Joey's Battle Against Leukemia

08/11/2025

Day 410

Today is Joey’s first day back at school, and he could not be more excited! He’s thrilled to be around other kids again, see familiar faces, and make some new friends.

Thank you all for your love and support of this sweet boy on his journey!

08/03/2025

Day 402 - Joey has been doing great, but sorry we haven’t posted as much lately! He’s currently in the Maintenance phase of treatment, which means he’s primarily taking oral chemo at home and only has to visit the hospital once a month.

We’re also excited to share that Joey was recently selected as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Honored Hero for the year! Today, he got to meet the Student Visionaries from several local high schools who will be leading fundraising efforts for LLS over the next year. Joey had a blast getting to know the “big kids,” and they were all so kind and sweet with him.

Thank you all for your continued love and support! The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Georgia The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

05/12/2025

Coming up this Wednesday!

You can sign up ahead by using the QR code below. Joey and many of the other kids at his clinic regularly need blood transfusions, please come out and help us replenish what Joey has used.

Thank you all for your love and support!

12/12/2024

Day 168 -

Joey had a tough weekend, and at Tuesday’s clinic visit, we learned his blood counts were very low. His ANC (absolute neutrophil count) was at 0, which means he’s extremely vulnerable to infections. As expected, he needed transfusions of both blood and platelets. Thankfully, those transfusions have already made a big difference—he’s feeling much better and has more energy!

On a brighter note, when we got home from the clinic, Joey received an amazing care package from Stache Salt! A huge thank you to everyone who ordered the “Good Job Joey” chapstick sets—your support means so much. The team at Stache Salt has been incredible to Joey, and we’re so grateful.

Thank you all for your continued love and support for this brave boy. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

11/27/2024

Day 152 Update:

Yesterday, Joey started the second half of the “Delayed Intensification” phase. He received a new chemotherapy drug and had a spinal tap. Starting today, he’ll be getting a daily at-home chemo shot and a chemo pill.

Despite everything, he’s staying strong and really enjoyed the Thanksgiving glasses at the clinic. We’re proud of how he’s handling this tough phase.

Thank you for your continued love and support. It means a lot to us.

10/29/2024

Day 124 -

Sorry we haven’t updated in a while, but we have some good news to share today. Joey began the next phase of his treatment, called Delayed Intensification. This phase is anticipated to be his most challenging due to the type, frequency, and amount of different chemotherapy drugs he’ll receive. One of these drugs is so gross they actually call it “red devil.” Joey also had another spinal tap today and received a spinal injection of chemo. He also starts back on steroids today… so we are anticipating a wild appetite.

But the best news of the day: Joey swallowed a pill whole for the first time! This is a huge milestone, as it will make daily medication so much easier for him and for us.

Thank you all for your unwavering love and support for Joey and our family. And happy early Halloween from our brave little fighter!

09/23/2024

Day 88 -

Every time we come to the clinic, Joey dreads this needle going into his port. It’s always been the hardest part for him, but over the last two weeks, he’s been handling it like a champ. Today, he didn’t even flinch. His courage and strength amaze me every day. He’s come such a long way, and I couldn’t be prouder of how he’s facing each step head-on.

Thank you all for your love and support of Joey!

09/19/2024

09/03/2024

Day 68 -

Today, Joey started the “Interim Maintenance 1” phase of his treatment. He received two different kinds of IV chemotherapy, and the best part for him—no at-home medicine is needed this month.

The most exciting news of the day though is that exactly two years from today, Joey will be done with his treatment. The journey is long, but with every step, we’re getting closer to that finish line.

Also, for those that don’t know: September is also Leukemia Awareness Month, a time to reflect and raise awareness for all those fighting this battle.

Thank you all for your continued support and love. Every message, donation, and thought means the world to us.

08/13/2024

Day 47 - Today marked Joey’s second week of the “Consolidation” phase (we missed updating last week). He had another spinal chemo treatment and spinal tap. All his numbers looked good, and he managed having his port accessed much better this time. There’s just one more spinal tap left in this phase, scheduled for next Tuesday, and then we’ll move on to the next phase.

Joey handled today like a champ!

Thank you all for your continued love and support of Joey.

08/01/2024

Day 34 -

Amazing news from our appointment today! Joey meets all the qualifications for the “most favorable” treatment path! This means he’ll have the mildest treatments and fewer phases before starting the “maintenance” phase. This is exactly the news we were hoping for.

Joey also had a clinic visit today where he didn’t have to get any treatments or “pokeys,” which was great for him!

We completed a lot of surveys and questionnaires for the clinical trial Joey is participating in, and he even did a “computer game” type of assessment as well.

All in all, it was a great day with great news. Joey has been enjoying his time off medications and will continue to do so until he starts the next phase on Tuesday. This phase will involve a spinal tap and spinal chemotherapy each week for the next three weeks. He will also begin daily, oral chemotherapy. Luckily, Joey has always tolerated the spinal taps extremely well. His feet do continue to bother him, but other than that, he has had no complaints.

Thank you all for your love and support for Joey! Attached is the outline of the upcoming phases of treatment. We begin Consolidation next Tuesday.

07/26/2024

Day 29 Update -

Joey had another bone marrow biopsy, spinal tap and spinal chemotherapy injection. He handled it like a champ!

Also his blood counts have continued to come up.

We will have a meeting with Joey’s oncologist next week to discuss the bone marrow biopsy results and get an update on the next phases of treatment.

Until then, Joey gets to be off of most of his at home medications so his body gets a break.

Thank you all for your love and support of Joey through this whole process!