Elijah Deer
While Elijah was at ODP (Olympic Development Camp for soccer) in Alabama, the trainers there advised us to take him to the doctor immediately after we returned home. At ODP, he was having a hard time breathing and his heart was racing. After a thorough exam by his doctor, she ordered bloodwork for Elijah, just to be safe. That was on July 15, 2010. We were told the results would be ready in about 5 days. On July 16, 2010, Elijah was admitted to Wolfson Children’s Hospital where he was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Shortly after his diagnosis, it was determined that he had a rare form of ALL called Pre B hyperdiploidy ALL. The only chance for survival was to have a bone marrow transplant. Prior to the transplant, Elijah had several rounds of chemotherapy which all required stays at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
He had his bone marrow transplant at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and that became his home for over a month. Since he came home from transplant, Elijah has had to visit and stay at Wolfson Children’s several times. We are always welcomed with open arms and treated like family.
There have been several things about Elijah’s story that are truly miracles and very unique. It is not as common for children Elijah’s age to be diagnosed; usually children are much younger. Also, about a month into his initial diagnosis, when it was discovered that Elijah needed a transplant, no one ever imagined that one of his parents would be his exact match even down to the same blood type.
Some of the side effects since transplant are not what is “typically” seen, so he continues to keep his doctors on their research toes! It has been a rough road for Elijah and he still has a long one ahead of him. We are comforted to know that when the need arises, our “5 Wolfson family” will all be there to care for us when we need it most.
