Help Taeyang Beat Childhood Leukemia

On May 25, 2022, Taeyang was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a type of blood cancer that is more common in young children. Taeyang celebrated his 3rd Birthday on April 11th of this year. Unfortunately, b-ALL has no conclusive genetic factors, and sadly, there are no known causes that play a role in forming the lymphocytic cancer cells in the bone marrow. Before Taeyang was diagnosed, he loved playing outside with his older sister and was looking forward to teaching his new little sister/brother about monster trucks. (His mother is five months pregnant). His favorite toys include his Mickey Mouse teddy and his Hot Wheels collection.

In Early April, Taeyang started wheezing, seemed overly tired, and started saying ouch. His mom took him to the nearest clinic, thinking it may have been a sore throat. Taeyang was treated with steroids and sent home with instructions to go to the Emergency Room if symptoms persisted. The symptoms worsened. His mother took him to the Emergency Room, where he was found to be anemic and constipated. Taeyang was discharged and given Iron supplements. His condition did not improve, and once again, his mom took him to the Emergency Room, this time to a Children's Hospital. Taeyang was given laxatives and sent home.

Taeyang seemed to be improving for five days; sadly, the wheezing returned; he started vomiting and found walking hard. His mom took him to the Emergency Room again; his red blood cell count was even lower, despite the iron supplements. It was advised to continue with the supliments, and they would test his blood count in a couple of weeks.

One month after Taeyang's first trip to the Emergency Room, he was back to test his blood count; it had dropped even more, and was at a dangerous level. A specialist was needed. Taeyang's mom took him to the specialist and thought he would need a blood transfusion the next day. Instead, with the lab work in hand, the doctor returned to the hospital room with a diagnosis that no parent wants to hear: "Your son has cancer cells."

Taeyang was admitted to a Children's Hospital (where he is still currently residing). After a confirmation test, Taeyang had surgery. The procedures done were the placement of a port line, a bone marrow biopsy, and a lumbar puncture. As of May 29th, he has begun his chemotherapy. His mom has been informed that this will be a long two-year process, with a high success rate of full recovery in five years.

Childhood cancer is devistating emotionally and sadly takes its toll on every aspect of life. Taeyang will need round-the-clock care in both the hospital and when he can return home to his family. Because of his age and childhood leukemia, his mother will have to be his full-time caregiver and not just his loving mom. For these reasons, she will not be able to continue her line of work. Every penny raised will go directly toward the care of Taeyang and any present or future medical expenses. It is estimated that every year of Luekemia treatment is $100,000 plus dollars, and places a financial hardship on most families.

We know that Taeyang is loved by many. He needs our help, because we truly believe he can beat this scary childhood cancer. Thank you to any and all, we will be updating his journey here and other social outlets. Please keep Taeyang in your thoughts.

Disclosure:
    I am Elicia Clegg, Taeyang's Maternal Grandmother.  I will be in-charge of the funds, which will go 100% to the care and well-being of Taeyang Clegg over the next 2-years. 
   The money will be used for at home around-the-clock care for Taeyang Clegg, as he is only 3-years- old.  It will also be used for transportation to and from any and all hospital, clinic, and other medical locations.  It will also be used for medical care, medical expenses,  and his well-being.