Queens Boy Battles Leukemia As Family Seeks Bone Marrow Donor
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The family of a young Queens boy is hoping that an upcoming bone marrow drive will help save his life after he was recently diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. NY1’s CeFaan Kim filed the following report.While most 6-year-olds spent their Christmas under the tree exchanging presents, Colin Flood spent his in a hospital bed after learning just two days earlier that the seasonal flu he thought he was fighting was actually acute lymphocytic leukemia.
"The hardest part is, he thinks it's almost over, but in reality the worst part is really ahead of us," said Jennifer Flood, Colin’s mother.
Colin has been undergoing chemotherapy ever since. This is his first full week back at home, but he could be forced to return to the hospital at any moment. Doctors say receiving a bone marrow transplant is his best shot at survival, but unfortunately, his brother is not a match.
That's why Colin's family is holding a bone marrow donor drive later this month. His father, Kevin, is a retired firefighter who pitched in at the World Trade Center site during 9/11. Now he's relying on complete strangers to help save his son.
"He's stronger than I thought any kid could be. He's going through this day by day, and every day seems to be a good day for him," said Kevin.
In fact, spending just a few moments with Colin, it's easy to see how strong he really is. He doesn't tell his younger brother what's going on because he doesn't want him to worry, and the key to getting through this, he says, is to be patient and try not to think about his condition—he tries just to be a regular kid.
When asked what's been the most memorable part about the past month and a half, he talks about a pretty typical moment for a 6-year-old.
"On Christmas Eve, my tooth fell out and I got 20 bucks from the tooth fairy," said Colin.
The bone marrow drive will be held at Our Lady of Hope Catholic School on Saturday, February 18 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Anyone in good health between the ages of 18 and 55 can be a potential donor. It just takes a few minutes and a simple cheek swab to register—a few minutes that could save a life.
For more information or to register for an online kit, visit www.GetSwabbed.org.