Albany County Correctional Facility for Children's Benefit Albany NY

Great News- Parker Ragone, 5 Kicked Kemia's Butt (Chemotherapy Completed)!!

Parker's mom, Cortney proudly shared this message on December 29, 2014- "It is with great joy that I can announce that Parker is on his way into his last spinal EVER!  We may have landed inpatient last night unexpectedly but either way, Chemo ends today!

Parker Ragone, Age 5 was diagnosed in 2011 with Pre B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Pre B- ALL), an aggressive cancer of the blood. Parker who was in remission and doing very well with the maintenance portion of his treatment receiving physical, speech and occupational therapy. He was originally expected to take daily oral Chemotherapy until 2015. His treatments caused side effects including fatigue and neuropathy (damage to the peripheral nerves, especially those that branch out through the arms, legs, fingers and toes). Parker understands his condition referring to it as "Kemia" and knows that sometimes he can't do things that other children his age can do.

 

  

Severe Burns Lead to Foot Amputation for Brave 6 Year Old

Sa'fyre Terry, age 6 bravely faces amputation of her left foot in March, 2015 at Shriners Hospital in Boston. She was the only survivor of a ferocious house fire in Schenectady, NY during the early morning hours of May 2, 2013 that claimed the lives of three of her siblings and her father. Finally arriving home from this devastation on February 19, 2014, she has suffered several complications from severe burns that ravaged over 75% of her body.

We share what Liz Dolder, Sa'fyre's Aunt and legal guardian told ACCFCB about this amputation-

Sa'fyre's left foot will be amputated from below the knee. "Stunned doesn't begin to express all we we're feeling hearing this. By the grace of God Sa'fyre was distracted and not understanding what the doctor was explaining to us... Her left foot is not growing properly and it is the same foot that she had toes amputated from previously. Her foot has no range of motion, no movement at all!" 

Although Sa'fyre is currently unaware that this procedure will take place soon, her family has been preparing her the best way they can with Sa'fyre stating that she wants a prosthetic foot so that she can run and play with the other kids!

Newborn Heading Home- Adrenal Tumor Surgery Postponed

Kaiden James Crowley was born @ Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on February 23, 2015. Prior to his birth, he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer found in children from fetus to age of 10 years. A tumor was located on Kaiden's adrenal gland prior to his entering this world and specialists are determining the course of treatment going forward. 

Today, 2/27/2015 Melanie and David Crowley, Kaiden's parents announced the following great news which we are pleased to share with you-

"We are coming home! What a roller coaster! To think two days ago, after the bloodwork came back, the surgeons were leaning toward surgery. This would have meant us being in Philly for another month if not longer. As well as having our newborn baby face all the risks of surgery. After the MRI results, the doctors were comfortable that surgery was not needed at this time and we are able to take Kaiden home. Even though we have a long road ahead with many trips back to Philly, we feel extremely blessed. We can't say enough how grateful we are for the love and support everyone has shown our family. Without this love and support from family and friends, we never would have been able to get Kaiden the level of medical care that we have been blessed to provide. Homeward bound! Here we come NY!"

— with Dave Crowley and Bernadette Royce.

Introducing Paige Marie Grimmick age 10

In 2008, Paige was Diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, (NF1) and has received several MRI’s to closely watch this disease. In 2013 she underwent surgery to remove a tumor that grew on her spine, heart and lung. They successfully removed the tumor from her spine, yet due to the intensity of this surgery they did not perform the second part and have monitored the tumor which touches her heart and lung. In a recent MRI, they discovered that Paige’s spine has gone from a 20% curvature to an almost 90%. She was sent to Boston Children's Hospital by her Neurosurgeon for a second opinion and surgery was scheduled for March, 2015. She will endure an intense 4-6 weeks of traction on her spine to relieve some of the curve followed by spinal surgery with a one week recovery then to return home. A fundraiser has been set up http://www.gofundme.com/me2gic ACCFCB is also assisting with Paige's travel and medical expenses.

Shocking Second Cancer Diagnosis For Teenage Girl

ACCFCB's Reese Johnson, age 14 from Ballston Spa recently received a Leukemia diagnosis while battling Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Leukemia is the uncontrolled growth of blood cells, usually white blood cells (leukocytes), in the bone marrow crowding out and replacing normal blood and marrow cells. Doctors are currently formulating a plan to battle this second stunning blow.

Reese had previously undergone surgery to have a growth removed from her Jawbone while receiving Chemotherapy treatments. Reese is an upbeat and positive girl who has the love and support of her family, friends and our children's foundation. Our thoughts and prayers continue with Reese and her family.

Above Photo Courtesy of Reese's gofundme Page