Child Info: 12-year-old Boy
Diagnosis: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Date of Diagnosis: January 2011
Treatment Status when Drafted: In-treatment
Team Affiliation: Boston based Men's hockey team
Age when drafted onto a Team IMPACT Team: 11 years old
Team IMPACT Draft Date: January 2012
Pre-Team IMPACT (Jan 2011-Jan 2012)
• Diagnosed January 13, 2011 at age 10 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Upon diagnosis, he battled a severe infection and spent 10 days in the ICU. The infection affected his ability to walk and never fully recovered and frequently relies upon a wheelchair for mobility.
• Fractured his foot and back in the summer of 2011 and struggled physically and psychologically (in ability to interact with peers/friends due to physical setbacks).
• Able to attend school in September of 2011 but missed school often due to his treatment schedule and the side effects of chemotherapy. Attends school for ½ days.
• He is an only child which increased his feelings of isolation and inability to make and keep friends.
• Isolation of treatment led to identity issues where he lacked a sense of belonging to a group. He was funneled in to the "cancer kid" category when he desperately wished he could participate in activities and identify with a team.
• Throughout treatment, he threw himself in to sports, following all of the major Boston sports teams and BC athletics. Sports got him through the long treatment appointments knowing that watching the game later that day will allow him to have 'a great day'.
• Quality of Life:
o Physical functioning
Reliant on wheelchair
Very low energy levels (doctors thought he was depressed)
o Emotional Functioning
Extreme anxiety about upcoming treatment (start worrying about Tues treatment on Sunday, sleepless on Monday)
Unable to get out of bed after difficult treatments
Only child which increased feelings of being alone and yearned for "big brothers"
o Social Functioning
"OK" at making friends – had friends but many resumed their 'routine' while he had to adapt to a new routine
No social calendar – loved playing baseball and unable to play due to treatments. Unable to watch friends play because it was too difficult/frustrating.
o School Functioning
Missed school due to treatment schedule/side effects of treatment
Difficult to keep up academically with peers
Team IMPACT participation
o Drafted onto a Boston based hockey team January 3, 2012
o "To say he is excited is an understatement. He had a rough week after treatment and is just starting to feel better. As he says these are the things along with his friends and family that get him through the tough treatment." (Quote from mom 1/3/2012)
• He met the team at Fenway Park for a team skate prior to their game at Fenway later that week. Team brought him out on to the ice in his wheelchair and gave him an official team jersey that was signed by each of the players.
o "I've been a Warrior for 12 hours and I am already loving it" (Quote from child 1/4/2012)
• Relationship Highlights
o In February, he preferred to go to 2 practices during February vacation instead of his family's cottage in New Hampshire (first time he chose anything over the family vacation in New Hampshire)
o For his birthday present, he asked to attend the team's games in Maine the weekend of his birthday.
"The guys continue to make him feel part of team and even though he didn't feel well on Saturday night, I couldn't get him out of the arena." (Quote from Mom 3/5/2012)
o Proudly confessed to his doctors that he spent the weekend with his team in Maine and though it took a toll on him physically (slight fever) he proudly told the doctors that you sometimes have to 'live a little'.
"It is such a joy and comfort to me to know that my son had one of the best adventures because of his team of wonderful guys that brought him such happiness." (Quote from Mom 3/13/2012)
o Constant communication with his teammates through texts and phone calls. Evolved in to inside jokes and personal friendships with the players on the team.
o Celebrates his teammate's birthdays by hosting a birthday party for each of them at his house. Has started a tradition with them where he gets them a giant cupcake to celebrate.
o Since the season ended in April, he has spent time with the team at both his house and on campus. Even after the players left for summer break, he keeps up his daily communication with several of them.
• Quality of Life Improvements
o Physical functioning
Improved physical stamina
• When with team he has an increased appetite and motivation to eat healthy
Increased physical responsibility/value
o Emotional Functioning
Lowered sense of anxiety about treatment. Less sleeplessness prior to treatment
• At a lumbar puncture: "Players texted him while he was at the clinic with jokes and positive messages. It kept his mind off worrying about his procedure. He was in recovery texting - so funny. His recovery is so much better because he is actually happy." Mom
Development of a social identity
• Wears team sweatshirt and hat constantly to include at clinic
• Proud to go to team locker room before games as it is "players only"
Happiness
• "This relationship has done what no medicine ever could - put a smile and laughter back into a little boys face". Mom
• "These guys have become like older brothers to him. They really have." Dad
Reduced risk of depression
• Has opened up a lot about his feelings. Feels more comfortable sharing his 'real' feelings and emotions with his teammates rather than a psychologist/social worker
• Inspired by his teammates well wishes and truly believes in "I am a Warrior" motto
Increased sense of future
• Looking forward to next season with the team. Talking about going to college someday.
o Social Functioning
Increased self confidence
• Is 'on a high' when he is with his team or receives texts from them
• Has secret handshakes and inside jokes with many of the players – developed unique friendships with several of the players on the team
o School Functioning
Increased motivation to succeed
• Dreams of going to the same college in the future
Motivated by his teammates to create good study habits
• Emulates his teammates time managements skills and commitment(i.e. need to finish his schoolwork in order to attend practice)
• Understands the importance of school
• Serves a great group of inspiring mentors and as a powerful parenting tool
