Travis' Story

My name is Kelli Muller Gonzalez. Cancer has struck my family two too many times. First, In 1976 my cousin Cheryl was diagnosed with ALL at age 12. After a brutal fight, she lost her battle on November 6, 1977. We miss her very much.

On January 30, 2003 my beautiful 5 year old son, Travis, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia too. During the weeks prior to his diagnosis, he became tired, weak and had a cold. On December 29, 2002 a throat culture tested positive for strep. Within 2 days of being medicated, he was feeling better and back to himself. Unfortunately, 10 days after finishing the medicine, his symptoms reappeared. The pediatrician then called in a stronger antibiotic. Again, Travis seemed better. On January 25, 2003 I was helping him get dressed and noticed an enlarged lymph node near his right hip. It was at that very moment...I knew it was bad! I called the doctor and shared my fears with her. After a brief exam, she sent us to a lab for blood work. It was on Thursday morning that the phone call came in from Dr. Lal's office... "Can you come to my office?" I started to cry and begged her to tell me on the phone. "I have consulted with a hematology/ oncologist in Westchester. You'll need to bring Travis there today for some further testing: based on the results of the blood work we think he has leukemia. The Doctor's name is Dr. Jayabose and he will take good care of Travis." I thank you Dr. Lal, your aggressive approach and your willingness to follow a "mom's intuition," may have saved Travis' life. I have heard several times that other parents knew that something was wrong with their child and the doctor wouldn't listen. You have always listened to me and allowed me to be proactive.

The ride to Dr.Jay's office was long. My husband and I couldn't even speak without crying. When we met Dr. Jayabose, I felt relieved. Travis and he connected immediately. He repeated blood work, did a bone marrow biopsy and read it himself. Dr. Jayabose never left our side until 10:30 pm that night. He walked us through the most difficult day of our lives with a level of compassion and commitment that only he has.

On Friday, January 31, 2003, Travis had a life port inserted and started chemotherapy. Our nurses, Mary and Marilyn supported us through our first days in the hospital along with our social worker, Barbara. I had no idea at that point that they would become our friends and family as well as care for Travis. Each and every Doctor and staff member has been wonderful in their own way.

Travis and his brother, Tyler, are my heroes. The last year has been so difficult on both of them. For Travis, the days of treatment, weakness and nausea are something that no child should ever have to go through. He is an excellent patient, smiling for every visit to the hospital and office. His worst days are those on steroids, which of course become bad days for everyone. Tyler has had to put his life on hold in so many ways. He has had to forgo parties and events that we can't get him to and handle the ups and down of daily life as we now know it.

Most people comment on how well they think I handle things. I believe that laughter is the best medicine for all of us. However, on the inside, I am petrified of the future as well as the past. I can't describe my inner fear as anything but terror. I feel scared and sad that life will never be the same for any of us. My husband Danny has been a strong support for Travis, Tyler and I. I can't imagine going through this without him.

I also feel grateful for the support of Travis' father Barry. I need to thank all of my family and friends for all of their support, without them, I would not have the strength to go on. Additionally, I want to thank all of the new family and friends that we've met this year. Our unrelenting prayers for one another will undoubtedly help our children continue to battle and will give us the grace that we need to stay strong and focused.

Travis will continue treatment until March 2006. We will take it one day at a time and we look forward to the day that everyone is healthy again!