9:52AM
From Kathy and Rich
John J. HagenDear family & friends,
So much has happen in such a short period of time. 48 hours ago John was at the Pediatrician's office back in Charlotte and today he is here in Memphis at St Jude's. He is in the hands of some of the best doctor's in the world.
John has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). He has what they call TCell type. There is a sub-type that we will find out tomorrow. He received his first chemo treatments this evening.
So today is the first day on his road to recovery!
The treatment process will be 2 1/2 to 3 years. The first 6-7 weeks will be spent here at St. Jude's then John will travel back and forth for treatments and follow ups.
He is a fighter! He will beat this! He has unstoppable determination!
Thank you to the many people who have given us prayers, support and love. We are grateful to have such wonderful family and friends.
Please keep John in your prayers.
Check back often for updates and follow him on Twitter @GKjohnjhagen
More to come.
Love,
Kathy & Rich
Reader Comments (14)
John is a beast on PK's so this disease is in trouble!
JJH 1 - ALL 0
Prayers are with you teammate.
Garrett and the Hays family.
Kathy & Rich,
Our heart, thoughts and prayers go to both of you. We wish and pray for a speedy recovery to JJ. May god give both of you the strength and patience you need on this difficult journey. If we can help in anyway, please do not hesitate to ask.
Love,
Adnane & Saloua
You two are wonderful parents and John is a boy with amazing strength and determination! God will hold you up when you think you cant .He will renew your strength. He will bring peace to John when he needs to rest. He will be with John's Doctors during every moment of every treatment.
Isaiah 41:10
love,
Suzy
Johnny, I have been keeping up on your mama and papa's updates. You certainly are doinng a great job. I have had chemo. I don't know if mama told you. it was over 20 years ago. it was what made me the strongest person. Papou helped to get me through my sessions. After the first few weeks i felt like the chemo and I were working together.. We are all praying for you.I have you on my mind all the time. Every where I look I see God's sunshine and I know His love shines on you. In a couple of weeks one day you will look up and you will see me. I have a doctor's appoint ment on the 6th of April and the following week I will be there. Good night my sweet angel. love, noni
Rich and Kathy, I am sending you everythoing I have .....all my love, my prayers..............my positive thought s and my deepest joy in the world that John will live in. I am making my airline tickets tomorrow. love mom
Hang in there. Although it is hard now, one day you'll look back and realize how strong your boy was and never doubt anything he chooses to take on in life. He's going to come out more determined than ever to live his life to the fullest. Easy to say, but this is just a bump in the road for him. He has plenty more to accomplish. God Bless!
John, Kathy and Rich--We are thinking of you always. Stay strong and know that you are in our prayers...we love you!
Deme, Madeline and Maxwell
Rich & Kathy
Keep up the faith, I have been saying prays ever night. I know all will work ouy find and your little guy will be on the field again with his friends. I'll be up in a few weeks.
John, Kathy, and Rich,
I just wanted to send you some prayers and "vibes" to all of you. My name is Joe Skarbek, from Chicago, and your name was brought to me by Andrew D'Amore at Knight Trading.
My 10-year old daughter, Abby, was diagnosed with leukemia (AML) last July and so much of your story sounds so familiar. I would love to help you all in anyway I can. I am happy to say that Abby, a soccer player as well, is in full remission. The chemo is done, the road to recovery has been a long one but I am happy to say that life is slowly getting back to normal. Leukemia is a beatable opponent and it sounds like you guys are off to a great start. Stick together as a team. Take it one step at a time. It is amazing how an "avalanche" of negative thoughts can occur so quickly inside your head. Count the smallest victories, embrace every nuance of life and you will notice that the big named tests and medicines seem like just one more small hurdle.
I urge you to check out her site that is like yours, at Caringbridge.org . Her name is Abby Skarbek and it may help you to see what you can expect as a parent or what John can expect as a "warrior," and soon to be "Survivor." I have a biology and anatomy background, so the posts may be helpful to use as a primer of sorts. We also have a Foundation that stemmed from Abby's battle. Abby has a huge family, an Army, if you will, and we have been lucky with our insurance so we wanted to get all of our supporters to make it possible for other families affected by cancer to be helped out. Please let any of us know what you may need. Although, I know, you wouldn't even know what to ask for other then the stuff that no one can give you.
It's not hard for me to remember what the first week was like. Everyone sends "prayers" and "wishes" and as a parent all you want to know is "Why?" or "What did I do wrong?" Please just look around you, see all the support that is behind you, take it step by step, and you will be amazed at what your "baby" is going to accomplish. I pray for Peace and Tranquility for the three of you and every one that crosses your path. You are in a great place at St. Jude's and I look forward to reading about your "journey." I can't make promises but I know you understand that there will be little victories that come daily; celebrate every one of those. Little Victories are what get us through life, no matter what we are facing. Leukemia is going to change how you all look at your world. You might even see that this new world is a lot brighter and that you feel a lot more love..coming and going.
Peace,
Joe
Dear Cathy and Rich,
My prayers are with you and John during this time. May God provide the doctors with wisdom to do what is best for John, May God provide you and your families with peace and strength, May God Bless John with COMPLETE healing that he will be a light for many in this world! As you brave each day I pray God's care upon you and your family. Be encouraged. Be hopeful. Be strong. This too shall pass!
regards
jeyashree
Dear Kathy and Rich,
I just heard the news about John and needless to say I am shocked. You never expect to hear that. My thoughts and prayers and with him and your entire family. It sounds as if he is getting the best possible care and has an amazing attitude. Please let me know if there is anything you ever need. I will follow his journey and look forward to the happy conclusion!
Colleen (ansd Chris) McHale
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