My name is Jared. I'm 6 years old. In 2011, I was 4, and I was a happy and healthy boy.I enjoyed preschool and playing with my friends and my brother. But then, on President’s weekend in 2011, I started to feel bad. Really, really bad. A few days later, when my legs wouldn't even allow me to walk any more, my parents took me to the doctor and we found out that I have Leukemia. During the first few days in the hospital, I had many visits from my Child Life Specialist, Hilary. She explained what was happening to me and even brought me a stuffed
animal -- whom I named Charlie -- to share my feelings with. Charlie was bald, just like I was going to be! And he was shaped just like me! But I felt horrible and didn't pay much attention to him. My parents were very worried about me since I was so weak at that time and I would not talk or even smile. A few days later, Hilary visited me and I drew two eyes and a smiley face on Charlie. We even gave Charlie his own hospital wristband and listened to his heart with a stethoscope. That is when my parents realized that their little boy was still inside this sick body.
During the last 2 years I have been in and out of the hospital, and I have had so many procedures and doctor visits and I.V. chemo therapies. And whatever I go through, Charlie goes through. When I am in the hospital, Child Life is very important because they give me a place to play and be around other kids who are going through similar situations. When I can't leave my hospital room, the Child Life team visits me and brings musical instruments, drawing materials,
doctor's kits (to use on Charlie!), and games. All of it has been very important to helping me get better. I have been visiting the hospital and going through treatment for 2 years now. I still have over a year to go. I'm in 1st grade now and am lucky to be in school almost every day.
When I'm older I want to be a doctor and an artist.
Will you run for me?
