|
         
|
After facing the horrifying reality that Stephen had leukemia, the La Bruyere family had little time to rest and turned to their Boca Raton community for help. The response and support they received was more than they could have imagined; acts of kindness they can never repay.
As posted in the Boca Raton News:
They call him the “Big Cheese.”
“He fills the room when he comes in,” said a family friend. And that’s not a bad quality, considering Stephen “Big Cheese” La Bruyere of West Boca Raton is only 4 years old. Perhaps being slightly ahead of the curve is a good thing -- because young Stephen is battling a very serious problem. Cancer. Specifically, “T-cell ALL” leukemia, an aggressive form of the childhood disease that was diagnosed less than three months ago. His parents, Stephen and Dana La Bruyere, are reaching out to the community to help save the life of their stricken child. “He is currently taking very high doses of chemotherapy, including spinal taps and bone marrow tests,” said his mom. “His blood type is rare -- A-negative -- and his little 38-pound body has been wiped out by the aggressive treatment.” With no small sense of urgency, the family is gathering a list of donors who can be called upon as the need arises. The young boy needs platelets as well as blood, his parents said. “The ideal plan –if possible -- is for a donor to give platelets first and then three days later donate blood,” Dana La Bruyere said. Donations can be made at the Memorial Regional Blood Bank in Hollywood. Also responding to the crisis are the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Boca, where the La Bruyeres are congregants. The church is dedicating a blood drive Sunday to the boy. Stephen “has amazing wit and intelligence,” said Darlene Kroll, who works at Our Lady of Lourdes and is Dana La Bruyere’s best friend. Dana volunteers at the church. “His favorite television shows are ‘The Price is Right’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune,’” Kroll said. Kroll said Stephen showed no symptoms of leukemia, but had developed a number of bruises earlier this year. “His mother took him to a pediatrician” who immediately saw that something more was wrong. The doctor sent Stephen to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for tests – and the results were devastating. Buoyed by their faith, the La Bruyeres are fighting back to save their son. Dana La Bruyere said the family is looking to set up a “direct donor” list. Most people with A-negative blood and platelets, she said, can become direct donors for Stephen. The donations can be sent to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “We are in great need of A-negative platelets and blood,” his mother said. “Unfortunately, platelets are good only for five days – and it takes two days to separate and screen them.” Donors can give platelets every three days, but can only donate blood every 60 days. “Stephen is a spiritual, intellectual and emotionally exceptional 4-year-old,” said his mom, mustering her courage. “He has a big bright smile and a loving and compassionate heart. He is a brave soldier and his presence brightens the room.”
|
