When Willow, an active, healthy five-year-old began experiencing unusual symptoms like decreased appetite and fatigue, her mother, Valerie, didn’t assume the worst. But after her bloodwork came back abnormal – showing a critically low platelet count – Valerie’s concerns grew. It was around midnight the following day when a medical team from Children’s National Hospital in DC delivered the news that Willow had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Receiving a diagnosis of any kind has implications not just for the person on the receiving end, but also for their family, friends and the people closest to them. As part of our commitment to patients and their care teams, this National Family Caregivers Month, we shine a light on this essential role and its many nuances. 

When Steve began experiencing flu-like symptoms, he and his wife Crystal didn't think his condition was serious. His primary care physician and urgent care doctors thought he might have mononucleosis or tonsillitis, but Steve and Crystal knew these theories were unlikely since Steve had his tonsils removed as a child. When he realized antibiotics weren't improving his symptoms, Steve decided to visit the emergency room. Crystal was at an after-school activity when she received a call from Steve to tell her he had leukemia.