Donna Caroline

Hello Everyone! My son, Bryant, and I thank you so much for supporting this organization and reading our personal story! As many of you know this is our 9th year of "paying back" to St. Jude for the tremendous support and care provided by the lovely nurses, administrators, oncologists and everyone else who made Bryant's experience with childhood cancer and his treatment bearable. Thanks to St. Jude he is a thriving 20-something young man, and is doing well as a teacher overseas in Japan.

It is will be 10 years June 5th that Bryant, was admitted to the OSF Children's Hospital after an emergency room visit. He had been complaining of several symptoms over the prior weeks, but could not find the cause. Finally he could not swallow and his breath was labored - but we were not prepared for what they found in his chest x-rays. We were told he had to be admitted immediately after large masses were seen in his chest. We were distraught and blindsided by the thought that our child could have cancer. That couldn't happen to us. Not our family!

It was a few days later, after many tests were run, that the oncologist met with us, and Bryant was officially diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He would have to undergo chemotherapy treatments and all of the things that go along with that for the next several months.

The wonderful people at the St. Jude Affiliate at the Children's Hospital supported us every step of the way, through the ups and downs and hopes and fears for his future. Fortunately, Bry did not have to undergo radiation treatments, but would be discharged from further treatments by September.

We are forever indebted to St. Jude and raise money via the Bloomington/Normal Walk-Run every year to support and give back to this great charity! Will you please help us by making a donation via my personal ABC Goodlife fundraising page?

Thank you so much!!