Joanna’s Story

Site created on April 21, 2018

First, thank you so much for taking the time to view our site.   Since late February 2018, Will and I began seeking answers for our 3-year-old daughter, Savannah, due to consecutive bouts of illness.  Savannah was showing flu like symptoms and was treated for strep throat and ear infection.  After antibiotics and other medications did not work, Savannah fought a weeks worth of dangerously high fevers, reaching 105 degrees at one point.  The doctors became more concerned as each day passed and ordered blood tests and chest x-rays searching for answers.

In early March, Savannah’s blood cell numbers bottomed out forcing her heart to work overtime to keep her body functioning.  She was hospitalized with more testing ordered including blood transfusions and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.  The initial results came back inconclusive even after the sample was sent to John Hopkins University for a second opinion.  After spending 5 days at Hemby Children’s Hospital, Savannah was discharged pending further testing.

The remaining days of March were filled with weekly/bi-weekly doctor visits and eventually another bone marrow biopsy.  Finally, on March 28th, the doctors of Novant and John Hopkins diagnosed Savannah with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).  On April 2nd, Savannah was admitted to the Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital to begin a 2-year treatment plan of Chemotherapy and other supporting medications.  

And so begins this journey and caringbridge site to keep all our family and friends updated.     #SavannahStrong

Newest Update

November 02, 2019

Journal entry by Joanna Kozlowski —

A few more pics since it’s been awhile! 😘

Read More of the journal titled "November 02, 2019"
  • Disney on Ice with one of our friends
    Disney on Ice with one of our friends
  • Mikaela supporting the PINK for October breast cancer awareness at cheer
    Mikaela supporting the PINK for October breast cancer awareness ...
  • Local princess event 
    Local princess event
  • Savannah started dancing this fall and was dancer of the week
    Savannah started dancing this fall and was dancer of the week
  • Had chemo in the hospital on 10/28 - our favorite nurse Ms. Lena, and we dressed the part for Halloween - Shine from Shimmer and Shine (Genies Devine)
    Had chemo in the hospital on 10/28 - our favorite nurse Ms. ...
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