Help Asher fight cancer

Hello, we are the belanger family. I’m Shelby, mom of the family. We have two boys, Asher who is 5, and Silas that is 3. Asher in the last week of February 2023, he started to become very tired and yellowish in skin color. We grew concerned and took him to his Primary Care Physician, and they drew labs as we voiced our concerns. Getting a call midnight on 2/28/23, to bring Asher to Maine medical center, as something was wrong in his blood work. We got a sitter for our then 2 year old, so my husband and I could be fully present and focused as the tone on the call was serious. They put two iv’s in, one for blood work/saline and one for transfusions. By 4pm on 2/28/23 we got the diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This cancer has stages and high risk/low risk diagnoses. We found out later that week and next month Asher was stage 3, high risk, but the chances were good. Asher has had to do lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsies, he will still have to do those as well. His whole treatment we were told would be two, to two and a half years. To get his diagnosis at 4 years old was crazy to think, but this is only the beginning. Asher has had over 25 hospitalization stays. From fevers, to treatment time there, to prolonged stays to try to figure out the reasons for fevers or labs coming back abnormal. Asher had 6 NG tubes placed before we finally were able to get a g-tube inserted. From Asher’s already not great eating habits to now doing a bunch of meds upsetting his stomach, he stopped eating. His clothes were sliding off of him, he seemed to be just melting away. But we started feeds and medications to hopefully help his appetite, it did. And then his body started to do what it needed to. He’s finally on no feeds, but we are able to go back if we need to. His g-tube makes it so we can give medications without him vomiting, without fighting and crying and having a meltdown because he doesn’t feel in control of his own body. He “helps us” hook up his g-tube tubing, he pushes his own meds once they are connected, he flushes with water in between the medications. We have given him control over something that he didn’t before, and it’s working. Asher’s confidence with all that is going on is incredible. Asher during chemo runs around and plays most days. But some days he gets so weak and tired he just wants momma cuddles, and I’ll never deny him of that. He loves playing video games, especially with the older kids and adults. He’s competitive, and his commentary is beyond hilarious. His RC cars that he races in the hospital has become a staple. All new staff is told (sometimes I think warned) about Asher his and crazy cars. He races the staff, chases staff, gives his cars for other kids to borrow or take home so he has more people to race. He’s made some amazing friends in completely different Situations, but they understand the hospital stays, the gross food, the feeling being away from home, away from pets, and the bond they tend to have is just heartwarming and breaking. Asher’s dad, Michael is working as much as he can, while also being present, especially when Asher is asking for him. Asher’s mom, Shelby has been taking time off work to take Asher to treatments and hospital time. Now that his treatment has calmed down I’ve been able to try to pick up more shifts until treatment changes again. We just want them to feel loved, and keep them busy. Both boys recently have fallen in love with legos. They love Rc Cars, wooden train cars/tracks, Thomas the train, Nintendo games, coloring, painting, cooking, four wheeling, and so much more. We just want to give them things that would make it easier for the next two years. Christmas is coming up and we want to make it special as there won’t be any holiday parties, no big gatherings, no birthday parties, and many more we can’t take the risk of Asher getting really sick with his weakened immune system. He’s lived in the “bubble” of certain people for so long, we just want to make sure we can give them a change in sensory, new fun places to go to, and more experiences.

Asher’s Thanksgiving was also spent in the hospital for trying to figure out fevers. now we just hope to be home in time for Christmas. He’s a very sweet boy who loves Rc cars and being with his family. It’s so hard to watch him go from perfectly fine to sleeping 24/7, not eating or playing. So when we have those good days we role with them. He has thought us much about resilience, and grace, and patience. Asher’s long hair was his statement for years. So the learning adjustments have been rough. Can’t believe he’s almost lost all of his hair. He genuinely wants people happy, he’s appreciative, and caring.

Asher has already had great experiences with the community and people wanting to support the cause. We have made some pretty wonderful opportunities, and we can’t say thank you enough.