Life changed drastically in 2011 for Marengo, IL resident Valerie Keller when her then three-year-old son Sean was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Sean and his siblings—brother Max (13), sister Amelia (11) and brother Liam (8)—have all enjoyed the toys Sean is able to choose from the Treasure Chest located at University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, where his treatment continues over a period of three-and-a-half years. Valerie took time recently to share with the Treasure Chest Foundation her emotions and reactions to a world suddenly filled with hospitals, doctors and nurses.

POTCF: Can you tell us about the time of Sean’s diagnosis?

Valerie: He was sick for a month with fevers and pain prior to his diagnosis. He had his appendix removed and visited three different hospitals before he was eventually diagnosed.

POTCF: How was your child’s cancer initially detected?

Valerie: They believed it was a Rheumatic disease, but the cancer was detected with a bone biopsy/aspiration of marrow.

POTCF: What was your reaction when you heard the news?

Valerie: Fear and shock.

POTCF: What type of treatment did Sean go through?

Valerie: He endured IVs, oral medication, chemotherapy and spinal taps.

POTCF: Can you tell us about the hospitalizations/clinic?

Valerie: Sean’s care has been very complete, with much caring and understanding. It has been a learning experience for the whole family.

POTCF: What is the worst part of Sean’s treatment?

Valerie: The needle sticks are the worst part for him. And the two-hour ride, each way, to receive treatment has been a challenge.

POTCF: What is the best part, if there is a good part, of the clinic/hospital?

Valerie: The compassion the entire staff has shown for my son, for me, and for the rest of the family.

POTCF: Can you tell us about the Treasure Chest at Comer Children’s Hospital?

Valerie: The Treasure Chest is a true light for Sean, he looks forward to it so much. The smile on his face is priceless when he gets to choose a toy from the Treasure Chest. He loves to pick out an item that he is able to play with his brothers and sister, and they get almost as excited as Sean.

POTCF: Did knowing Sean would receive a toy or gift card help the hospital/clinic  experience?

Valerie: Yes, it helps offset his fear and gives him hope.

POTCF: What are Sean’s favorite toys from the Treasure Chest?

Valerie: His favorites have been Zoobles, Barrel of Monkeys and Megablocks.

POTCF: (This question was asked directly to Sean) Can you speak about the Treasure Chest?

Sean: I like to pick a toy. It is a special treat I can have because I’m brave when I have to get needle sticks and take medicine.

POTCF: Did your relationship with friends and family change?

Valerie: Sean’s brothers and sister get jealous at times. Some family and friends did not know what to say or do for us. I understand because it is a difficult situation for everybody.

POTCF: How did Sean’s siblings handle their brother’s cancer diagnosis and the aftermath?

Valerie: They were very scared. They now have more compassion toward his treatments and for others, too.

POTCF: Someone told me (Colleen) that my son’s cancer treatment would change me for the better.  How do you feel about this experience?  Has this changed you in any way?

Valerie: Sean’s cancer has taught me to take in each moment and savor it, to enjoy the little things more, to laugh and love more.

POTCF: What would you say to a family who just learned their son or daughter was diagnosed with cancer?

Valerie: I’m sorry, I know what you are feeling.

POTCF: What would you say to the Treasure Chest Foundation contributors?

Valerie: The joy that your donations bring cannot be expressed by words, but by smiles, laughter and giggles. Thank you so very much for your contributions to the Foundation.

POTCF: Do you have any final comments about the impact of the Treasure Chest Foundation on Sean and your family?

Valerie: Thank you so much for your wonderful program. As I said, the smile on Sean’s face when he selects a toy from the Treasure Chest is priceless. You have given me a special gift, too, the opportunity to see true joy in his eyes during his battle with cancer. He has had to endure so much, in so little time. Your organization brings pure joy to these children. Thank you, and God’s blessings.