NOTE FROM THE MACS STAFF

Rasheed's story was written before he passed away. We will update his story as soon as we receive more information from his family.

On October 9th, 1996, I gave birth to my son Rasheed making it one of the most special moments in my life. He has an older sister name Jameelah thereby giving me the joy of having a girl and a boy. When he was born, he was declared a healthy boy. In addition, he has the most beautiful smile which just makes you melt. However, honestly, most seem to be so drawn to his hypnotizing hazel eyes.

Growing up Rasheed was (and still is) your happy and average kid. He attended school where he excelled in his studies (by the way he loves math and reading). He loves video games, playing sports, watching sports, swimming, watching TV., playing with his 2 dogs and being reminded to do his house chores. He has so many wonderful friends and classmates, but his best friend is his big sister :-). With all of this he was just the most active, busy and energized boy you could find. In fact, along with his sister I have officially declared them as my "energizer bunnies".

During a period of about two weeks, Rasheed would normally have his usual routine of going to school, playing outside and visiting his grandmother on the weekend. Something was different this time. He was not his normal cheerful and happy self. In fact during this period he had a fever which fluctuated, but I gave him medical attention and tender love and care. So he stabilized for the most part, but still, something didn't seem right because he was extremely tired, weak and most surprisingly had no desire to go outside and play in the beautiful weather with his friends. In addition, he had a poor appetite and wanted to sleep a lot.

It was then that I decided to take him to the medical clinic for a check up. The medical staff at the clinic then referred me to the hospital where they did extensive tests and kept him overnight for observation. The doctor told me that there could be several possibilities for Rasheed's current physical condition starting from some type of deficiency to the extreme possibility of Leukemia.

Two days later, on May 14th 2005, the doctors gave me the shocking news that he had been diagnosed with Acute Lymyphocyctic Leukemia (T-Cell). I was devastated. They wasted no time and immediately began chemotherapy along with interim maintenance treatment. Fortunately I must admit that he basically has had no side effects from the treatment and medications other than occasional vomiting. He has maintained a wonderful spirit and attitude through all that is happening with him. He has been such a strong and brave soul, so much that he acts as if he doesn't have cancer. This has truly helped me and with his continued smile, he has been my support and encouragement.

Right now he continues his education through homeschooling with a teacher whom he just adores. In fact he has a "crush" on his teacher. He continues most of his activities (except for playing sports and swimming) and hobbies in spite of his on-going treatment and medications. He continuously stays occupied with his video games and watching sports (Football season is back and he is sooooooo excited!) Unfortunately, with chemotherapy and medication, it is proving not to be enough to help him win this battle against the cancer. On September 12th, I went to the City of Hope National Medical Center and consulted with the doctor and he explained that they must now conduct a special treatment in order to make him healthy again. This is basically the only option there is, in order to effectively eradicate the cancer from my son's body. However with this treatment (Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation) there may be some risks, as this is very serious.

I ask all of you to pray for my son and all others with chronic illnesses. I believe God is great and like anything, with God all things are possible.
Well, now I hope you know a little about my brave son. He is always excited about notes and special words left for him. Please feel free to do so. Thank you for spending a few moments to know about my "energizer bunny".

(..... to be continued .....)