Cameron (Cam) was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma in early August 2023, at a little over 2 1/2 years old. He had no symptoms other than complaining of a tummy ache one time; however, after palpating his abdomen at home, I decided to take him to the ER. Imaging at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta revealed extensive abdominal tumors and a spot in his right lung. Biopsies, bone marrow aspirates, and a lumbar puncture were completed to confirm his diagnosis; however, the extent and location of the tumors made them inoperable. Burkitt Lymphoma is the most aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; tumors can double in size within hours. So, Cam immediately underwent an equally aggressive chemotherapy regimen. He endured a four-phase treatment plan (each phase lasted 21 days) in three months and was hospitalized nearly the entire time due to severe side effects. During that time, the team at CHOA became like family to us, as did the wonderful folks from CURE, who were there throughout the week each week, providing meals and working tirelessly to support the patients and families on the Hematology/Oncology floor.
Following his discharge from the hospital, Cam had to undergo Physical Therapy for six months and visit the Hematology/Oncology Clinic monthly for infusions of IgG to boost his immune system due to the chemotherapy agents suppressing immunity from his bone marrow. We would often see CURE while in the clinic, and they would provide snacks, meals, and something special for Cam and his big sister, too.
Cam’s scans in the spring of 2024, following his treatment, showed no evidence of disease, and he rang the bell to celebrate the end of his treatment in June 2024. He is still followed by the Immune Dysregulation Oncologist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, but had his final visit with his primary oncologist in June 2025, and graduated to the Survivor’s Clinic, where he will be followed for the next five to seven years.
CURE has been with us throughout Cam’s treatment and recovery. They have been such a blessing to our family, and provided so much support, whether it has been meals for our family while inpatient, helping with bills while I was out of work, or inviting our family to so many fun events. This September, during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to celebrate his recovery by joining with CURE to reach out and help raise awareness for childhood cancer, research, and support for families whose lives have been forever changed by pediatric cancer. Please consider donating in Cam’s honor!
