Support for the Shannon Family

Nick's cousin Joey spent yesterday playing with Nick in his hospital room. They watched Spongebob, played pirates and ran the hallways. As Nick said to Joey “I am stuck in the middle of nowhere is this big bed”. The Shannon family greatly appreciates the outpouring of thoughts and support they have received from family, friends and neighbors. Nicholas is a courageous 4 year old who will inspire all of us. Over the next two years as Nicholas receives treatment to beat this disease, the Shannon family will be incurring enormous medical bills through co-pays, ER visits and medication. If you are interested in making any monetary contribution or provide gift cards, please send to the following address:
Nicholas Shannon Leukemia Fund
P.O. Box 531
Bellingham, MA 02019
All checks should be made to ‘Nicholas Shannon Leukemia Fund’
Please continue to keep Nicholas in your thoughts and prayers. We love you Nick!

Day 4 - The Shannon Family

Nick started his first chemo treatment in the evening of day 1. During the day he had a very fun playdate with Michael from school. Michael and him roamed the hallways and had lunch in the cafeteria. His treatment started that evening and went smoothly. The next two days he received more chemo treatments. On day 3 Nick got to meet another 4 yr old boy with ALL who was staying next to him. They played all morning before it was time for Sean to go home. Nick's spirits were down since he could not go home too. Colby cheered him right up when he arrived that evening and BOOed his room. The Deer Run neighbors put together a basket of goodies for Nick. He was so excited he wanted to BOO other patients on the floor. Today, Nick received his last treatment for this week and the 'first' round. The doctors will continue to monitor his red and white blood cell counts as they will drop over the next week. His cousin Joey stopped by during the treatment and played with him in his room. Nick continues laugh and smile..... just as we know a 4 yr old boy should. Take care everyone and we will check in next week. God bless!

Day 1 - The Shannon Family

Hello Family and Friends,
Today is day 1 of Nick's treatment. He will receive chemo through his IV (port) this evening. We will be monitoring Nick over the next couple of days and see how his boby reacts to the Chemo. The side effects will come on gradually, nausea, bone and muscle pain. There are meds to help him through some of the pain and will adjust each day as needed. We will keep everyone posted on Nick's progress.
We are very blessed with a STRONG support system from our family and friends. We have appreciated everybodies well wishes, gifts for Nick and just a shoulder to cry on. We know Nick is a fiesty and strong 4 year old. We will beat this together. As Nick tells us everynight: "We love you all To the Moon and Back"

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