John's Story
written by mom Julie
John was our first child and born on his dad's
25th birthday. On February 14th 1992, at the age of 14 months, he was
diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. He went into remission
immediately and after 3 years of treatment was declared "cured"; however,
there was a problem... his balance was off.
We looked for answers for 5 years and then at age 6 we found out he had
Ataxia Telangiectasia. This disease is genetic, had caused the cancer, and
would take his life. There is no treatment or cure for AT.
John is a typical teen in many ways :) He's in 10th grade, he loves to fish,
watch movies and of course, video games. He's witty, kind, smart, handsome,
and honest to a fault. In 2000, at Make-A-Wish Camp he was KING of Camp so
now we call him King John. John was the winner of Gaylord Entertainment's
"Making a Difference Award" and a recipient of a WONDERFUL quilt from the
"Love Quilts" website. He recently recited "The Creed" for FFA at school, we
were so proud :) He won an award for "bravery" :) John is sooooo special and
lovable, he touches everyone who meets him, truly a hero.
John uses a wheelchair and people have a difficult time seeing him despite
it. He has no close friends, just kids at school that say hello. His
brother, Tom, has Autism and is very sweet and well behaved. Phoebe is his
lapdog, she travels with us and helps "break the ice". She is devoted to him
and comes for me if he needs me.
We recently moved to a home on Old Hickory Lake (remember President Andrew
Jackson?) he can fish and Tom can play at the beach. John's new school has
been wonderful and Tom's is going well too.
Abilities:
See: Yes.
Hear: Yes.
Talk: Yes.
Walk: No.
Read: Can read HUGE PRINT ONLY, no cursive, post cards preferred:)
Use hands: No, has tremors.
Siblings:
brother Tommy, age 12
Child's Interests
John likes FISHING, video games, movies, TV and pretty girls.
Sibling's Interests:
Tommy likes camouflage, army jeeps, Legos, Star Wars, books, artic wildlife,
whales, penguins, etc...
Click
HERE
for recent updates on John
(use the "Search" box on the sidebar of that page
to find updates on this particular child)
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