Caleb is a happy bubbly boy. He always has been, and still is.  In 2008 we had started to notice some small changes in our then 3-year-old. He started looking pale one day and then ok the next, he would eat but not a lot. We were in the process of moving and as all little ones at his age don’t like change, neither did he. We assumed it was due to that. But after we had moved he seemed to get worse, looking pale more often then not eating and not playing. We were so worried after we had taken him to the zoo and train ride and he didn’t act happy that we decided to take him to the doctor. Our doctor said the minute he saw him he knew it was leukemia. We went to another hospital that agreed and then to one more hospital. Finally we learned for sure on July 12, 2008 that our little bubbly 3-year-old boy had cancer.  It was so hard to believe then, as it is now as I am typing it. Looking back on pictures we realize he had been sick for a while, now that we know what we are looking for. He didn’t have all the symptoms, just a persistent cough, and paleness every once in a while.

When he went into the hospital the first time for initial diagnosis he was given a port in the right side of his chest. Shortly after this had been placed, about a month later he developed a clot near the port. So he went through a port removal and replacement in September. It’s great to say that even though he is still in treatment and will be until September 2011, our beautiful bright Caleb is doing great!!! He is such a blessing to our family!

Written by Melissa Compher, Caleb's Mother
02/10