In the United States, 47 children are diagnosed with cancer every day. However, the WSB community is taking action and joining forces to provide support for children with cancer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
In a heartwarming segment, Linda Stouffer from Channel 2 showcased the impact of the yearly 95.5 WSB Care-a-Thon.
The Lott family had a unique plan to travel to all 50 states across the country, which they commenced in 2020. However, in 2022, they informed Channel 2 Action News that they had to abruptly halt their journey after visiting only 36 states.
It was during this time that their six-year-old daughter, Linnea, received a cancer diagnosis.
According to Stouffer, Linnea’s parents informed her that their daughter was a cheerful child who often traveled with them across the country. However, things changed when her father mentioned that she had developed a bump on her forehead.
David Lott shared that they had to undergo a biopsy which led to his wife’s diagnosis of leukemia. He described the experience as unusual.
According to Linnea’s mother, Christy Lott, her daughter was diagnosed with near haploid ALL, an uncommon and challenging form of leukemia. They decided to commence her treatment at the Egleston campus of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, as it held a special place in Christy’s heart as her mother had served as a nurse there for several years. “It just felt like home to me,” she shared.
After some time, the Lott family was able to find a place to call home in Suwanee and settle down.
Ms. Lott expressed her gratitude for the supportive community and wonderful friends they have found during their difficult time. “We feel so lucky,” she told Channel 2 Action News. Linnea, who is responding well to treatment, was even able to start kindergarten in 2023.
According to Stouffer, doctors have the ability to personalize cancer treatments for their patients directly at the medical facility. They can “train the cells to kill the cancer cells and then re-infuse” them under very sterile conditions.
Doctors can create more joyous moments, such as the conclusion of a treatment, with the help of this approach.
Although Linnea was feeling a bit shy, her family proudly rang the bell on her behalf, symbolizing their united effort in battling her cancer and successfully completing the treatment.
According to her family, they take pride in how much she has accomplished.
Mr. Lott expressed his amazement at witnessing everything that she had gone through, and yet still being able to lead a normal life as a child.
Linnea is embarking on her journey into first grade with a clean bill of health, free from the grips of cancer.
Come the end of September, a brand new hospital boasting additional beds and state-of-the-art cancer treatment will be unveiled.
Starting on Thursday, the 95.5 WSB Care-At-Thon will go live, and listeners will be informed about ways they can contribute to the Aflac Cancer Center. Tune in to WSB Radio today and tomorrow for more information on how you can show your support.
