When their son Bryce was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age three, life changed forever for Jim and Michelle Sykora of New Lenox, IL. Throughout Bryce’s subsequent treatments at Comer Children’s Hospital at University of Chicago, the Sykora family came to recognize and appreciate the positive effects whenever Bryce selected a toy from the Treasure Chest. POTCF Founder and CEO Colleen Kisel recently conducted an interview with Michelle and came away impressed with the courage and indomitable spirit shown by the Sykoras and all families battling cancer.

POTCF: Can you tell me about the time when Bryce was diagnosed?

Michelle: I had noticed Bryce’s legs covered in bruises, but everyone I had asked considered it normal for a little boy. Then came the swollen lymph nodes behind his ears, and all over his head. Google results brought up leukemia and while it gave me a sick feeling in my stomach, I tried to brush it off as something rare and not what was happening. Not to us. At this point we brought him into the pediatrician's office, and even they said it was all normal kid stuff. A few days later he developed petechiae on his arm (bleeding under the skin which looked like a rash). We again brought him to the pediatrician. This time we saw her expression change. She seemed more serious.  She ran a strep test (negative) and sent us for blood work. Later that night we received a call from her that would change our lives forever. She thinks it is leukemia. Blood cancer. And to pack our bags for a few days and head to Comer Children’s Hospital. I don’t know how my legs didn’t give out on me at that very moment. I felt faint. From there we were thrown into the whirlwind of the first week of treatment. It was almost like an out-of-body experience. We were in such shock it was hard to focus and listen to everything being thrown at us. 

POTCF: How was Bryce’s cancer initially detected? 

Michelle: In order to confirm leukemia, a multitude of tests were run the first week while he was an inpatient, including X-Rays, blood work, ultrasounds, echocardiogram and a bone marrow biopsy. 

POTCF: What type of treatment did Bryce go through? 

Michelle: Bryce has gone through countless chemotherapies, some through his port in his chest, some by mouth, some into his central nervous system by spinal injection (which he is sedated for). The first nine months were spent in and out of the hospital for treatment, some inpatient stays and also ER visits when he would get sick or have fevers. He is currently in remission and in the maintenance phase which consists of monthly visits to the hospital and daily oral chemo. Anytime he gets a fever of 100.3 or higher he must go to the ER. His treatment plan lasts around three-and-a-half years. And even after all his maintenance medication is complete he will still have to go to the hospital monthly to check his blood.

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

Michelle: It is very difficult to not only have a child with a life threatening illness but to also have to see them terrified of the hospital setting and procedures. Children’s hospitals do a good job of providing different tools to help with this: child life specialists, music therapists, art therapists and of course working with the Treasure Chest Foundation by giving them toys to distract them and keep their mind off things. We like our team of oncologists, nurses, fellows, residents and therapists. 

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

Michelle: Though Bryce still gets nervous at times, he has gotten accustomed to this new life and to the hospital.  The worst part now is thinking of the future, the what ifs and the possible side effects. 

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

Michelle: The best part for us is the people we have met, and the wonderful organizations we are now a part of. We are really hoping to make a difference and help bring pediatric cancer to the forefront. Research is needed and better treatments for our kids!

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

Michelle: There is a Treasure Chest located in the oncology clinic playroom. Bryce has been able to pick out toys directly from the Chest and has also been brought toys from which to choose! He really enjoys sifting through them.

POTCF: Did knowing Bryce would receive a toy help the hospital/clinic experience? 

Michelle: Absolutely! Bryce knows that he gets to select a toy for being very brave. He looks forward to it and always asks everyone if he can go to the Treasure Chest. With kids going through therapy it’s extremely important to have a diversion. 

POTCF: Did your relationship with friends and family change? 

Michelle: Family has really helped us out by watching Lilah, Bryce’s younger sister, on many occasions when we had to be at the hospital. Everyone had to learn the precautions required for a child on chemotherapy with low immunity. They all have been very supportive in helping us in any way they can. 

POTCF: How did Bryce’s sister handle his cancer diagnosis and the aftermath? 

Michelle: Bryce’s sister was only ten months old when he was diagnosed and she has just turned two. She still doesn’t know what is happening, but she now gets upset whenever her brother leaves to go to the hospital. 

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

Michelle: I would say that it has taught me to be more patient, not sweat the small stuff, and to be more present. It really makes you realize what’s important in life—cherishing the ones you love and spending as much time with them as possible. Health and happiness really are of most importance. 

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

Michelle: Breathe. Take one day at a time. Ask questions, be as informed as possible. Be your child’s advocate, speak up for them.  

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

Michelle: A cancer diagnosis is scary for anyone. Children don’t understand what is happening to them. Providing them with the joy of a new toy really can turn their day around and provide a distraction so that they can get their much-needed therapies. Diverting their attention is huge. It’s the only way to do what needs to be done. The continuous flow of donations and toys are SO appreciated by everyone—kids, their parents, hospital staff. Thank you to everyone who has brought happiness to Bryce as he fights this horrible disease. 

POTCF: Do you have any final comments for our readers? 

Michelle: The Treasure Chest Foundation provides a truly unique service for pediatric cancer patients. We are unbelievably thankful for all the Foundation has provided for our family. You have brought peace and comfort to our son many, many times throughout this otherwise scary process. We absolutely LOVE the Foundation and will definitely be promoting your mission and trying to help!