David Escott

Simon McKenzie is a sweet 5-year-old boy who’s been through quite a lot in his short life. Three months after being given an autism diagnosis at just 2-1/2 years old, Simon was diagnosed with Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and began a years-long chemotherapy protocol at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital.

After front-line chemotherapy, an intense 6-month program of various chemotherapy drugs and steroid treatments, and two years of daily maintenance chemotherapy, Simon’s chemotherapy treatment ended in early 2020. Throughout his 2-1/2 years or treatment—even after losing the ability to walk, undergoing dozens of lumbar puncture procedures, and being severely immune compromised—Simon has persevered, thrived, and inspired everyone who came into his life.

Today, Simon attends the Cleveland Clinic Lerner School for Autism where he receives ABA, speech, physical, and occupational therapies in an environment that can meet his immune compromised needs. He loves playing with his sister Maren, visiting his adoring family and friends, going for scooter rides, and eating every strawberry within eye-shot. He’s the bravest little boy you’ll ever have the pleasure to meet.