There’s no better way to understand the power and positive impact of the Treasure Chest Foundation than to hear directly from the parents of a child or teen who has been diagnosed with cancer and undergone treatment. Darren Rosenberger of Bolingbrook, IL, whose son Mason (two years old at the time) was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in 2014, fits that role. POTCF Founder and CEO Colleen Kisel recently conducted an insightful interview with Darren, after which she came away with one unmistakable impression: this single father has certainly been forced into growing up faster than his peers. “While others his age are probably out having fun and ‘making the scene’, Darren travels back and forth to the hospital three times a week to help Mason get through his cancer treatments,” noted Colleen. “He’s had to begin playing the part of a mature father at a very young age.”

POTCF: Can you tell me about the circumstances leading to your son’s diagnosis?

Darren: Mason was diagnosed around the last week of February 2014. He was getting a cold which at the time we thought was just the flu. Then March arrived and his cold and flu symptoms weren’t getting any better. He was complaining that his legs hurt, but I thought it was no big deal, that it was just growing pains. But then he didn't want to walk and was getting pale. I thought he might be anemic, so we went to his doctor. She wanted to do a blood test. That was March 12 and I got a phone call on the 13th. The doctor said his blood count didn't look right and so she sent us to Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.

POTCF: How was Mason’s cancer initially detected?

Darren: Mason’s leg pains and other symptoms resulted in doctors at Advocate doing blood tests which led to his diagnosis of ALL.

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

Darren: My world fell apart.

POTCF: What type of treatment did Mason go through?

Darren: He started treatment that Monday because we came in on the weekend. They started the port procedure and chemotherapy treatments right away.

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

Darren: Mason was really strong about hospital stays until we were getting close to his admittance. He no longer wanted to go upstairs because he knew he would have to stay for at least three days.

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

Darren: Watching him go through spinals and seeing him have to get poked, and then not knowing what really is going on in his body.

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

Darren: The hospital staff always tries to lift Mason’s spirits. For example, they made him a badge that reads “Doctor Mason”. That was nice.

POTCF: Can you tell me about the Treasure Chest at the hospital?

Darren: I think the Treasure Chest is one of the nicest and most thoughtful ways to cheer up these kids who are going through such a rough time in their lives.

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

Darren: Yes. I’ve stopped caring about the little stuff because I now have major stuff to look after. Also, I'm a lot more organized.

POTCF: What would you say to the Treasure Chest Foundation contributors? Please elaborate on the importance of their continued contributions.

Darren: All it takes is a smile to keep someone fighting another day. The Treasure Chest is a great way to make these kids smile and uplift their spirits.

POTCF: Do you have a personal story about the Treasure Chest?

Darren: Yes. Mason's been wanting a certain toy for quite a while. One day he had a spinal and he picked out a giant Optimus prime (transformer). He had the biggest smile I've seen besides the day of his Make-a-Wish trip.

Our final questions were asked directly to Mason, who spoke candidly but is clearly a man of few words.

POTCF: What is your favorite toy from the Treasure Chest?

Mason: The robot toy.

POTCF: Can you say something about the Treasure Chest?

Mason: It makes the pokes all better.