Operation Iris Perez

After months of battling unknown illnesses, Jeremy and Kate (Sickert) Perez received a call from the pediatrician on February 17th, 2023. A call that no parent should ever have to receive; Iris, their five-year-old daughter, had bloodwork done that morning. The results were back, and they indicated leukemia.

Jeremy, Kate, and Iris were told to head to Riley Children's Hospital immediately. After a long night, and many tests, the results were confirmed. Sweet Iris was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Although rare, ALL is the most common pediatric cancer. An incredible team of physicians went into action and created a treatment plan to begin immediately. Over the course of the next week, Iris experienced multiple blood transfusions, platelet transfusions, a bone marrow biopsy, a spinal tap, and the placement of a port. Chemotherapy was started, and Jeremy and Kate began to prepare for what is likely a two to five year road to recovery.

Thanks to incredible developments in modern medicine, most children (nearly 90%) make a full recovery and live a healthy life post-diagnosis. No matter how high the success rate is, it is a terrifying experience to learn that your child has been diagnosed with this disease.

Iris has shown incredible strength and bravery, and although she will have to make the trip to Indianapolis weekly for chemo treatments and face new and scary experiences, she continues to smile and light up any room she enters.

Jeremy and Kate are an asset to their community and are always willing and ready to serve others. Jeremy, a law enforcement officer for nearly 16 years, has put his own life on the line to protect and serve his community. Schedules have had to be adjusted to ensure that Iris has access to the best care, and her big sister Evelyn can continue to thrive in school and soccer. Kate has made the sacrifice of putting much of her career on hold resulting in a 50% loss in wages. Jeremy, a Type 1 diabetic, is no stranger to the reality of high medical costs, as his care is a major expense to the family each month. While they prepare for the road ahead, the medical expenses are daunting.

Many have asked how they can help Jeremy, Kate, Evelyn, and sweet Iris. Relieving them of the financial pressures a diagnosis like this can cause would be a gift beyond measure and would allow them to put all of their energy into caring for Iris and ensuring she has the best path to recovery.

We know that they will be incredibly grateful for any support financially that is given, and encourage the additional support of prayer and positive energy for their beautiful family through this difficult time.

Thank you for taking the time to read this story and for any gift you can contribute.

#TeamGoose

For those that would prefer to mail donations, please make checks payable to:

Jeremy Perez

2800 N 700 E

Marion, IN 46952