Happy birthday Charley!
In Michigan, Charley celebrated his 9th birthday and is Casey Cares' 535th birthday this year!
Casey Cares knows that for a critically ill child, each birthday is a special milestone celebrating life. For the children in our programs, it not only marks another year, but it also demonstrates a great achievement. Casey Cares staff and volunteers work hard to send out each of our kids a special birthday package through our Birthday Blast program - we send over 1,000 a year! This simple act of kindness delivers joy and hope to our kids who are undergoing treatment.
Meet Charley
Alissa, Charley’s mother states, “Charley was diagnosed right before he was supposed to start 4-year-old preschool. He had his annual check-up with his doctor where they always do a finger poke blood test. Charley's blood counts came back very low and he was diagnosed within a day. He had no signs or symptoms that we had noticed - so it was a complete shock to our family.”
Charley's diagnosis with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After bravely battling for over a year, Charley reached the maintenance stage in his treatment this past September and he is “handling it all well!” according to Alissa.
The mother of three notes the difficulties of being a parent to a critically ill child. Alissa explains, “The difficulties we have faced include Charley having to take so many medications and the periods where he had to stay at the hospital so much. The support from foundations like Casey Cares, our family and friends, and from our entire community has helped us cope - knowing so many people are rooting for Charley really helped!”
One month after his leukemia diagnosis, Charley's social worker reccomended him for Casey Cares programs! Since joining, Charley and his older sisters have received pajamas and crafts, Movie & Pizza Night packages, and more.
“Our favorite activity was going to Jurassic Quest with the tickets provided by Casey Cares. It was special to us because it was something we could do as an entire family; Charley and his sisters loved it!” says Caroline.
Alissa appreciated, “the pajamas for Charley and his sisters the most. When Charley was first diagnosed, it was a very hard time for our family. With Charley being in the hospital so much, all of our routines were completely changed. When the package of pajamas and other surprises for a movie night arrived from Casey Cares, the kids were all so excited. It meant so much to us that the foundation not only cares about the child going through the treatments but also their family as well.”
As Charley turns six, he will celebrate by having a party with his family! “Throughout his treatment we have had to miss a lot of family get-togethers, so we are excited to be able to celebrate!” says Alissa.
Want to support more programs and fun activities for critically ill children like Charley? Donate here!