In October 2014, Dalton’s mother noticed a few bumps on his neck while cutting his hair. Dalton had recently fought a long cold so his mother thought the bumps could be swollen lymph nodes associated with that. When the bumps had not gone away by the following month, Dalton’s mother tried to get him an appointment with the doctor. Complications with a new insurance plan delayed this process. By early December, Dalton was experiencing ongoing pain under his ribcage and was taken to the ER, where he was diagnosed with “cat scratch fever” and given an antibiotic.

The swollen lymph nodes did not improve so Dalton was again taken to the ER. Bloodwork was done, which showed that Dalton had low counts. It was then recommended that Dalton be transported via ambulance to a nearby children’s hospital for additional testing. These tests showed that seven-year-old Dalton had cancer—specifically, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Dalton was hospitalized for 10 days for his first round of treatment. Dalton endured countless chemotherapy treatments and spinal taps over the course of three years. He completed treatment in early 2018 and is still cancer free!

Every child who has been diagnosed with childhood cancer inspires us to Rally On to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures. Please join us in the fight against childhood cancer by making a donation or setting up your own Rally fundraiser today.