When their son Eduardo’s leukemia returned last year, Javier and Guadalupe Canada were out of options. The couple didn’t have access to advanced pediatric cancer care where they lived in Calpulalpan, Mexico. They hoped to bring Eduardo to the United States for treatment, but they were unable to get visas. Eduardo, however, was born in […]
Tragedy strikes twice in two weeks for Youngstown mom and daughter
Two weeks after her father died of a sudden illness, 2-year-old Nya Williams was diagnosed with cancer. It came out of the blue, said Nya’s mother. She pondered her suddenly changing future during a life flight ride from Boardman to Akron where a leukemia diagnosis would be confirmed. “I kept asking myself, ‘What did I […]
Austintown family is tougher together as they battle leukemia Parents draw strength from bravery of 5-year-old son with cancer
Lori and Oscar Hoit of Austintown are still waiting for their “new normal” to kick in after their son, Connor, was diagnosed with leukemia last year. Until then, it’s one day at a time, if not one second at a time, as they try to adjust to their new lives as parents of a child […]
Cancer Diagnosis Proves the Faith, Bond of Youngstown Family
Five-year-old Eva Xu’s mother called her daughter’s cancer diagnosis a ‘blessing in disguise’ for how it brought their family closer and exposed an inner strength they didn’t realize they had. “Even though it’s a horrible thing, it all depends on how you look at it,” said Eva’s mother, Michelle Chen of Youngstown. “We’ve grown so […]
Amber Haze Harper Perseveres After Fight For Life
When Connie Platten looks at the 2016 high school graduation photo of her daughter, Amber Haze Harper, she sees a girl who beat long odds to wear a cap and gown. “Graduation was a milestone nobody expected,” Connie said. “She’s a miracle.” In 2009, Amber was diagnosed with an aggressive type of leukemia at Akron […]
Leukemia Survivor: ‘It’s Not About Getting; It’s About Giving’
Sporting a bright yellow t-shirt declaring himself a “leukemia survivor,” 11-year-old Joshua Berr pulled a wagon full to toys through the halls of Akron Children’s Hospital. He remembers spending Christmas in the hospital and wants to bring a bit of cheer for those now in the same situation. “It’s pretty bad,” Joshua recalls. “You can […]
