Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Addison Update


It has been a tough year for Addison, the 6 year old son of my daughter's friend, Sarah. Last April Addison was diagnosed with Leukemia. Since the diagnosis he has gone through 6 months of very intense and difficult treatment. He has endured chemotherapy, numerous spinal taps, steroids with all the side effects, seven transfusions and many, many blood tests. During this treatment he has been mostly confined to home and the hospital due to a very low immune system caused by his treatment.

Addison has completed the most difficult part of his treatment, but will continue on chemotherapy until July, 2013. The phase of treatment he is in now is far from easy, but the doctors are allowing him to return briefly to his first love, acting. Last year Addison played the role of Tiny Tim in the Colorado Shakespeare Festival's presentation of  A Christmas Carol. Addison will be back this year playing Tiny Tim in 5 of the play's 25 performances.


This is a step back toward normal life for Addison, and according to his mother, Sarah, being able to attend rehearsals has really lifted his spirits. He has Tiny Tim's limping walk mastered and says the "God bless us, every one" line with a perfect English accent.





It's the perfect role at the perfect time for a little boy who, in spite of a really, really tough year, is still full of courage and spirit.

17 comments:

  1. Bless his heart. I'm glad that he's able to be in the play. That will be so good for him.

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  2. Despite the overwhelming-ness of all this, I sense that things are looking up for him. Sounds like he is going to beat this thing. It's very good news, especially for this time of year. He will make the perfect Tiny Tim. And I expect that you will play the part of critic, and report back on his performance. Complete with a picture or two.

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  3. Poor wee boy.
    And he has years more treatment! That must be so hard to face.

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  4. I am so glad he will get to be in the play
    how hard he has had it
    I truly can't imagine going through that

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  5. Oh this just melts my heart!!! I'm so happy for him that he gets to do this, especially since it's liftin' his spirits.

    My prayers are with him and his family.

    God bless ya sweetie and enjoy your day!!! :o)

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  6. Thank you so much for sharing his story. We are truly blessed for every day we have him in our lives. If it has been the 60's, the doctors told us he wouldn't have survived to this Christmas. We have SO much to be thankful for.

    Here is a video clip of a news story showing him in the show.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDct0UI45sQ

    His daily journal is on FB page:
    Help Addison Kick This Thing if you want to more about day to day life. THank you again so much for posting and following! GOD BLESS US EVERYONE! ;)

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  7. Thanks for the update Jeanie! I've been praying for him; was wondering how he was doing! I think it is wonderful he can participate in the play!! I'm sure in more than one way, it will be so uplifting to him and his family and the community!!

    betty

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  8. I feel like I know Addison from your descriptive and authentic posts. I am always amazed how much courage a person like Addison can have to prove that everything is OK and that he's going for it. This makes me very happy. xoxox to Addison and his family.

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  9. Addison sounds like an incredible child. His mother's heart must just be bursting with love and pride. Yes, that surely sounds like the perfect role for the little one. Wonderful to hear that he is on the road back to "normal."

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  10. Oh, that is wonderful news indeed!

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  11. Oh my gracious! What a sweet, brave boy. I'm so sorry he has to endure all that pain and suffering. I hope things will get better soon for him. I'm glad he's got the play to focus on.

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  12. Thank you so much for sharing his story with us! He is truly a courageous young man. I am so happy that he will get to be in the play. I will keep Addison and his family in my prayers.

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  13. Jeanie, this is so moving. How wonderful, this Tiny Tim of an Addison. I've heard many successful leukemia stories with young children. I will keep Addison in my prayers and hope his story is as good as my friend's child.

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  14. Addison is an amazing child - a true inspiration. I am glad he has this activity to make him happy.

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  15. It's shocking to see this poor guy has treatments until 2013-- Holy smokes. Bless his heart and BRAVO in advance for his performances as Tiny Tim. What an inspiration.
    xo jj

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  16. I crinched when I read about all these treatmens this young man, full of bravery, has been going through. His performance will shine, of that I am sure.

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  17. now that is a real trouper....thanks for sharing

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