On Thursday 3rd December 2009 our seven year old son Joseph was admitted into St. James University Hospital, Leeds (Jimmy's). Following several blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy Joe was diagnosed as having a rare type of blood cancer called Burkitt's Lymphoma. This is a particularly aggresive type of cancer that rapidly spreads through the body. On Sunday 6th December 2009 a CT scan confirmed that Joe has tumors on his lymph glands, liver and kidneys, it is also suspected that the cancer has infected his spine (we are awaiting results from a lumbar puncture carried out yesterday). This means that Joe has reached a stage four infection which unfortunately is the highest level.

As many of you will know Joe is a fantastic little character, always smiling with a love of the outdoors. He has a very loving family and two brothers Harry and Sam, all of whom are hoping and praying for a successfull recovery.

We are about to embark on a long journey as chemotherapy began last Wednesday (9th December). It is a very intensive program due to the aggresive nature of the disease. Joe will be permanently in hospital for seven weeks and if all goes well he will be able to continue the remaining four months of chemotherapy as an outpatient. It is Joe's birthday on the 30th January and we really hope that he will be able to come home then. We have promised Joe a new quad bike for his birthday and this is one little thing that is keeping his spirit up at this time.

I would like to try and raise £1000.00 (at least) for the Macmillan nurses who do a fantastic job in helping both patients and families deal with the trauma of cancer.

www.macmillan.org.uk

A side effect of Joe's treatment means that he will lose his hair, this is likely to happen next week when the very intensive doses of chemotherapy will begin. To help Joe feel less worried about his hair loss I will be shaving my head for the duration of his treatment. It is just a small gesture but will hopefully make him and the other children on Ward 10 giggle. Should you wish to write to Joe he can be contacted as follows:

Joseph Kealey, Ward 10, Gledhow Wing, St James University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds. LS9 7TF

Please give whatever you can and spare a thought or prayer for a little boy who is going through a very painful, anxious and confusing time.

Many Thanks

Matthew Kealey

 

9th July 2010

 

Dear All,

I have been looking forward to writing this message since November last year !

Today we have had confirmation that Joe is “all clear”.

Joe will continue to be routinely checked for the next 5 years.

It has been a terrible 7 months for all of us with many highs and lows, yet throughout all of his treatment Joe has been incredibly brave.

The support from our family and friends has helped us pull through and we now look forward to getting on with the rest of our lives.

A huge thank you to all of you for your positive thoughts and prayers.

 

Sincere Thanks

Matt, Rachel, Harry, Joe and Sam

 

 

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