Pasan Nanayakkara
A diagnosis of cancer can be a devastating experience, but for 12-year-old Colton King and his family, it turned into a beautiful story of hope, courage, and selflessness. Colton was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia last summer, and he would need a bone marrow transplant to survive. Luckily, his 17-year-old sister, Kaylee, turned out to be a perfect match for the transplant.
On January 4, Kaylee underwent the procedure to extract her bone marrow, and the next day, Colton received the life-saving transplant. After months of waiting, the King family recently received the news they had been praying for: the transplant was successful, and Colton is now cancer-free.
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The family shared their joy and relief as they rang the cancer-free bell at AdventHealth for Children in Orlando, Florida. Colton’s mom, Stacy, recalled the moment they received the news, saying, “They said he is cancer-free. There’s no sign of leukemia, and I just started bawling like I couldn’t even speak.” For Kaylee, the transplant was a selfless act that brought a sense of relief and joy, as she stated, “It became such a relief, and so much stress was lifted off because the transplant took.”
While Colton is now cancer-free, he still has a long road to recovery, as his immune system is extremely weak. He will need to have his bone marrow checked again in a month and in two months, and a final bone marrow biopsy in one year. But for now, the family is celebrating Colton’s victory and focusing on his recovery.
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The story of Colton and Kaylee’s bond is a heartwarming reminder of the importance of family and the selfless acts of kindness that can save a life. Kaylee’s gift of life to her brother is a testament to the power of love and sacrifice, as she said, “It means a lot to me. I know I probably can’t grasp how big and important this is now, but the significance of being able to save my brother’s life is not something I’ll probably be able to do ever again.”
The King family’s story is also a reminder of the ongoing battle against cancer and the hope that a bone marrow transplant can bring. The first 100 days and one year after the transplant are crucial milestones for Colton, and the family is asking for continued prayers and support as he continues to recover.
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The Ronald McDonald House is a beacon of hope for families like the Kings, providing a “home away from home” for families with children who are battling life-threatening illnesses. Colton and his mother are staying at the Ronald McDonald House next to the children’s hospital while he continues to recover.
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As we celebrate Colton’s victory over leukemia, let us also remember the many other children and families who are still fighting the disease. May this story inspire us to be more compassionate and to support organizations like the Ronald McDonald House that are making a difference in the lives of children and families.
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In conclusion, the story of Colton and Kaylee is a testament to the power of family, sacrifice, and hope. The successful bone marrow transplant is a reminder of the ongoing battle against cancer and the hope that medical advances like bone marrow transplants can bring. Let us continue to support and pray for Colton and other children
