Life Crisis of a Young HLH Patient

Imagine living your life and not knowing that you were born with a rare disease.  How would you prepare yourself to hear this news? Are there even ways to prepare?

This happened to be the case for nineteen-year-old, Nicholas Whitney.  After feeling terribly sick and nauseous for about a week, he went to the hospital and found out he was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.  HLH is a genetically acquired condition in which the body produces too many activated immune cells.  Typical symptoms include fever, enlarged spleen or liver, and a lower than normal amount of blood cells.  Unfortunately, many cases of HLH also have a high mortality rate which you can learn more about at https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/h/hlh/about .

Luckily Nick will triumph, but not without a tough fight.  He needs chemo treatments every week for the next six months, rest, and to stay positive & optimistic.  Before he got sick, he had been working full-time for 3 years at Gusto’s Pizzeria in Rhode Island to support himself.  Healthy food and medical bills are a huge challenge.  Nick depended on his job and now he has lost that income.  In order for him to achieve his goals - car, GED, college courses - he needs our help.  With your support, kindness, understanding, and mindfulness, Nick will be able to get back on his feet.  

I am Carol, a college student and prospective nonprofit event planner.  My father Kevin, his two friends Keryn and Jim McKeon, and the wonderful and supportive second family at Gusto’s have seen such strength and potential in Nick.  After hearing of his life-threatening illness, we felt compelled to offer him the help he needs.

Together we can decrease Nick’s stress, increase his chances of success, and prove that regardless of what you’re dealt with, people are always willing to lend a helping hand.  We appreciate your help!