Hayden O’Sullivan, 16, a rising junior at Coginchaug Regional Excessive Faculty in Durham, was recognized with acute lymphoblastic leukemia a decade in the past. Now in remission, O’Sullivan has regained his vitality and participates in a bunch of actions.
Hayden O’Sullivan / Contributed picture
DURHAM — An area teen recognized in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia is organizing a blood drive subsequent month to lift the profile of the commonest sort of most cancers in youngsters.
Hayden O’Sullivan, 16, a rising junior at Coginchaug Regional Excessive Faculty in Durham, alongside along with his household, discovered that he was sick at 6 years of age.
Whereas enjoying Little League 10 years in the past, his mom Beth O’Sullivan seen “when he was working to the bases, one in all his little legs would drag behind him.”
Article continues beneath this advert
A symptom of leukemia is getting injured simply, Hayden O’Sullivan mentioned.
The pediatrician advised the household that it was seemingly “rising pains,” his mom mentioned, and really useful he get a brand new pair of sneakers. Nonetheless, nothing modified.
Shortly afterward, Hayden O’Sullivan’s kindergarten trainer known as to say his face had a yellow tinge.
Whereas strolling within the Memorial Day parade, Beth O’Sullivan mentioned, her son turned so drained that she needed to carry him the remainder of the best way.
Article continues beneath this advert
One other time, whereas serving to at his sister’s lemonade stand, mother regarded exterior to see him mendacity down on the grass.
“All these little issues” added up, Beth O’Sullivan mentioned, and made her take discover.
After a bunch of blood assessments, the physician known as with the information. “His blood depend was so low … I wanted to pack my baggage and produce him instantly to the ER,” Beth O’Sullivan mentioned.
Quickly afterward, she discovered it was leukemia.
Article continues beneath this advert
Leukemia begins in cells within the bone marrow, in accordance with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Over time, these cells crowd out or suppress regular cell improvement, the web site mentioned. After analysis and therapy, many individuals with leukemia reside “many good, high quality years,” the society mentioned.
For 3 and a half years, Hayden O’Sullivan wanted weekly chemotherapy therapy. “If I ever bought a fever, I’d must spend per week within the hospital as a result of … it’s lethal since your immune system is so unhealthy,” he mentioned.
“I might get actually fatigued,” he mentioned. “I might get nauseous lots for no motive.”
Hayden O’Sullivan would return to the hospital when his blood depend turned very low and will keep there for as much as a few weeks for therapy.
Article continues beneath this advert
Friendships suffered due to his medical situation. “I might see them much less as a result of I’d be within the hospital so typically. I used to be extra social,” Hayden O’Sullivan defined.
Fortuitously, his vitality has rebounded. Though he can’t donate blood, Hayden O’Sullivan has performed on the cross nation and indoor and outside observe groups, the highschool drama membership, is on the scholar authorities and was among the many first 5 college students elected to the Durham Honest Affiliation Board of Administrators.
He additionally works out on the fitness center, performs pickleball with mates at courts on the town, and his robotics crew just lately gained the Connecticut First Tech Problem nationals.
O’Sullivan spent the final two weeks on the PaperHouse Productions theater camp, culminating final weekend in a efficiency of “The SpongeBob Musical.” He performed Mr. Krabs.
Article continues beneath this advert
As of late, “you’ll by no means know” about his medical downside, Beth O’Sullivan mentioned.
“As quickly as he reached highschool, he turned that child that he was previous to leukemia,” she mentioned. “That was the little boy I remembered previous to having the sickness. He was well-liked, had a variety of mates, and folks regarded as much as him. That every one went away.
“He bought his confidence again,” she mentioned.
Till he’s 18, her son will go for annual blood assessments at Yale-New Haven Well being Smilow Most cancers Hospital in New Haven.
Article continues beneath this advert
Hayden O’Sullivan bought the thought of organizing an American Purple Cross
blood drive on the Middlefield Federated Church as a result of “I do know a variety of different most cancers sufferers might use it, so I need to give again and assist as I can now that I’m higher.
“I’m hoping to encourage individuals to donate extra blood with my story,” mentioned Hayden O’Sullivan, who’s trying ahead to internet hosting a drive each summer season.
The Connecticut Blood Heart of Middletown introduced its first blood emergency of the 12 months final week, as seasonal journey and an increase in traumatic accidents through the summer season months result in a big drop in donations.
Article continues beneath this advert
The church blood drive will happen at 402 Important St. on Aug. 22 from 1 to six p.m. To guide an appointment, go to redcross.org.