Ali, Age 15

Ali was diagnosed in February of 2001 with ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia). She went through over two years of treatment at DeVos, dealing with many difficult issues and side effects. She was off treatment for one year and during that time started middle school. She was ready to move on and put the leukemia behind her. However, in March, 2004, Ali relapsed and began once again facing treatment. She spent much of that spring in the hospital fighting lung infections that developed while on chemotherapy. Ali continued to recieve treatment and was in remission but has recently relapsed again.

Ali has two younger siblings, Megan, 11, and Kara, 6. Her parents Steve and Julie say that Ali likes playing the piano and drums, crocheting flip flops, reading, computers, swimming, math & word puzzles and shopping. As a family they like watching DVDs of old shows, swimming and crafts.

Ali’s family feels that DeVos is a wonderful hospital! They feel that Ali is getting excellent care there. The doctors, nurses and child life specialists really care about the patients and do what they can do not only to help them get better, but to help them get through all the “bumps” along the way.