Meet Anthony – Leukemia Warrior

“’Anthony the Great,’ as his doctors and nurses call him, is so beloved and such a fighter,” said Kelsey.

From looking at Anthony’s smiling face, no one would ever suspect that he was battling cancer. Just one month after his third birthday, his mother, Kelsey, noticed unusual bruising on the tops of his feet. When Anthony suddenly became unable to walk, Kelsey rushed him to the emergency room. Doctors were stunned to see Anthony’s bloodwork results – his body was on the verge of having a stroke so they were immediately sent to their local children’s hospital. Further testing provided answers. Anthony was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was admitted to the hospital for the next seven days, where he had his port inserted, endured chemotherapy, two blood transfusions, morphine and steroids.

“’Anthony the Great,’ as his doctors and nurses call him, is so beloved and such a fighter,” said Kelsey. After the first week of treatment, he was finally able to go home – but he was still seen twice a week for treatment and twice a week for physical therapy. Because of Anthony’s sudden diagnosis, Kelsey had no choice but to leave her job so that she could be with him; however this put a massive strain on their finances. She reached out to the NCCS for mileage assistance so that getting Anthony to each and every appointment was something she no longer had to worry about. Her case manager provided much-needed emotional support during this challenging time and sent her our parent guide for guidance. Anthony is expected to complete his treatment plan at the age of six. While his journey has just begun, his family can remain confident that the NCCS will stand by their side… no matter what!