For one South Texas family, the newest fear isn’t another heart surgery. It isn’t another long hospital stay.

This time, it’s cancer.

Gabby reached out asking for prayers for her 3-year-old nephew, OakLee, from San Antonio, Texas, after doctors diagnosed him with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

OakLee has been a fighter since the very beginning. Before he was even born, doctors diagnosed him with Down syndrome. He arrived early at just 30 weeks and spent the first 42 days of his life in the NICU, needing help to breathe, eat, and grow stronger.

He was also born with three holes in his heart and had to undergo heart surgery before his first birthday. His family believed those would be the hardest battles this little boy would ever have to face.

But after weeks of not acting like himself, his symptoms were first believed to be strep throat. Then, on the Fourth of July, everything changed.

Doctors discovered that OakLee had leukemia.

Within days, this precious boy had surgery to place a chemotherapy port, underwent a spinal tap, had a bone marrow biopsy, and received his very first round of chemotherapy. His family says he is expected to remain in the hospital for at least another week, and his treatment journey may last the next two years.

This diagnosis has shaken their entire world.

OakLee hasn’t been able to see his little brother, and in just a couple of weeks, his mother is scheduled to welcome another baby by C-section. Instead of only preparing for a new baby, this family is now preparing to help their 3-year-old son face the biggest battle of his young life.

Although OakLee is nonverbal, his family says he is full of joy. He has a smile that lights up the room and a spirit that touches everyone around him.

Tonight, his family is asking for prayers.

Please pray for OakLee. Pray that the chemotherapy works. Pray that every cancer cell is destroyed. Pray that his little body stays strong through the long months ahead.

And if your family has walked through childhood leukemia, please leave a word of encouragement for OakLee’s family.

Sometimes, hearing from someone who has been there can become a light in the darkest days.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E4UZPTtxS/