Parents Need TLC: Part 1
One of the most gratifying aspects of my work is connecting with parents of kids with special needs and hearing their stories. One of those parents is Rita Gray whose son Chad is a childhood cancer survivor.
Chad’s Story
Chad was diagnosed with high risk leukemia in September of 1996 when he was four years old. He endured twenty spinal taps and eight different kinds of chemo treatments in three years. Many of the friends Chad made in the hospital are now in heaven, but Chad beat the odds. He was declared cancer-free in 1999 to the delight of his parents and older siblings, Ryan and Katie.
Chad Today
In September 2009, Chad celebrated ten years of cancer-free life. He’s considered cured, but is still being followed as part of a survivor study at Johns Hopkins Hospital. As a result of aggressive chemo, Chad experienced short-term memory loss which required an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) during his school years.
Impact on Rita
When Chad was first diagnosed, Rita searched for faith-based resources to help her family. But she couldn’t find any. So once Chad’s health stabilized, she created a group Bible study for parents of children with special needs. In the next post in this series, Rita will share advice and encouragement for parents of kids with special needs. You won’t want to miss it!
Jolene Philo
PS – Jenny, a childhood cancer survivor I interviewed for A Different Dream for My Child, just celebrated twenty years cancer-free. She’s now a church youth leader in South Dakota. God is good!
