After getting off my training program, I’ve certainly come back with a vengeance. Which is a good thing since the Virginia Beach Rock n Roll Half Marathon is only 13 weeks away! Running, swimming, weight-training…I’m pretty sure my high school friends are right now trying to blend the un-athletic me from the early 90’s with this new marathoner-in-training. Though as much as I love the training, the fundraising has been a major struggle, and I was starting to lose sight if why I joined TNT. At least I was, until I started to talk with one of those high school friends, Jentry, about her son, Seamus.
Jentry, and her husband Brian, have generously shared their family's experience with blood cancer with me, to share with all of you. It is their hope that they are able to give back to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for all the good they do for families like theirs. As I write this, and as I correspond with Jentry and Brian, I am re-invigorated in my goal to raise $2500 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I have a long way to go, and I hope you will be as moved as I was by this family. I am so proud to be running this half marathon in honor of Seamus.
Jentry, and her husband Brian, have generously shared their family's experience with blood cancer with me, to share with all of you. It is their hope that they are able to give back to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for all the good they do for families like theirs. As I write this, and as I correspond with Jentry and Brian, I am re-invigorated in my goal to raise $2500 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I have a long way to go, and I hope you will be as moved as I was by this family. I am so proud to be running this half marathon in honor of Seamus.
This is their story
When Seamus was 3 ½, his parents found a lump on the side of his rib cage about the size of half an egg. Their pediatrician put off sending the family to the hospital, but three days later he had trouble breathing, and his parents took Seamus to the ER. As his mother said, “I knew something was wrong when they took him in the back right away.” After a lot of tests, the doctors found a grapefruit-sized tumor in his abdomen. They spent the night together at their local hospital and were transferred the next day to the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital for diagnosis and treatment.
Seamus was diagnosed with stage IV Burkitts Lymphoma, a highly aggressive and rare form of cancer in the US. His bone marrow was over 95% cancerous. Jentry, Brian and Seamus spent 3 weeks in the hospital initially, and then returned every two weeks. In these return trips Seamus was admitted for a full week to undergo non-stop chemo. Then on the off week he went in for outpatient chemo.
In addition to his chemo treatments, Seamus also had 20 blood transfusions, many spinal taps and multiple bone marrow aspirations. I’ve certainly heard of spinal taps, and how painful they are, but I didn’t know what a bone marrow aspiration entailed. Jentry explained it to me: A bone marrow aspiration is when they bore into the pelvis with an instrument that looks like a straight cork screw, breaking through the bone to get a sample of the marrow. And remember – Seamus was just 3 ½! In all, his treatment was 5 months and very intense. Yet through all of this, Seamus was a trooper. On the days he felt well it was only his bald head would let on that he was sick. He truly has an indomitable spirit.
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Brian says that Seamus "did bald well." I think they both did! |
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was helpful in so many ways for Jentry and Brian. Initially, they were a resource for information, including ways to explain the illness to Seamus and to the rest of their family. And as time progressed, they helped financially from gas money to assistance with some treatment costs. But most importantly they were able to meet other families going through the same thing.
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| Above - Seamus today - Age 11 - And proudly showing off his medal after his hockey team took 3rd place! |
I am so happy to say that today Seamus is a happy, healthy, sports-playing 11 year old big brother. He is considered cured now – his last treatment was Christmas Day, 2003. As I struggle with my training and fund raising, I’m reminded that every dollar counts. LLS supports research for new treatments as well as provides financial assistance for families like Seamus’s. After reading about what Seamus, Jentry and Brian endured, the 13.1 miles and $2500 no longer seems insurmountable. Together, we can help families: from sons and daughters, to moms and dads – every dollar counts!
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| Seamus and his family enjoying an outing. Supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society can help make days like this possible for other families! |
Want to donate? Click the widget in the top right corner of this page, or follow this link to my page!
XOX, Lisa
