I hope you all are enjoying this cooler weather.
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This week I want to share the story of an amazing young man! Wyatt Jones is 17 years old; this is his senior year of high school. Wyatt lives right in the middle… halfway between Valley Home and Oakdale, to be precise. He is the wonderful son of Amanda Jones and the much loved grandson of Cassie and Ray Jones. Wyatt is a young man with wonderful talents and big dreams. He is smart, funny and very, very driven. Wyatt is excited to do great things. Unfortunately, Wyatt’s plans have been on hold since January of this year.
On January 24, just five days before Wyatt’s mother Amanda’s birthday, Wyatt discovered a lump on the right side of his neck. Immediately, his mother took him to the doctor. The doctor scheduled an ultrasound for February 1. On January 30, Wyatt began complaining of pain in his left shoulder and upper chest area. Wyatt’s family took him to the Oak Valley emergency room. There, they discovered Wyatt had a mild rash. After some tests, they diagnosed Wyatt with pneumonia and nothing indicated any other problems. Wyatt was prescribed antibiotics and the family thought he would be fine. He was examined on February 1, 2024. Amanda brought him back for follow-up tests. The family had no idea how their lives were about to change. During this time, Madera Children’s Hospital contacted Wyatt about his ultrasound. In Amanda’s words, they went to a follow-up appointment after Wyatt’s ER visit and “our whole world completely changed.” Doctors scheduled a bone marrow scan and chemotherapy for February 12th. Wyatt was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. They began more chemotherapy treatments on February 14th. Sutter Children’s Center in Sacramento has been their home for most of the past few months. Wyatt has endured countless tests and treatments. The family is grateful to his amazing doctors and nurses. They are deeply grateful for your prayers and support. Due to pneumonia and other illnesses, Wyatt was moved to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in the early morning hours of March 6th. He required several days of ECMO (heart and lung) and dialysis. Wyatt remained on a ventilator until March 25th. After 79 days straight, he got his first break on April 29th. Then it was back to the hospital; he got another break from the hospital on June 16th. The family was so happy for him that he was able to come home for a short time again. Wyatt is very close to his sisters Leela Adkins, who is nine years old and in fourth grade, and Lucy Adkins, who is seven years old and in second grade. Wyatt misses being with them so much. Wyatt is especially close to his Aunt Sam, who is always there for him. When they once again had a short break from the hospital, they were so excited. Amanda started packing things into the car, and the excitement quickly turned to sadness when she realized that someone had broken into her car and damaged it so badly that it was no longer drivable. A tow truck was sent to pick up the car from the hospital parking lot…even more heartache for Amanda and the family. Amanda is a wonderful mother who is grateful for her blessings every day. She is constantly at her son’s bedside. Even this act of overwhelming vandalism cannot break her spirit. Meanwhile, Amanda has used up all of her “family vacation” from work. Finally, a quick home visit and then it was back to the hospital for more chemotherapy. Wyatt would then have another bone marrow and spinal tap. He is such a strong young man; he fights each battle as it comes. He is overjoyed when he is well enough to take a break and be with his sisters Leela and Lucy, Aunt Sam, Grandma and Grandpa. As of the first few weeks of August, Wyatt is now a high school student, although home is still at the hospital. He fights daily to win this battle; he would love to do what other kids his age can do. Please pray for this brave young man and his family as he continues to battle this terrible disease.
Wyatt’s final round of chemotherapy is due in September. He will then have monthly check-ups starting in October. We send a very special “thank you” to each of you who has contacted Wyatt’s family. Your support and words of encouragement help this wonderful family stay strong and keep fighting. God bless our Wyatt.
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As always, you can reach me via email at [email protected] or via text or phone at 209-985-5233.
