Bryson’s fight
This fundraiser is for Bryson and the Artis family. Bryson is a strong, easy-going 11-year old. The family anxiously awaits to find out what type of cancer he has and what treatment will look like. Here is their story from Lauren (mom) in her own words:
Bryson, our 11 year old son, was healthy and happy on our last trip to Savannah in July for July 4th. He was swimming, skateboarding, playing basketball, walking all over, scootering, and so much more. Who knew that would be our last family vacation for quite some time coming.
Once we got home from camping in Savannah we noticed Bryson was limping with his foot. We took him to orthopedic and they xrayed and all was cleared. A week later we noticed he started to limp worse he complained of his back. I scheduled another appointment for orthopedic. He wanted to refer our, but completed some blood work. It was beautiful nothing to be worried about. The next week he was walking dog so excited about to head off to church camp for first overnight camp when the dog pulled and he fell. He could barely move so we cancelled camp and took him to nemours. He was so devastated, but they found he had a compression fracture in his back at T12. He was put in back brace for 8-10 weeks.
Fast forward to 2 weeks later where we were continuing to see a very big decline in mobility. He was taken back and nothing was found at orthopedic. On Tuesday, august 17th Bryson got out of the shower and showed us his bruises all on tops of his legs. We were so confused how did this happen with him not even doing anything. My mom gut said nope he has to go back. So Danny took him back to ER at nemours (as only one person is allowed and we have 3 other kids). I thought this will be easy fix and they will help his pain and all will be right.
Well it wasn’t, they did blood work and it came back with low red blood cells, low platelets, and liver enzymes elevated. He was admitted. When we got to room a hematologist/oncologist came in the room to meet with us. He started explaining all the blood tests that he had ordered and said the word no parent ever wants to hear. He said I am concerned about leukemia due to some alarming numbers and all. I want to prep him and do a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration today at 2 pm. The room filled I had sent danny home to shower. I sat there while nurses filled room with paperwork and consents. I was in shock I called danny he showered and rushed back. He had to have an iv infusion to help his blood clot better his blood pressure spiked they gave lasix and took him into OR. Danny and I sat in the waiting room weeping and staring at each other in disbelief that we were having this happen. The doctor came out and told us the procedure didn’t go as well as wanted because he was bleeding to bad. They ended up getting some, but he was unsure if enough. He told us it would take 24 hours to get results. So we waited and sat and waited.
At 4:15 on August 19th, a team stood at door including social workers, oncologists, child life specialist. And we knew we were about to get the worst news ever. The doctor sat down and said ok we have results. They told us that in his bone marrow they found small round blue cell tumors. This indicates malignant cancer, but they are unsure of name and where tumor is. The next 20 minutes was a blur of big scientific words, feeling like you wanted to throw up, trying to not cry in front of our son and being strong, squeezing my husbands hand, and so many uncertainties of the future. The room cleared and I sat on the bed with Bryson and asked if he had any questions. First question, is it contagious? Second, am I going to die? Third, can I be home for my birthday? Ouch if any of you have ever had to answer that second one for your kid it sucks. We cried together on that bed and I answered we fight. We are fighters and we aren’t stopping today. He was strong I was strong, danny was strong.
They are doing two scans a MRI AND CT now as I type this to see more answers.
So right now this is where I sit in the cafeteria drinking a tea waiting to see what our scans say for what our treatment plan is going to be for our active, loving sweet baby boy.
I have text many and asked for prayers. I have felt them We have felt the peace and love of everyone who know us and loves our babies too. We have no updates yet, but I have faith. I have faith we serve a mighty God. I have faith that no mountain is too big for him. I believe that Bryson was given to danny and I because we are fighters. We have been fighting for Bryson for a very long time and it has prepared us for a time as this.
A lot of people have asked how to help and we don’t know yet. Honestly we are still in shock. We are taking minute by minute. For now pray love our other three kids if you see them.
We are asking for prayers and anything that you can or want to contribute as this family of 6 will now have medical bills, gas, tolls, bills, and time off of work to worry about. Thank you for reading their story, they truly are the best of friends who give EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING to all who ask. They never ask or want for anything, now it’s our time to help them! Please share and pray with us for Bryson during this terrifying circumstance. Updates will be shared!