On March 16, 2022, our 3-year-old son Brooks, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. He had been complaining of leg pain, which we later came to find out was from the build-up of abnormal white blood cells in his bone marrow. Because his cancer cells have an unfavorable gene mutation, Brooks is considered high-risk and is on a three-year treatment plan that consists of chemotherapy and steroid treatments.

The first year was a tough one, but Brooks showed us all how to embrace the journey. He never complains, even when he’s not feeling well. He is nonstop energy, full of jokes, and quite the dancer. His radiant smile, contagious laugh, and infectious personality make everyone fall in love with him.

Brooks loves crafting, coloring, swimming, wrestling, and playing anything with his best friend and big brother, Elliott. The chemotherapy compromises his immune system, so Brooks has been unable to attend school and play with his friends until recently. Now that the cancer is in remission, and Brooks is entering the maintenance phase of his treatment, he’s eager to return to school in the fall, and is determined to beat this disease.