Atticus Hampton

Atticus' Journey: A Family's Fight Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Atticus is a bright, energetic 7-year-old with blue eyes, an infectious smile, and a love for sports, animals, and his little sister, Lily. Whether it's baseball, football, or simply playing around, Atticus has never met a stranger and fills every room with joy. He and Lily, a fiery 6-year-old with red hair and a heart full of spirit, have been inseparable since the day she was born. Together, they share everything—adventures, laughter, and even a bedroom.

But on September 29, 2024, everything changed. What began as a simple visit to the pediatrician for a fever and stomach ache quickly escalated into something far more serious. After being rushed to the ER and airlifted to MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, Atticus was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

In an instant, our world was turned upside down. Our family, once a tight-knit group of four, was now in "fight mode." Catherine and I had to balance the harsh reality of Atticus' diagnosis with the need to keep life as normal as possible for Lily, who was too young to understand why her brother wasn't home. As parents, we focused on reassuring Atticus that he would beat this, while trying to shield Lily from the emotional upheaval.

Atticus has completed his first round of chemotherapy, and now we’re anxiously awaiting his numbers to rise so we can go home for a brief week. Then, the next phase of treatment begins—round two of chemo, followed by the anticipation of a bone marrow transplant after the New Year.

We didn’t know. We didn’t understand how quickly AML could change everything. We’ve spent more than a month at the hospital already, separated from Lily for long stretches, and only getting to be with her a few hours a week. It’s been a painful reality for both kids, who are used to being together every day.

Lily, being the bright, loving sister that she is, misses her brother deeply. It’s heartbreaking to see them apart, especially knowing how much they rely on each other. We’ve tried to stay positive and reassure them both, but children are perceptive. They know something is wrong.

In these uncertain times, we’re trying to focus on the love and strength that has always defined our family. Even as we navigate this difficult journey, we’re grateful for the outpouring of support from friends, family, and all of you who are standing by our side. Your generosity and encouragement mean the world to us as we continue to fight alongside Atticus every step of the way.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your kindness helps more than you’ll ever know.

Baseball, Football, Animals, Games, Building Things

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