Meet Caiden – Leukemia Warrior

“The assistance has helped our family tremendously! Our lives changed overnight with Caiden getting sick and the pandemic. We thank you very much,” said Shaniya.

It was a typical spring morning when Shaniya, Caiden’s mom, went in to wake up her son. “Typical” turned to “traumatic” right away when she found her six-year-old unresponsive. Shaniya rushed him to the hospital where he underwent a treacherous brain surgery for a brain bleed. It was during the surgery that doctors discovered this little boy had acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Caiden remained inpatient for a very long time. Shaniya spent at least eight hours every day with her son at the hospital and then rushed home to be with her younger children. As a single mom without other family to help, caring for her sick son, making sure her other children were okay and the mounting travel expenses became overwhelming.

The hospital social worker referred Shaniya to the NCCS. The organization was there to help with financial support for mileage expenses and other urgent needs. Shaniya also found the organization’s free parent guide provided valuable information as she navigated through Caiden’s journey.

The plan was for Caiden to leave the hospital in a wheelchair and begin physical therapy, but unfortunately, those plans were put on an indefinite hold. He needed around-the-clock care because he was unable to speak, eat, open his eyes or move. He couldn’t receive that kind of care at home. As a result, Caiden remained in the hospital for months followed by in-patient rehab.

Throughout it all, Caiden has pushed through many difficulties and Shaniya remains very positive, stoic and thankful for the NCCS’ help.

“The assistance has helped our family tremendously! Our lives changed overnight with Caiden getting sick and the pandemic. We thank you very much,” said Shaniya.