He rides his tricycle in the hospital hallways, not at the park. He knows the name of chemo drugs, and procedures, not the names of preschool classmates. Nurses and doctors have become his family in the hospital has become his home.
We have an unofficial theory in medicine.
Exceptionally bad things seem to happen to extraordinarily good people. I have known John and Paige for over 20 years and they are truly exceptional human beings. Our babies were born mere months apart.
When their son Mannon was diagnosed with leukemia in October 2020 just shy of his second birthday, that terrible theory was reinforced for me in a personal and painful way.
Since then, Mannon has spent much of his short life inside a children’s hospital in Nashville recieving treatment for his leukemia. John and Paige have spent these years by his side, away from their jobs, their home, their families, and loved ones.
There are frequent mentions in current culture about privilege. I want to talk about a privilege that most of us have, but are fortunate enough to not be reminded of.
That is the privilege of not having watched your child fight for their precious life. Most have been spared the repeated personal reminder of how fragile life truly is. Privilege of never having helplessly watched others repeatedly inflict pain and suffering on the person you love most, because you know it is the only thing that can be done to attempt to keep them Earthside, and in your arms.
Being able to comfort your child’s when they merely fear the imaginary monster under their bed, not a real monster that lives within them, and seeks to destroy.
The day before Mannon was diagnosed John and Paige also had this "privilege", but life changes in an instant.
Mannon achieved remission after his initial treatments, only to have their hearts broken again in March 2022 when his leukemia returned. He underwent months of treatment and in September of 2022 Mannon received a bone marrow transplant from his very best friend.
His perfect match was his brave baby brother, Bear.
This week, to the day, one year from his last relapse, Paige and John have been wrecked by the reality that Mannon's leukemia has again returned.
I am sad and angry on their behalf, but the pain they are feeling is unfathomable to those who have never felt it.
I ask you for your love and support for this family. Nothing said or done will erase the helplessness and heartbreak they feel. In addition to the emotional burden on their heart, there is certainly a mental burden from the responsibilities in life that do not disappear when your child is diagnosed with cancer. Travel, lodging, an unbelievable amount of medical bills, time away from work to be with their child. This is one way we can help lighten the load.
Most of all they covet your prayers. Prayers for strength and guidance for John and Paige. Prayers for true and complete healing. Prayers that Mannon continue to have moments of peace and joy down this incredibly difficult road. Pray for Bear as he is so young and certainly grieves the absence of his best friend and parents. Pray for the minds and hands of the providers that will stand between Mannon and the cancer that threatens his little body. Pray for their families that also continue to grieve and simultaneously step up and step in to support them so they can be there for Mannon.
