The beginning of the school year started off as it always had before. The kids were ready and excited to go. This was going to be Kinley’s first year of full day 5 day kindergarten and she was ready! During the first few weeks our routine was normal. She was enjoying kindergarten! She was making friends, learning new things and adjusting well.
However, during the month of September we started noticing some changes with Kinley. She had a fever one night and fell ill. She also was very tired and had quite a few bruises. This could all be explained by starting full day school, being sick and being the tomboy that she is! But I started to get worried and started Googling her symptoms. My fears and anxieties got the best of me and on Saturday, September 30 I took Kinley into her pediatrician. They took her blood and her results came back and confirmed my fears. We took her to University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s hospital and on Sunday, October 1 Kinley was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Over the course of the last week we have been on a roller coaster of emotions. We continue to wait for results from some of her tests; however, she has been doing great! So great in fact that they are discussing her discharge! She has a long road ahead of her and we will be regularly visiting the hospital but we are hopeful that Kinley will be in remission soon!
I will do my best to keep everyone updated on how she is doing as we have a very new routine! Thank you for all of your support and well wishes!
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