Supporting Justus through Pediatric Cancer

When Sacha was blessed with the sweetest baby boy on January 21, 2021, her heart immediately doubled in size, with the love she has for Justus. To say Sacha loves being a mama to Justus would never adequately describe how much she cares for her little boy. As some of you may know Justus has struggled with upper respiratory illnesses on and off since he was a baby. Many trips to the ER, countless tests, whether it was blood tests to check different levels, xrays to check his lungs, this doctor, that specialist… the past 3 years have been filled with worry and anxiety because as a mama all you want is your child to be safe, healthy, and free from any pain or sickness. But as you could imagine the fear that would loom when allergy season came around, or winter came with the colds and flus, etc.. and whether or not that would result in another trip to the ER.

Because Justus continued to be so susceptible to getting sick, his doctors continued to do testing which included blood tests, genetic testing, bone marrow testing, etc.. to rule out anything that would be of greater concern. And in February of this year, every parent’s worst fear came true, Justus was diagnosed with JMML (Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.) Hearing the word cancer is scary enough, but being told that your 3 year old son has cancer rocks your world in an entirely different way, and breaks your heart in a way that no parent should ever have to experience.

Treatment would need to start immediately, which includes 3 rounds of chemo. The first 2 rounds are 10 consecutive days with a break in between and then a 3rd round which will be extremely intensive for 7 days that will get him prepared for a bone marrow transplant.

He has already completed his first 10 days like the champ that he is, but there’s still a very long treatment journey ahead of them. Sacha is staying at the hospital with Justus while Bob goes back and forth so he can continue working. Sacha will be out of work until after the bone marrow transplant is complete, and at least two months after that for recovery and keeping Justus safe while his immune system builds up strength after transplant.

As you could imagine the medical bills will start to add up, and the different costs associated while Sacha is in the hospital with Justus and Bob is maintaining things at home while also traveling back and forth to the hospital. Unfortunately in PA there is no paid leave for caring for your child, so they will be reliant on one income.

Sacha and Bob would never ask for help, as many of us wouldn’t. But if we could help even just a little bit to alleviate some level of financial stress to allow them to fully focus and support Justus through this journey, that for him is scary, confusing, and sad in a 3 year old’s eyes.. what a great way to demonstrate our care and support to a friend, to a mama and a daddy who love their son more than words could ever express.

If you’re able to donate or share to support Sacha, Bob and Justus – your impact will be a lasting one.

Thank you with sincere gratitude.