Update:

Nicholas finished treatment on 11/18/2010. He will continue to go for blood work for the next 3 years. He is still in remission.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

The Beginning of Nick's Journey

On Wednesday Oct. 15, 2008, 4 year old Nicholas Shannon was admitted to Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI and diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). This is a very fast spreading high risk form of Leukemia. He has since undergone two surgeries to assess the cancer and put a port in. During the first surgery, cancer cells were found in Nick's central nervous system and chemotherapy was administered to his spine immediately. He has begun a courageous fight to beat this disease. We have set up this site to keep everyone informed of Nick's progress and will do our best to keep it up to date. We do ask that you limit the calls to the Shannon household. We appreciate everyone's concern, however, Greg, Karen, Colby and Thomas are also adjusting to thier new way of life and need thier time together when they can get it along with any rest they may find along the way. Nick will be in the hospital for the first round of intense chemotherapy expected to last 4 weeks or so. If this round works as it is supposed to, Nick will be able to go home and continue his treatments over the course of the next 2 years. He is a very strong boy and we ask you keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Life has taken on a new perspective for our family. You may leave comments on this site for Greg, Karen and Nicholas to read. We are also going to set up a fund and will post details for people to donate to help offset the enormous expenses the family is going to inccur over the next few years. You can always send gas cards, resturant gift cards, etc. We will post all this information soon. Thank you for your support, love and prayers. Aunt Christa and Aunt Amy

27 comments:

Dick Molinaro said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this trying time. We know in our hearts that everything will work out well for Nicholas. If there is anything we can do, don't hesitate to ask.

Aunt Mary & Uncle Dick

The Wykoff Family said...

We love you Nicholas!! You are the bravest boy we know! We will see you soon!! Love, Justin, Luke and Kaityln

Aunt Jo Jo said...

We are friends of your Uncle Dick & Aunt Mary and your Grandpa Ray. Our church prayed for strength and healing for you at Mass today and will continue to pray for you. We will also pray for you and your family. We know that God will bless you always. Stay strong!!

Mike & Joanna Aguglia

Unknown said...

Love you so much! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers through all of it! Stay strong, Hope to see you soon!

Jen Sowden Rizzi said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! We are ready and willing to help in any way we can! Stay strong and brave and keep the faith!!
Jen, Zack & Alec (neighbors)

Auntie Lisa said...

Nick, I can't wait to see you again and play lego's with you at the hospital. You are such a special person to me and your Uncle Jack. We love you buddy.
Auntie Lisa

SandyP said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you every day. Prayer, love, patience, family and support will get you through this difficult time.
SandyP

The Cormier Family said...

Nicholas, we have our whole family and all of our friends praying for your strength and health. Love, Frannie, Steve and Dawson

danstierley said...

I have passed a prayer request on to my mom's church and to my family. Never lose site of hope. I had two friends who had leukemia when they were younger and both now are healthy and happy with families...that will be Nicholas too.
I know there are hard times to come, but you are a strong family and Nick is a strong kid.
All my prayers are with you.
Know that we are all here if you need anything.

Lindy said...

Shannon Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Use the energy around you to help you through this cahllenging time.

Resham and Sonesh said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God help you to stay strong and be positive through this time, and know things will all work out...
Love, Resham (Karen's college friend), Sonesh, Ariana, & Azara

Mary Molinaro said...

Uncle Dick and I will be coming to Boston sometime in November to see you and Nicholas. We have passed your website on to some of our close friends and know they will keep Nick in their prayers. We also know someone who had leukemia as a child and she did so well after her treatments. Today she is a pediatrician.
We love you and will do anything to help.
Love,
Aunt Mary

Karin Peterson said...

My thoughts and prayers are with Nick and the entire family. I know this is a difficult time, but lean on your faith like never before and God WILL take care of the rest. Lots of love and blessings, Karin Peterson

Rose H said...

Karen, Greg & Nicholas -

My Thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time. Take comfort that God will see you through this.

Please don't hesitate to lean on me if there is anyway i can help.

Rose Holiday

Anonymous said...

Nicholas, Mom, and Dad;

All of your friends at school miss you and can't wait to see you again! Stay strong, be brave! We love and miss you!

Miss Kristen and all of your friends and Teachers at Prospect Hill

Leung Family said...

Hi Nicholas,

We hope you get better very soon. You are a strong and brave boy and will beat this! We miss you very much and can't wait to play with you when you are better. We will keep you in our prayers.

Love,
Nicholas, Russell and Andrew

Borselli Family said...

We KNOW that you will beat this! It is at times like this that we all learn what is truly important in life. Please let us know if we can do anything to help you at all. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Greg, Karen, Nicholas, Colby, and Tom,

It breaks my heart to see such a demon attack such a wonderful family. I know you are all strong and beautiful people and God will see you all through this. My prayers go out to all of you for strength and unity throughout these hard times.

Aubrey Towne

M & R Fiorey said...

Ma & Pa Fiorey (Frannie's mom and dad) send angels to watch over you. They WILL give you strength. Be strong... Much LOVE!

The O'Leary Family said...

Dear Nicholas,
We are so very saddened to hear of your illness. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are all here to help in any way we can. Be brave and stay strong. We look forward to your return home. God Bless.
With Love,
Kristine, Brian, Courtney & Brianna O'Leary (Neighbors)

Nana and Papa Charlie said...

Hi Nicky,

We love you very much and will try to come to see you tomorrow. Daddy is going to call Nana to let me know how you are feeling. Thomas was such a good boy for Nana today and Colby had fun at school today.

Love and kisses,

Nana and Papa Charlie

B Cormier said...

Barry & Connie (Steve's mom and dad) want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Miss Michelle said...

The Shannon Family:
Nick is one of my favorite kids at Prospect Hill and I always said hi to him he always said hi right back and smiled.I remember when Nick,Mr.Brian,and I were playing catch and he dropped alot ,but then the last throw we threw he caught the pass and all the other kids were so excited for him.He is such a nice and sweet kid for all the time I have known him and he will always be that same way.My mom came home the first day of actual school,and she said "all the kids faces had smiles and the one that really stood out was Nicholas Shannon."Thats when I said "Oh he must get it from his older brother Colby"then my mom said "yes, he very much does." Tyler
(Miss Michelle's son)

Dear Nick:
I was at circle today thinking of your funny stories and they way you always love to sing. I smiled! I miss your little face sitting there and hope that you can come back soon and see us! Your eagerness to learn and determination to always "do your best" I am sure will get you through this difficult time. You have always put a smile on my face and a warm place in my heart! Your so blessed to have a wonderful family to help you get well! Your family here,at school, misses you soooo much! Your friends send their wishes for you to get "really better!" We love you Nick! Miss Michelle and your friends in Pre-K

bieberfamily said...

Karen and family. Just letting you know that we are praying and thinking about you. God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Just trust in faith. Love always, Joella and Joseph.

Anniemouse said...

I love you Nicholas, I know I can't be there to see you but my thoughts and prayers are with you here....I have a lot of friends saying prayers for you and I know with God's love and family love you will be strong in no time. I give my love to your Daddy, Mommy and brothers and know I am here if you need to talk. Love Auntie Ann

Mark and Renee' Towne said...

Nick we are delighted and relieved to hear the great news after learning the shocking and painful bust that has taken over your life. May you find your strength and keep your spirit high. We pray to god to give you your life back and make everything for you and your family okay.
With all of lour love, we look forward to seeing you soon, Mark and Renee’ Towne

Phil Molinaro said...

Karen, Greg and Family- Our thoughts and prayers are with you especially Nicholas during this difficult time. We hoping for a speedy recovery!!

Love Phil, Natalie and Matthew Molinaro