It’s a reality no family ever wants to face: watching their baby undergo a difficult battle against a life-threatening illness.

Two months ago, 8-month-old Mason Lammers developed what his mother, Karli Doll, initially thought was just a minor cold. She took him to their family doctor, who reassured them that there was no immediate cause for concern.

But two weeks passed, and little Mason showed no signs of improvement. His worried parents rushed him to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge.

“They did some blood work and discovered that his white blood cell count was just 500, while the normal range is between 4 and 14. Right away, they told us they suspected leukemia,” Doll said.

Mason was then airlifted by STARS to Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, where doctors diagnosed him with high-risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

“It was devastating,” Doll explained. “You think, why us? It’s not fair.”

Baby Mason has now completed his first of four chemotherapy cycles and has already received nine blood transfusions. Through this experience, Doll has gained a new appreciation for the importance of blood donations.

“A lot of people don’t think about childhood cancer or blood donations until it happens to someone they know. These children need blood so badly to have a fighting chance.”

She is deeply grateful to every donor who has helped her little boy continue his treatment.

“He wouldn’t have the strength to keep fighting without you. Honestly, if I could hug every single one of you, I would,” she said.

In addition to blood transfusions, Mason also needs a bone marrow transplant as part of his treatment journey.

Doll knows the road ahead will be challenging, but her little boy’s happy, playful and goofy personality continues to bring moments of joy and comfort to the family during this difficult time.