Maryland Trek
with Justin Berk
Cooper
Age: 4
Type of Cancer: T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-cell ALL)
Treatment Status: Maintenance
Cooper's journey began in early December 2022 when his parents, Danielle and Anthony, noticed unusual bruising and small blood spots under his eyes. Initially attributing these to the rough-and-tumble nature of a two-year-old boy, they grew concerned as the symptoms worsened. A visit to the pediatrician revealed an enlarged liver and spleen, leading to an urgent trip to the emergency room. Within hours, Cooper was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-cell ALL), a rare and aggressive form of leukemia more common in older individuals.
Within 24 hours, Cooper began receiving chemotherapy and steroids. The rapid proliferation of cancer cells overwhelmed his kidneys, necessitating intubation and dialysis to stabilize his condition. Despite these challenges, Cooper's resilience shone through as he bravely faced each new hurdle.
Cooper's frontline treatment lasted nine months, involving multiple rounds of chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, and steroid pulses. The journey was arduous, with significant physical side effects, including neuropathy that temporarily left him unable to walk. However, with dedicated physical therapy, Cooper regained his strength and mobility. In March 2023 Cooper achieved remission - marking a turning point and offering a glimmer of hope. Maintenance treatment will continue until April 2026.
Throughout this journey, Cooper has taught his family invaluable lessons about resilience, strength, and the power of a positive spirit. His ability to find joy in the simplest moments, even amid profound challenges, serves as a reminder to cherish each day and to find strength in love and hope.
Danielle and Anthony's advice to other families facing similar diagnoses is to take one day at a time, allowing themselves moments of grief and anger before picking themselves up to fight. They emphasize the importance of a strong support network and the need to treat their child as normally as possible, fostering an environment of love and resilience.
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