Bloomfield toddler battles leukemia

submitted photo Two-year-old Levi Stinson of Bloomfield has been diagnosed with leukemia.

Levi Stinson of Bloomfield is a happy, normal two-year-old who likes the Avengers, Spider Man, and Mickey Mouse. He likes the Despicable Me movies and he loves to play with the farm implement toys that his dad, Clint Stinson, brings home from his job at Baker Implement in Dexter.

"He's normally happy and into everything. He eats a lot. He usually gets up early and plays all day," says Clint. "But for about a week he wanted to sleep all day and he didn't have much of an appetite."

Levi's mother, Sarah Stockton, works at Orgill in Sikeston and McDonald's in Dexter, so her sister watches Levi during the day. After seeing Levi become lethargic, his aunt took him to the doctor. The doctor suspected Levi was suffering from leukemia and advised that he be seen at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.

submitted photo Levi must sometimes wear a mask to protect his delicate immune system from germs.

The doctors at St. Jude's diagnosed Levi with type B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). ALL is a form of cancer of the blood cells. The disease causes the overproduction of immature, cancerous white blood cells and limits the production of normal red and white blood cells and platelets.

Levi's first week of treatment began September 8. Doctors estimated that Levi might require six to eight weeks of treatment.

"For the first two days he was terrified. His platelet count was low and they couldn't get an IV in him," says Clint.

submitted photo Levi gets a hug from his big brother, Cole.

Levi is now beginning the fifth week of treatment and is responding well. He receives chemotherapy five days a week as well as steroids. Clint says Levi is getting used to his nurses and the medication and has been very brave.

"The chemotherapy makes him not want to eat and the steroids make him emotional. But the nurses compliment him for not crying," Clint says.

Levi and Sarah are staying in the Ronald McDonald House in Memphis. Levi likes the house and its two playgrounds. Clint visits every weekend.

Friends of the family will be hosting a benefit on October 11 at the Dexter Armory. Donations of silent auction items, yard sale items, or cash are welcome and needed. The silent auction will take place at 11 a.m. To donate, please contact Amy Stevens at 625-3054, Tracy Wishon at 701-6585, Tracey Newton at 421-0764 or Kathy Davis at 421-9154.