Meet ASK kid Charlie

“I can’t just go home when I know something is wrong with my baby,” said Bethany to the emergency room doctor regarding her two-year-old daughter Charlotte, or Charlie, as she’s known to family and friends.  “We’ve been to the ER at least three times in the last six weeks, and I know something is wrong.” 
 
Charlie had been limping and complaining of leg pain for weeks, and after multiple trips to doctor offices and emergency rooms, as well as hours of online research, Bethany was convinced that Charlie had leukemia.  Eventually they were referred to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, where Charlie was diagnosed with pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.  Bethany’s research and mommy intuition were right, and they received the diagnosis they feared most.

Charlie with her brother, Grayson, at the Kourageous Kids photo shoot. 

ASK has been with Charlie and her family from the first day of diagnosis, supporting Charlie in clinic as well as her brother Grayson.  “ASK staff noticed some behavioral issues in our now six year old son and provided a child psychologist who diagnosed with him with ADHD. ASK has been an invaluable resource to our entire family, which is what makes this organization so unique and successful.

“I’ll never forget our first day in clinic,” continues Bethany.  “It was the saddest day I’ve ever known because I realized that this was going to be our lives for many years. ASK staff and clinicians were there to soften the blow for us by providing everything from encouraging words, information and distractions for Charlie. I don’t know what we would do without them.”

Charlie has 17 more months of treatment that includes a combination of chemotherapy, infusions and lumbar punctures, but Bethany considers them lucky.  “My child has a good prognosis and has a treatable disease.  She continues to grow and laugh and play and do all of the things that a three year old is supposed to do.  I’m so grateful that ASK is part of our journey!”

Charlie enjoying a swim at the ASK Family Picnic, July 2019.

Thomas, Bethany, Charlie and Grayson at the Kourageous Kids party, September 2019.

Charlie having fun as she poises with her Kourageous Kid portrait.