This heart-warming drawing was created by our beautiful PAX Warrior, Charlotte. It was included in a recent ‘Thank You’ letter we received from her brave mom.
It warms our hearts to know that Paxton’s life spark continues to shine on through the support PAX provides to other brave children fighting childhood cancer. For all who’ve supported our efforts with financial contributions, volunteer time, or thoughts and prayers – please read the words of a mom, who is currently living every parents’ worst nightmare: the agony of her child’s diagnosis and treatment.
Dear Paxton & Friends:
This is Charlotte. She is my amazing, 6 year old daughter, who was diagnosed with Leukemia in March. Her diagnosis seemingly came from out of the blue. Initially we were told all markers were in her favor. The treatment was going to be standard. The prognosis was great. As we went through each step, Charlotte’s cancer quickly changed to ‘very high risk’, requiring aggressive treatments.
Any of the “could go wrong” scenarios happened to my Charlotte. Throughout it all she was a trooper, or a Warrior as you say – rarely complaining, always attempting to smile. On June 19th, Charlotte underwent a Bone Marrow Transplant. We were blessed that her sister was a perfect match. Her 30 day test showed that 99.5 % of her marrow was a DNA match to her sister, with NED (no evidence of disease): neither Leukemia nor the gene that had mutated in the first place. We are currently some 40 days out from the treatment protocol – and Charlotte is thriving. For the first time in a very long time, things seem to finally be looking up. Our fingers are still crossed and we remain hyper-vigilant. Yet we are hopeful for a full recovery and a return to a more normal life soon.
Charlotte has always been eager to learn new things, has a healthy appetite for shopping, and can melt your heart with her spontaneous kindness and helpfulness. She enjoys arts & crafts, riding her scooter, and most of all swimming. Charlotte has been reading at a 1st grade level for some time now, and will be starting first grade this fall.
Charlotte has two sisters, ages 4 and 2. She is anxiously waiting to find out if her new sibling, due in September, will be a boy or a girl. They are all hoping for a girl, even though Papa wants a boy!
Without the support of our family and friends, and the special friends at the PAX Foundation, we wouldn’t have survived.
We are truly grateful for your help.
Pax.Love.Always.
Charlotte’s Mommy
