Jim

Watch Jim's video here.

At just eight years old, Jim was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. Within a matter of days, he went from recess and third grade homeroom to five months of intensive chemotherapy treatments. Jim’s mother, Penny, already caring for his brother who suffers from a seizure disorder and developmental delays, was inconsolable. The family’s world was turned completely upside down.

At the hospital, Jim’s family was referred to the Any Baby Can Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Program. A Candlelighters social worker, Yuri, met with Jim’s mom at the hospital and together, they prioritized the family’s needs: information on Jim’s diagnosis, advocacy with his school, navigation of Medicaid processes, basic needs support, organization of bills and medical information, mental health counseling, and respite services.

Yuri has guided Jim’s family through Medicaid applications, worked with teachers on behalf of the family, and helped create a plan for organizing and paying bills. Penny is receiving counseling from the Any Baby Can No Estás Solo Counseling Program and has received crisis assistance and respite care. The family attended the Candlelighters holiday party and received gifts through the agency’s Adopt a Family Program. This summer, Jim’s sister attended Any Baby Can’s Camp Grey Dove, a camp especially for siblings of children with cancer. Although it’s not always the case with childhood cancer, Jim is progressing well and recently returned to school. So after hospital beds, medication and lots of rest, what is Jim excited about now? “Recess!”