3-year-old “Mighty Mabel” challenges childhood leukemia
A child’s birthday is a time for celebration and making memories.
It can also be a turning point onto an unexpected path for an entire family.
“Exactly one week after her third birthday, my daughter Mabel was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia,” recalled Sarah Manthey of Plano.
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia – often abbreviated as simply B-ALL – is a blood cancer that affects B-cell development. B-cells are white blood cells made in the bone marrow that are vital in helping the body fight off infections.
Although this form of blood cancer begins within a stem cell in the bone marrow, it can quickly spread to other areas throughout the body. The damaged stem cell mutates and multiplies uncontrollably into billions of cells called leukemic lymphoblasts.
This acute leukemia represents 85% of childhood cancer diagnoses, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Symptoms can include fever, weakness, loss of appetite and, as young Mabel experienced, bone pain and unusual bruising.
“By that Wednesday, she had a port placed and began chemotherapy,” Sarah said.
The Manthey family – including father Chris and younger sister Libby – rallies in support of Mabel’s lifesaving journey.
“The treatment timeline for this type of cancer is three years. In that time, Mabel has bravely faced months of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, blood transfusions and many nights spent at the children’s hospital,” said Sarah.
“She has handled every challenge with so much grace and positivity.”
Likewise, signs for her treatments are highly positive. Treatment often leads to a cure, with a childhood success rate of more than 90%.
Thanks to volunteer Carter BloodCare donors, consistent blood transfusions are used to combat anemia and low platelet counts caused by leukemia. These transfusions can involve red blood cells for treating anemia and platelets to prevent bleeding.
“Our Mighty Mabel has faced every hurdle with incredible strength, courage and joy,” said Sarah. “We can’t wait to see how strong she is when she comes out on the other side of this journey.”
Resources
Facts about acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Signs and symptoms of ALL in children
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