Theo’s Journey with Leukaemia

I’m Aimie, Theo's Aunty and Gemma's twin Sister.

Theo is almost two years old and this year will be spending Christmas and his birthday in Starship hospital with his parents Gemma and Mike by his side. He has been diagnosed with BALL - B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on 11th December.

While this is the better leukaemia to get with regards to survival rate, which in Theo's case is an 80-85% survival rate. The significant number of 'blasts' or white blood cells in Theo's system he has been classified as 'high risk'. This means he will face the highest chemotherapy regime and it will be brutal on his body. Only 3 days after finding out that Theo has leukemia he has already undergone his first surgery; for bone marrow, DNA and gene testing amongst other things.

The first round of treatment is 29 days, with four different chemo drugs being used.

Gemma and Michael have been told to expect Theo will blimp up (significant weight gain expected), will lose all muscle tone (probably means spending significant time in a stroller being pushed around and will have trouble sleeping = highly irritable. He will require further surgeries to track his progress. The first 6 months will be especially intense and his treatment plan will play out over 3 years.

Mike will return to work in Tauranga early January 2018 and Gemma will remain in Auckland with Theo. We are asking for support to help Gemma and Mike with this incredibly challenging journey they have embarked on.

If you could kindly make a donation, no matter how big or small it would be really appreciated.