Alexander John is entering 10th grade 9/2000, and has beautiful blue eyes. Alex was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in June of 1996 wile we lived in Rochester, NY. He presented with symptoms that were not very obvious. Somewhat pale, lack of energy and 2 pea sized bumps behind his right ear. I suspected a possible ear infection, and since we were getting ready to go on a vacation, decided to have it checked out. The Pediatrician mentioned his spleen was enlarged and ordered a blood test. Alex passed out at the lab after the blood draw. He was fine, but very tired the rest of the day. The next morning the doctor called early and asked that we come into the office to discuss Alex's blood test results. There we were told they suspected Leukemia and that we should go to Strong Memorial Hospial that afternoon, where they were waiting for us to take further tests. Alex was admitted, received blood and they tested his bone marrow. A Broviac central line (used for giving and receiving blood and meds) was surgically implanted the next day. Alex started chemotherapy on July 1, 1996 following the Dana Farber protocol, but no in a study. He was in the hospital for 3 weeks until he reached remission. Halfway through treatment in the summer of 1997, we moved back home to Cleveland. He continued his treatment at Rainbow Babies & Children/University Hospital at the Ireland Cancer Center. After a little over two years of chemotherapy (Dana Farber protocol) he finished in August 1998. During those two years, Alex tolerated all chemo and meds without any major setbacks. He attended school daily and was a straight "A" student, and still is. He had his Broviac catheter removed in October of 1998. Currently Alex goes to the clinic quarterly through 8/2000, then semi-annually for a CBC and general check up. He is doing GREAT and is enjoying being a " Normal " kid again!

Alex enjoys teasing his sister, collecting Legos, rebuilding his computer, after school bowling and cheering on the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns Too!

Mackenzie Rose, is our happy go lucky 4th grader-9/2000. Mackenzie enjoys after school ice skating, collecting Beanie Babies, listening and dancing to music, creating anything and keeping us all on our toes! She has signed up on a girls softball team for the spring, and though she does very well in school, is looking forward to summertime!

In celebration of Alex ending chemo and starting on the path of being a cancer survivor, we adopted a dog from the local shelter. Shellie is a female Sheltie/Shepherd mix. She has managed to steal everyone's heart.