For Connor

There is an amazing little boy in my life that I'd like to tell you about. His name is Connor, he is eight years old, he is my great-nephew and he is in a battle for his life. You see, Connor is fighting an enemy called Leukemia.

Connor is quite a kid! He loves pirates and anything he finds can be "treasure" to him. (An old piece of jewelry can make him smile.) He loves magic tricks and practices them on all who are close to him. Magic fascinates him. And there is a magic in Connor that you see and feel when you meet him. It's in his eyes. It's in his smile. He also loves to go fishing and rafting (he loves the water) and loves to play his video games.

Connor was just like every other little kid you know...playing, going to school, you know, just being a kid. Then one day in November of 2008, Connor began to complain with some joint pain. He was seen by a doctor for his complaints with the diagnosis being a sprained wrist, then a sprained knee, etc. This went on for a week.

Then the next week his Mom took him to school as usual, but around noon, she got a call. The school requested that she come get Connor immediately. Apparently, he could not stand or put any weight on his legs without being in excruciating pain. He would scream in terrible pain when he tried to walk. That was the beginning of Connor's battle. Within the space of a week, his world was turned upside down. Within 24 hours, he was diagnosed with Leukemia.

Connor was sent to Arkansas Children's Hospital and treatment was begun immediately. And being the "trooper" that he is, Connor responded amazing well to the treatments. He lost his hair, was often violently sick. Many days he couldn't keep anything (food, drink) down. But he fought! And he won! Connor was in remission for over a year once his treatment was done. The doctors were quite hopeful and so were we.

Then a couple of weeks ago, Connor's routine check up revealed something alarming. Cancer cells had invaded his spinal fluid. And Connor's fight has been renewed. The cancer is back.

At Arkansas Children's Hospital, Connor continues his fight. The chemo they are giving him this time is called "Red Devil". It is a medication so toxic to human cells that it must be greatly diluted to enter his little body. And even in it's diluted form, it can cause burns if it comes into direct contact with the skin.

Yet Connor's spirit is unwavering and strong. He smiles, he plays, he fights his enemy tirelessly without complaint-and looks forward to the day when he will not have to go through any of this ever again. His skin is peeling from his body, he is so sick with nausea and vomiting that he can't eat, his body is bloated and swollen from the medications he must take and still he smiles! I am humbled by this little warrior.

When I think of Connor, I feel ashamed of my silly complaints. I have nothing to complain about compared to this little boy. I have lived 52 years and Connor, at 8 years of age, is simply fighting for his next birthday! You are my little hero, Connor...and I am going to fight with you in any way I can.

God bless the doctors and nurses at Arkansas Children's Hospital for your excellent care of our Connor. God bless and strengthen Connor in his fight against this insidious disease. God bless and help Connor's mother (my niece) and grandmother (my sister) as they help him fight his daily battles.

And God help me to remember that there are worse indignities in this life than growing old!

This entry is for Connor....fight on little warrior....our little pirate....our budding magician....

God bless and strengthen Connor.