Andrew Dawson

Andrew is a delightful six-year-old from Wellington, diagnosed with ALL in July of 2012 after complaining of leg pain. As an active toddler, his parents first believed it to be a sprain and when Andrew began limping, they immediately had him seen by his pediatrician. When they were referred to a pediatric hematologist/oncologist, they knew that it was serious. Andrew had his first bone marrow biopsy the day he was diagnosed and his first lumbar puncture the following day. Although 
Andrew is in the maintenance phase of his treatment, he takes oral chemotherapy nightly and is in the hospital once a month for IV chemo and visits once every 3 months for lumbar chemo treatments. Andrew is happy to be in kindergarten, after missing so much pre-school due to his treatments. He enjoys golf with his dad, horseback riding, creating his “inventions” and is a loving big brother to 17-month-old, Lucas. His family is grateful for the lifesaving treatments available for their son but want to do everything they can to bring awareness to the need for further research.

"After your child is diagnosed with leukemia, your life is changed forever. Survival rates have greatly improved, however, the long-term effects of treatment will continue to impact his life.” 
~Tristan, Mom of Andrew