DIAGNOSIS:

Landon was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma in December 2003. He suffered a relapse of the disease in August 2005.

LANDON’S STORY
After undergoing months of radiation, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, Landon’s family was heartbroken to hear doctors say their little boy had suffered a relapse. On August 27, 2005, he went to Tulane University for his first chemotherapy treatment for the relapse. Two days later, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast.

Though their home was not affected by the hurricane, the Pitres were cut off from their son’s doctor. And worse, his blood counts were dropping, exposing Landon to possible infection. He needed to be seen by a doctor or treated at a hospital. But where? Finally a call came from a physician. Landon should be taken to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital affi liate clinic in Baton Rouge where he could be evaluated. The family drove to Our Lady of the Lakes Regional Medical Center where Landon received blood and platelet transfusions to help boost his falling counts. Landon was then air-lifted to the St. Jude campus in Memphis, Tennessee, along with a dozen other critically ill pediatric cancer patients from the area whose treatments had been disrupted.

AT ST. JUDE
After arriving at St. Jude, doctors resumed his treatment for neuroblastoma. The Pitres were very thankful to come to St. Jude so their son could continue to receive medical care while the hospitals in New Orleans recovered from Hurricane Katrina. During their stay here, Landon’s mom said she met a number of other families who were also fi ghting stage IV neuroblastoma and that has helped the family know that they are not alone in their own battle.