Help Andre (and Jamie Lorenz) Fight Leukemia

In December, only a month before his 16th birthday, Andre was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma/Leukemia, a rare combination of blood cancers affecting the blood and the immune system. This combination occurs in about 1 in every 100 people with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) each year.

 

The diagnosis was a shock to his family, especially his brothers, Jonathan and Major who share the same birthday with him. His entire family is still in disbelief and while still trying to wrap their heads around the enormous amount of change, they have quickly adapted to the life-changing event. Andre began his 3-year battle of extensive treatments at Smilow Cancer Center only a few days after celebrating Christmas.

 

Prior to the diagnosis, Andre had no identifiable symptoms, and had only had a rash on his body as well as some fatigue. After taking a course of antibiotics for what his pediatrician thought was a bacterial infection, Andre noticed growth on his neck and had some chest pain. Upon further testing, they discovered a mass in his chest and multiple tumors in his body. Through a biopsy, his family learned that he had Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and through further testing, learned that he had also developed Leukemia.

 

Andre enjoys playing sports (especially basketball), hanging out with his friends, playing video games with his brothers, and spending time with his family. Though it is a difficult diagnosis and has turned his life upside down, Andre remains positive and understands his battle ahead which will consist of aggressive treatments, (including chemotherapy and other combinations of cancer fighting medications) over the next three years.

 

Andre’s journey back to health is going to be long and unfortunately a very costly one. His mother, Jamie has adequate health insurance that will cover hospital visits and stays, however the cancer treatment and other costs will exceed her maximum level of coverage.

 

Please help us rally behind Andre and his family with financial support so that they one less thing to worry about as they take the journey with him. We know Andre is going climb over this hurdle with all your love, support, and positive energy.

 

During this time, I will post updates so you can take the journey with him.

 

Thank you,

Jessica (and Jamie’s entire family)