Ginetta Romeo

Our lives changed quickly when our 19 year son was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia called Philadelphia-Like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Xavier’s biggest decisions went from deciding on weekend plans to choosing which treatment plan would be used to help save his life. Philadelphia-Like ALL has changed our lives because there is a constant reminder of how life can change in an instant. While fear and worry never really fully subside, our lives have changed by taking time to slow down and to be grateful for the milestones along the journey. Blood cancer has brought with it new, and fearful experiences, but also has brought with it a reminder to slow down and experience each moment we are given.

Seeing the courage our son displayed when diagnosed is something that I will never forget. It was as if overnight he grew up before our eyes. Through the chemotherapy and transplant process, Xavier never complained even when he was feeling sick, and experiencing lots of pain. He entered into this ready to fight and to win the war. The war is still ongoing, but with the support of the LLS, family, the medical team and Team Xav - he is well prepared to continue his road to recovery.

When our son was diagnosed with the Philadelphia-Like mutation two weeks into the Induction process, we began to realize how little is known about this mutation and the best ways to treat it. When we were told that because there is a lack of data, there are not many statistics we began to realize the importance of continued efforts for blood cancer research.

Team Xav primarily fundraised through social media and by reaching out to our extended networks. With each team member coming from a different field, the reach for Xav’s story was extensive. Our family and friends continued to share Xav’s story which attracted more interest and donations from people we have never even met! We are incredibly grateful for the power of social media.

Light the Night means that there is a community working together to reach the common goal of curing blood cancers. While this is a community no one wants to ever be a part of, the Light the Night community and LLS helps ensure that hope is never lost and that hope will continue to guide the lives of those in the blood cancer community. We hope that Light the Night is a constant reminder and thank-you to the research teams for their dedication - their work is noticed, appreciated, and is greatly needed.

With blood cancers being one of the most diagnosed cancers of Canadians, research is needed to help with treatment, prevention and to offer support. Unfortunately for us, it took a diagnosis to realize the importance of supporting blood cancers. We would encourage others to contribute in any way possible.