CHAPTER 1 Diagnosis

A journey of a thousand leagues begins with a single step.
—Lao-tzu
“WE HAVE THE RESULTS of the blood work back. I’m afraid it’s bad news. Your child has
leukemia.” For every parent who has heard those words, it is a moment frozen in
time. In one shattering instant, life forever changes. Many parents equate cancer with
death and are staggered by the thought of losing their beloved child. Strong emotions
will batter every member of the family. However, with time and the knowledge that
most children survive childhood leukemia, hope will grow.