpful information on supporting individuals through grief. You may find it useful as you navigate this difficult time with your student. If you have any questions or believe your student would benefit from additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out. With care, Kayla MaidPrincipal, Lee's Summit West High School' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lackawanna County residents rally for 20-year-old cancer patient
THROOP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local college student is in the fight of his life, battling cancer. Lackawanna County residents are rallying around him as the 20-year-old is now in search of a blood stem cell donor. All week long, there are swab events to help find a bone marrow match for Eddie Kaufman. The 20-year-old Mid Valley alumnus has been battling leukemia since the fall. 28/22 News spoke with his dad and friends earlier Tuesday about Eddie's diagnosis and the race to find him a match. 'I would like to be the one to help him out, potentially save his life… we've been best friends since preschool,' Eddie's friend Jaden Carroll explained. Carroll, a Sophomore at Penn State Scranton, says he's hopeful he is a bone marrow match for his lifelong friend Eddie Kaufman. 'It was shocking, I mean it just goes to show that it could happen to anybody because I thought that was the healthiest, most athletic kid I knew,' Carroll explained. After starting his second year at Roanoke College last fall, the standout baseball player was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cold case arrest after body found in garbage bags on I-80 'He had gone back to school in Virginia. He called and said he's got some swollen lymph nodes and something's going on, and that was the first sign there was an issue,' Eddie's father, Brian Kaufman, said. The diagnosis is a form of cancer that impacts blood, tissue, and bone marrow. Months into the fight, Eddie is now in search of a blood stem cell donor. 'They warned us going in that 70% of family members are not perfect matches, and we fell into that 70%,' Brian continued. Family and friends are now pushing to find the Mid-Valley alum a perfect donor match. 'Everybody just kind of came together and decided that we should find this match for Eddie,' said Eddie's Friend Emily Deoliveira. Contractor sued for alleged 'subpar' work, violations Through the National Marrow Donor Program, the community is holding several swab events across Lackawanna County. Anyone ages 18 to 40 can be a potential donor; all it takes is a simple cheek swab. For potential future matches, 90% of donations are non-surgical and are as simple as giving plasma. 'There's a lot of people out there that need a bone marrow transplant, and 22,000,000 people are in the database. It sounds like a lot, but it's not enough,' Brian added. 'We're getting a lot of love for Eddie, which is really, really nice,' Deoliveira said. Team Eddie K is growing locally and beyond. The swab results take about one to two weeks to come back. There are also campaigns going on in Virginia, Georgia, and New York. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Dean Wells, former NFL linebacker and Kentucky standout, dead at 54 following cancer battle
Dean Wells, who played for nearly a decade in the NFL following a standout career at the University of Kentucky, died Thursday following a two-year battle with cancer. He was 54. Wells spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks after he was selected in the fourth round of the 1993 draft. He signed with the Carolina Panthers in 1999, where he played for another three seasons before officially retiring in 2001. The Panthers announced Wells' passing on the team website Friday. Wells first opened up about his cancer diagnosis in an interview with in April 2024. He said he had been diagnosed the previous year with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). "There's mental toughness that comes into it. You have to have a positive attitude that you can beat it. I've done everything that I can with that. It's like the chemo either works or it doesn't. You just don't have a lot of control over it. You wish you had more control," he said at the time. According to the Mayo Clinic, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which "the disease progresses rapidly and creates immature blood cells, rather than mature ones." Wells finished his pro career with 529 tackles, 2.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and three interceptions. It followed a standout career at Kentucky where Wells still holds the records for most sacks in a game (5) and the single-season sack record (10). "Condolences to family & friends of Dean Wells, who has passed away," the university said in a statement on social media. "A 3-year starter, he set a UK single-game record with 5 sacks vs. Indiana and went on to a 9-year NFL career. After NFL retirement, he returned to hometown Louisville and was a staunch supporter of the Wildcats." Wells is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their two sons. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
