Killeen Kid Kicks Cancer

A young boy in central Texas recently finished his last chemotherapy treatment and is cancer-free.

According to a report from KCEN-TV, 6-year-old boy, AJ Patterson from Killeen has battled cancer since he was only 2 years old. On Friday, after a long 4-year-battle with Very High Risk B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, AJ completed his last chemotherapy treatment.

Like many others, AJ and his family were looking forward to ringing the bell and celebrating his new cancer-free status at Mclane Children's Hospital in Temple. Due to the on-going pandemic of COVID-19, friends and family would not be able to attend the celebration at the hospital, so AJ's mom and pastor devised a safe way to honor his success by hosting a parade.

The community did not disappoint, and the street was filled with supporters who not only held signs of admiration, but also gifts.

"I actually had tears welling up in my eyes," said Gabi Castelli AJ's aunt to KCEN-TV. "Seeing all these people who don't even know AJ come and show this much support for one little boy its beautiful."

Way to go AJ!

This article from the American Cancer Society explains how researchers are working to help kids like AJ battle and beat cancer. Stories like AJ's give us so much hope.

If you want to help the American Cancer Society's efforts to treat and, hopefully someday eradicate, cancer, you can make a donation here.