It started the day she was born. Rose was diagnosed with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AML M7), a condition that occurs in only about one in every 2 million births and has a very low survival rate. She was in critical condition: her lungs were not getting enough oxygen.

Rose was immediately transferred to Loyola University Medical Center, a hospital that specialized in high-risk neonatal care. There she would receive specialized treatment in their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

And as soon as Rose was transferred, Michelle was not far behind.

The fight against leukemia begins

Treatment started quickly. Four days after her birth, Rose received the first of five rounds of chemotherapy to treat the leukemia. After just the first round of treatment, there was already a glimmer of hope. The chemotherapy looked like it was working. In fact, the measurable residual disease testing showed no cancer cells after the first round; however, since Rose was just an infant, she needed to receive the full five treatments consecutively to fight this aggressive form of cancer.

While Rose was going through the chemotherapy treatment, Michelle was able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House located next door to the hospital while her daughter was in Loyola’s NICU.

After five months of treatment, and with her leukemia in remission, Rose was finally able to go home for the first time.

Rose’s medical journey continues

Since the long-term effects of the type and dosage of chemotherapy Rose had received could potentially pose cardiac issues, her heart needs to be monitored for the rest of her life. Even now Rose continues to undergo testing each year, including electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and bloodwork, to make certain her heart stays healthy.

Today, Rose is a happy, healthy ten-year-old who enjoys gymnastics and swimming, and is learning how to ice skate. She has an adventurous spirit, and “is an absolute firecracker,” said Michelle.

Giving back to the community

Today, Rose and Michelle participate in various fundraising and volunteer events to support the community and promote awareness about leukemia.

“We want to give back to those who helped us so much along the way,” said Michelle.

In addition, Michelle is a member of the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Patient Advisory Committee, which is comprised of volunteers who have either been diagnosed with leukemia or have cared for a loved one with leukemia.

“Sharing what we have gone through with others, is one way we can let others know they are not alone,” said Michelle.

Because of everything she and her family have been through, Michelle knows the importance of research, too.

“Supporting research is critical,” she said. “It is through gathering more research that we will find a cure for leukemia, including the very rare forms of leukemia like the type that Rose was diagnosed with as an infant.”

“Each pediatric patient case can provide more information about leukemia,” said Michelle. “It’s so important to use the research to help find a cure.”