Give for Texans: Liam’s Story

Warriors come in all sizes and all ages.

“It wasn’t until it happened to us that we realized the importance of blood transfusions.”

Two years ago, young Liam Paz became an unexpected warrior on a difficult journey.

At the age of 4, Liam was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, in September 2022.

Also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia, ALL is the most common form of childhood cancer. It can progress quickly without treatment. Symptoms may include fever, body aches, bone pain, bruising, bleeding gums and frequent infections.

When Liam unexpectedly began experiencing many of these symptoms, his family sprang into action.

“We went to the hospital and he had two rounds of tests at different times,” said his father, Kevin. “It wasn’t until the third time that his leukemia was diagnosed.”

It was the start of an emotional and physically challenging long-term process.

“As parents, in the waiting room, you think the answer they give us will be OK, only to suddenly have your life crushed,” Kevin recalled. “It’s heart-wrenching for parents to hear their son has cancer. Your life comes to a halt. Everything feels like it’s spun out of control.”

Liam immediately started a medical regimen to fight the cancer cells.

“As a leukemia patient, your immune system is so low you repeatedly need platelet and red blood cell transfusions. It’s a routine process during leukemia treatment,” said Kevin. “Platelets are destroyed in the body during chemotherapy, so the transfusions restore those for Liam.”

Now 6 years old, Liam and his family regularly travel from their home in Hillsboro to a Dallas children’s hospital, where he undergoes transfusions and cancer treatments.

“My son has received so many blood and platelet transfusions. He has had at least 20 red blood cell transfusions and countless platelets so far,” said Kevin.

“I would see my son lying in the bed and I felt helpless. I didn’t know what to do or say,” he said.

Other families provided much-needed support during Liam’s battle.

Kevin connected with bilingual cancer patient support groups and pediatric cancer families throughout Texas.

“We have a strong network with other parents,” he said. “Pediatric cancer families have a tight bond. We support each other. We cry with each other.

“These cancer kids are warriors. We love Liam and desperately want him to return to being the same kid he always was,” Kevin said. “I have reconsidered many things in my life as priorities have shifted.”

Liam’s health crisis motivated his father to tap into a vital way to help: he became a first-time – and then consistent – donor.

“It wasn’t until it happened to us that we realized the importance of blood donations,” said Kevin. “We never know what can happen and when we might need it. Today, blood can be necessary for me, or tomorrow for you. We never know.”

One of the benefits of donating blood is learning your blood type. Kevin discovered his is type O negative, the universal blood type. O negative is considered universal because it can be used for any patient in need, no matter their individual blood type. This is particularly helpful for emergency and severe trauma patients when every second makes a lifesaving difference.

O negative also is the only blood type that can be given to treat premature and unborn babies.

“I invite other parents to join me in donating blood,” said Kevin. “It’s a simple process, from asking a series of questions to learn about my health and medical history, to then sitting in the donation chair. The donation took less than 10 minutes. I was surprised how fast and simple it is.”

Today, after prolonged treatment, Liam is showing improvement. His family notes that he is doing better through his transfusions and chemotherapy, and his hair has started to grow again.

The path toward progress, however, continues to be demanding.

“I have asked myself, Why us? Everything else in the world seemed to stop mattering since Liam’s leukemia diagnosis,” said Kevin.

“God is at the center of our journey and my faith has been fundamental. I thank the creator because he has strengthened us and my son to tolerate this journey, but it’s terrifying,” he continued.

Kevin shared this message for others who read Liam’s story:

“Enjoy your kids, don’t take things for granted, live life to the fullest, and donate blood to help these warrior kids and patients who need you.”

Donate at a Carter BloodCare donor center or mobile blood drive to help local patients like Liam.

If you have ever received blood or platelets, your transfusion experience can motivate others to donate. Please Tell Us Your Story.