When Ivan Garcia was asked this Christmas season what was on his wish list, he replied with an answer that was anything but typical for a 13-year-old boy. He told his family he wants a couch. One that he can eat and sleep on if he wants. Not a typical request, but then again for someone who has spent the last few months in a hospital, a comfortable couch at home may just sound completely normal.
Garcia was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which is a cancer that affects the white blood cells, in late August. Since this time, his mother, two sister and brother have joined together to do all they can to help and support Ivan. And they have done all they can to ensure Ivan is comfortable and relaxed for the few days he is allowed home from the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.
What Causes Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
For years researchers have been studying the causes and effects of various forms of cancer, including leukemia. Although a cure for cancer has yet to be found, there are now many treatments available and many believe that we are closer to finding a cure for this life-threatening illness.
There are many things that have been linked to leukemia and are deemed to be the cause of this cancer. For example, exposure to harmful chemicals like benzene has been known to cause leukemia and other forms of cancer and in some cases the illness seems to be hereditary. However, doctors are still trying to determine the cause behind Ivan’s sudden health problems.
Community Helps Family in Trouble
The Garcia’s recently discovered that their home has been sold and they must move into a nearby trailer park. However, when Ivan was diagnosed and had to be hospitalized their move was delayed; though after Hurricane Ike hit, their home was nearly destroyed and they are now living with cracked walls and floors. Now, Dorothy Kelley, chairman of The Tony-Frankin Foundation has begun assisting the family and recently joined the community together to start Project Ivan: Home Makeover.
With the help of many others, Dorothy is gathering donations from various groups and organizations to help rebuild the Garcia’s home and help them financially so they are able to keep their home.
“I am thankful for all the help I am getting,” says Ivan.

A teenage girl from Syracuse, New York recently lost her long battle with leukemia at the age of 15. The girl reportedly served as an inspiration to central New Yorkers who joined together to help save her life. Several members of the community joined together and donated bone marrow in attempt to prolong the girls life; however, her illness had progressed to an untreatable state and her life was taken late last week.

Leukemia Proves to be Untreatable

Eunique Darby was only a freshman at Corcoran High School when she was hospitalized for her illness. She was reportedly diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was nine years old and has been treated for the cancer ever since.

While recovering from a bone marrow transplant she received at the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York, she suddenly died. Darby’s donor match was discovered in August after doctors had to restart their search in May when problems were found with the first donor.

During her search for the right match, drivers were held to encourage the community, particularly those of African-American decent to join the Bone Marrow Donor Registry. The response was phenomenal; though despite the effort, Darby’s life was taken at a young age due to this fatal illness.

Leukemia Details

Leukemia is a form of cancer that doctors and researchers continue to study and find better treatments for. In some cases, the illness is hereditary; however, in others leukemia develops due to exposure to benzene or radiation. Treatments are available for this type of cancer, though depending upon the time of diagnosis and the body’s response to treatments and therapies, the cancer can at times be fatal.