On May 7, 2023, life changed forever. No parent can ever imagine hearing the words, “your child has cancer” - until the day those words literally make you fall to your knees. Bryce was an energetic, happy, and loving three year old boy when he was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. His diagnosis came as such a shock because the only symptom that had presented itself was some petechiae (tiny round brown-purple spots) that suddenly appeared on his cheeks one Saturday morning. 

After getting him checked at an express care and having bloodwork done later that day, I received a call the next morning to get Bryce to the ER. I was told to pack a bag and plan for an extended stay, because his results were indicating that he most likely had leukemia. The first few days in the hospital were quite a blur and filled with testing to determine the type of leukemia he had, blood and platelet transfusions, his port placement, and the start of chemotherapy. For about a year, Bryce had weekly chemo infusions through his port, in addition to spinal taps and rounds of steroids. Now, he has entered his maintenance phase, and there has been a bit more “normalcy” in our lives. He still receives an oral chemo daily, has monthly clinic visits, and will be in treatment until the end of July 2025. Although there are still challenges, I am so grateful to be in this phase and have so much hope for the future. 

The team of doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and child life specialists at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital are truly some of the most wonderful people I have ever met and have become like a second family to Bryce and me. I will never be able to express my gratitude enough to them for saving his life and helping me navigate through this journey. PCFLV has also been a source of incredible blessings.  Not only do they provide financial assistance like gas and grocery gift cards, but they support children and their families in so many other areas. They provide parent support groups, social outings, and fun activities that accommodate these warriors and their needs in treatment. On some of Bryce’s hardest chemo days at clinic, PCFLV has crafts, new toys, and special snacks to help bring a smile to his face and continue to support me through the emotional hardships as well. I am beyond thankful for all they have done and continue to do for us and other local pediatric cancer families. 

Written by Bryce’s mom, Brittney

Please consider helping children with cancer and others in our community by scheduling a blood donation at Miller-Keystone Blood Center: https://donor.giveapint.org/donor/schedules/zip