This Childhood Cancer Awareness month, Keaton’s would like to introduce lionhearted kiddo, Karim. Karim was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at just 4-years-old in April of 2021, and has stayed a kind and courageous boy ever since. ALL is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Typically, there are 3 phases that children undergo and conquer when treating childhood ALL. Our Keaton kiddo has overcome the “remission induction” phase, where the goal is to kill the Leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow, putting the cancerous cells into remission. Now that the Leukemia cells are in remission, he is currently fighting his way through the second phase, “consolidation.” The purpose of this phase of treatment, as well as the final “maintenance” phase, is to ensure that any remaining Leukemia cells have vanished in order to prevent a relapse.
This has been a long and demanding process for Karim and his family. Keaton’s has had the honor of working to relieve some of the family’s stress by providing a personalized Hope Chest and a financial grant when Karim was first diagnosed. The organization has continued to support them with gas and food gift cards as well. Thanks to the help of our local community partner, Quick Quack Car Wash, the company and community were able to lend a helping hand by raising funds for the family. The support doesn’t stop there; Keaton’s will continue to advocate for this family in any way possible to help ease their journey.
“Thank you so much Isela for reaching out. These pictures are so special to us because they will be a reminder that times are tough, but Karim is tougher. They are a reminder that Karim has felt the pain that most couldn’t handle and yet he always finds a way to get back up and prove he is strong. Karim teaches us so much and doesn’t even know it.
If you have ever witnessed a child fight cancer it will change your life forever!
Thank you Keaton’s for all that you do and for being part of our journey.”-Karim’s mom
Photos by UV Visions by Jorge & UV