Liam is 7 years old and was diagnosed with a rare chromosomal form of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in January 2011. He is currently undergoing treatment at Stony Brook University Hospital. Liam’s family lives in Shoreham, New York. His parents grew up in the Shoreham-Wading River (SWR) school district and have lived in the community for over 30 years. Liam attends 1st grade at Briarcliff Elementary School. He plays soccer in Father Joe’s Soccer League. He also plays lacrosse, basketball, and runs track as part of the SWR Community Programs. He takes karate classes in Shoreham. Liam and his family belong to the parish at Saint John’s Catholic Church in Wading River.
Liam’s treatment involves an aggressive chemotherapy regimen and he may possibly require a bone marrow transplant. The McGuire’s must now travel in search of a children’s oncology hospital in which they can consult with doctors about treatment for this rare type of Leukemia. Liam’s parents work full-time. His mother must now stay home to care for Liam and this has put a significant financial burden on the family.
The family of Liam and “Friends of Liam” thank you for your love and generosity.
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Kaitlyn Suarez
Kaitlyn Suarez is a senior at the Shoreham Wading River High School. In May of 2008, at the age of 15, Kaitlyn was diagnosed with Stage 2A Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Kaitlyn agreed to become part of a study at her treating facility, Stony Brook University Hospital, Oncology Center, in order to be able to help others with her disease. Unfortunately, the three rounds of chemotherapy were not enough to beat her condition. In October of 2008, Kaitlyn had a reoccurrence and needed to start chemotherapy again followed by radiation treatments. Kaitlyn’s was in full remission for two years, but in November 2010 cancer returned. With ever impressive determination and perseverance Kaitlyn is currently waging another battle with cancer. She had a bone-marrow transplant in March 2011, and her doctors are very confident about her future.
From the start of her life adventure, Kaitlyn has taken on a positive attitude. She was instrumental in raising funds to make a Teen Room at Stony Brook Hospital where she was treated and in a fund raising event for a 15 year old boy with Leukemia, that she met during treatment. Kaitlyn has high hopes of medical advancements for the fight against cancer. Kaitlyn is well aware that the success of her treatment is from those that have fought before her and it is her life long ambition to be part of the future successes.
The SWR Community stands beside her in this fight. We stand ready to help, but ever confident that this amazing young lady will win this battle….and the war.