My name is Allison Mae Claire Brooks, and on August 10th of 2016, I was diagnosed with Pre B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. To donate to me, go to
https://pages.giveforward.com/medical/page-ncks1z4/activity/532249. This site is not my fundraising site, but it will keep you updated on my progress. I am five years old and the weekend prior to the diagnosis, I was doing as all little girls do, playing dress-up, having laughs with my little sister, enjoying sleepovers with my cousins and grandparents, and soaking up the last bit of summer weather as I was going to start kindergarten the next week. I shopped for all my new school supplies and school clothes, and was excited about my very first day at a real school. A slight temperature, some significant bruising on my legs (thought to be play injuries), and a bloated belly concerned my parents, so they took me to the doctor, thinking I probably just had a virus. Instead, we were told I would be transported via ambulance to the pediatric hematology/oncology department at Greenville Memorial Hospital. The diagnosis was swift and the plan of action was even more swift, with no time for the heartbreak to set in for my mommy and daddy. Our family was swarmed with medical terminology, medications we had never heard of, and decisions we never thought we would have to make. While we were surrounded by a strong support system and a medical staff that was undoubtedly knowledgeable as well as compassionate, it was truly heartbreaking for mommy and daddy learning what I had to go through in the coming days. I spent twenty days in the hospital after initial diagnosis, and I became a warrior fighting for my life. The entire family was in awe at how I could begin to understand what was happening to me and how I courageously complied with the doctors orders and learned to express thoughts and concerns. I now live in a new home and my environment has completely changed. I once shared a bedroom with my best friend, my little sister, but now I have to stay in my own sterile environment. I am quickly learning my routine of medications and I know when I am over exerting myself. I get tired a lot. My clothes no longer fit, as the steroids have caused my belly to swell. Due to treatment, I no longer have an immune system, have a lot of pain, and many other side effects. Mommy and daddy have a new regimen that consists of constant cleaning/sterilizing to keep my environment safe, all new products, meal prep, doctors appointments, home-bound schooling, keeping my sister and I separated, and taking me to receive my chemotherapy. I can tell my little sister, Lizzy, is sad that we can't play like we used to, but she is trying to be sweet, understanding, and supportive. The doctors said I won't be all better until I am probably eight years old, so I will be sick for a long time. I know my entire family is praying for me and many people are helping my mommy and daddy by sending supplies, words of encouragement and support for my medical treatments.
