2004 Interview
Mrs. Keller, Trevor’s mom
Treasure Chest Interviewer
Hi Trevor. My name is Mrs. Kisel and I am the founder of the Treasure Chest Foundation. I know that you were diagnosed
with cancer. Can you tell me about that experience?
Mrs. Keller
Trevor was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. It started out as shoulder pain. The doctors finally did an x-ray and noticed a mass. Trevor has been through one year of treatment
and he has one year to go.
Treasure Chest Interviewer
Cancer is a big word. How old were you when your Mom and Dad told you that you had cancer?
Trevor
Ten.
Treasure Chest Interviewer
I understand that you had to stay overnight at the hospital. What was that like?
Trevor
Boring, I would sleep, play video games and watch TV.
Treasure Chest Interviewer
How often would Trevor visit the outpatient clinic?
Mrs. Keller
At first it was once a week, but now we are down to every three weeks.
Treasure Chest Interviewer
Can you tell me about the Treasure Chest in the clinic?
Trevor
It makes me happy. It makes me look forward to a toy. It makes me get the stuff off my mind. It makes me think about what I am going to get.
Treasure Chest Interviewer
What is one of the best toys you ever received?
Trevor
Binoculars and a bunch of small toys.
Treasure Chest Interviewer
Have you gone to the cabinet full of big toys that the Treasure Chest Foundation provides?
Trevor
Every three weeks I go to the cabinet because I get shots in both of my legs. If I get blood drawn and a check-up I go to the treasure box.
Mrs. Keller
I do believe that if he did not have the Treasure Chest, he would be a nervous wreck every time we went to the clinic. It really saves him every time to have his mind focused on the Treasure Chest or cabinet. He gets a little nauseous before he goes to the clinic, but I know for a fact he would be miserable without the Treasure Chest. Trevor never takes it for granted and sometimes he picks out a toy for his sister. He’s a sweetheart.
Treasure Chest Interviewer
What is the worst part of the treatment?
Trevor
Getting shots.
Mrs. Keller
On numerous occasions Trevor has had to endure two shots, one in each leg, and it is very painful.
Treasure Chest Interviewer
Did anyone shave their head?
Trevor
My dad did.
Mrs. Keller
Our neighbor did, the boy next door did, Kevin did, Jason did, Jerrit did, Joe did… He had a lot of people shaving their heads.
Treasure Chest Interviewer
What would you say to a little boy or girl who just found out they had cancer?
Trevor
That it’s going to be okay.
Treasure Chest Interviewer
My son’s cancer changed my life forever. Do you feel this experience has changed you?
Mrs. Keller
It has changed my son so much. The saddest thing is that it made Trevor grow up too fast. He’s not a child anymore . . . well he is. He has gone through more than we will ever go through. I am so proud of my son. He is unique and very special.