Xavi Ibarra battle-childhood cancer BALL Leukemia

Today is just another day at the hospital in what has become the normal routine for Xavis's chemo treatment. Even though it has been some time, it is still crazy how much has changed in our lifestyle in such a short period of time.

Esteban and I took Xavi to the ER on September 10th, 2022 to be evaluated.

Those who know Xavi personally know that he is a socially strong silly boy, so when he cried out in pain that he needed to see a doctor, we knew that something was severely wrong. We were unprepared as parents for the fear and heartbreak we experienced. We had no idea that instead of check-in, we would be registered on a floor we had never imagined. We initially took him to the ER because he was experiencing severe stomach pain. However, the devastating news came after some blood work. Xavi was diagnosed with B- Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia one month after beginning Pre-k and one month shy of his 5th birthday.

For us, life changed in the blink of an eye. We spent about a week on the inpatient oncology floor preparing Xavis treatment plan. It was simply a matter of time before he began treatment the next day after receiving his diagnosis.

Several hematology-oncology doctors, surgeons, nurses, and social workers explained the medical procedures, medical care, and social services we would require for Xavis care. No parent is ever prepared for such a change, especially with a four-year-old. On the second day of his hospital stay, Xavi underwent surgery for a port placement under his skin near his chest to receive blood transfusions, medications, and fluids rather than the standard IV. It was necessary given the length of his treatment and to minimize the discomfort of the procedures he would have to endure.

As I stated previously, Xavi had just started pre-kindergarten, but because he had begun treatment, his immune system was now compromised, and with flu season approaching, he was unable to continue with school. He did, however, enjoy his month of attendance. As a cancer patient, your lifestyle changes; his immune system being compromised brought changes and limitations to the crowds and places Xavi could attend. So, one month in, as Xavi adjusted to his medications, Halloween and his 5th birthday approached. Xavi was taking steroids along with several other medications at the time, which caused numerous symptoms, the most notable of which was weight gain in his face and the start of his hair loss. As we attempted to follow the doctor's orders and find a way for Xavi to celebrate, we participated in the hospital Halloween parade alongside other cancer parents and children.

We had a small celebration at home for his 5th birthday, as well as the other holidays that followed.

Over the last few months, Xavi has endured blood tests, lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsies, chemo, and numerous at-home medications. His body had so far responded favorably to treatment. As a result, allowing us to proceed into his delayed intensification phase. Between this time and the next phase, he had a short break from his medications, permitting his hair to slowly regrow.

We are now in the second week of consecutive chemo in the delayed intensification phase, and Xavis' blood counts have dropped.

We're asking for help because we've been told that we need to plan logistically and financially in case Xavi needs extended hospitalizations, blood transfusions, and frequent clinical visits. We are hoping for the best but also preparing for what may come.

As his mom, I had to make the difficult decision to leave the workplace, despite the financial impact on our family, seeing as Xavi requires my full-time attention during this, by far, the most intense phase he has definitely gone through.

His dad is the only one who is currently employed, which is when we realized we needed support from our community because his treatment plan has changed substantially, culminating in a financial burden.

If you could find it in your heart to contribute to the cost of Xavi's care, we would be eternally grateful.

If you are unable to make a financial contribution, please help us by sharing his link and / or keeping him in your prayers.

All contributions will be used to cover Xavi's inpatient and outpatient clinical visits, planned and unplanned hospital stays, medical bills, and insurance co-pays.

Because his insurance limits the amount he can receive, the donations will assist him in acquiring more medications.

It is critical to provide Xavi with the necessary care.

The funds will be extremely beneficial to his recovery and follow-up care.

No amount is too small; every penny will go towards Xavi's treatment over the next two and a half years.

Thank you for your time, support, and generosity.

XO

Mom and Dad