Childhood Cancer: Testimonial of Hoyt Statzer
Hoyt’s story: Parents Kelly and Josh Statzer say February 8, 2016 is a day we will never forget. Hoyt was only 5 years old, and what we thought was just a string of viruses and illnesses turned out to be a parent’s worst nightmare. A visit to our pediatrician and a trip to the local ER sent us straight to the children’s hospital where a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia was given. Cancer? How can our baby have cancer? That’s not possible children don’t get cancer….In a whirlwind of about 24 hours we were transferred to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, where our 2 and a ½ year journey began. Hoyt endured countless blood draws, chemo treatments, blood and platelet transfusions and spinal taps all to find his cure. Throughout his treatment Hoyt remained upbeat and happy never losing hope, faith or his smile! On September 6, 2018 Hoyt was declared cancer FREE! He is now a healthy happy 9-year-old who loves soccer and enjoys living life to the fullest! God has blessed our family beyond measure and carried Hoyt every step of his journey!