OMF - Brody McDermott, 4, Type B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia), Lexington with his mother, Lindsay, and older brother, Conor 8-21-18
In June 2017, Brody had had strep throat for a month and antibiotics were not working. Brody was taken to the hospital for fluids, while his mother left his four other siblings at home--she thought it would take just a quick IV. The ER doctors did a routine blood test and found results that "couldn't be right." They needed to see a blood specialist in Boston and took an ambulance straight from the ER. From there, Brody did not leave the hospital for 30 days.
His treatment has included 27 months of chemotherapy. At least 20 lumbar punctures with intra-catheter chemotherapy.
His family includes his siblings, Conor (13), Taylor (12), Madison (8), and Piper (6).
Brody's hobbies include building with Legos, doing all kinds of sports, and playing with anything superhero and Star Wars.
This September, Brody will enter pre-kindergarten.
What is special about the Jimmy Fund: The Clinic is the most amazing place. Everyone at the Clinic knows us by name, which makes us feel special and like friends. While I wish that we did not have to go to the clinic, there is something so comforting in being surrounded by people who understand what we are going through. They get it.
From Brody’s mom - People do not realize that cancer takes over every aspect of your life, physically and emotionally. It's not just the big things like going in for treatment. It takes over all the small moments too. At a cookout, you must worry that there aren't any gloves at the buffet because germs can cause major illness. You sit and watch the buns or the chips to see if people are touching them with bare hands. It affects siblings. They lose time with parents and quickly take the backseat. They are forced to learn that cancer comes first. Events are missed. Someone else feeds them dinner at night, sometimes every night. They become caretakers. Even our family pet was affected with fewer walks and increased anxiety. Nobody asks for cancer. I didn't think I would have to deal with cancer until I did...nobody gets that part at all. It just happens for no reason.