Brooks’ Journey
In December 2023, at just nine months old, Brooks’ mom, Ashley, noticed tiny red and purple spots known as petechiae on his face. After a few months of uncertainty while Brooks underwent tests and multiple bone marrow biopsies, genetic testing finally confirmed that Brooks had rare form of leukemia known as Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML).
Because chemotherapy treatment does not cure this type of leukemia, Brooks initially underwent two rounds of treatment to prepare him for a bone marrow transplant at Stanford Hospital in April 2024, where he and his family spent the next several months during his treatment and recovery.
The treatment worked, and Brooks is in remission.
Jesse’s Journey
Later that same year, in August 2024, after months of unexplained illnesses and then bruising, bloodwork revealed that Anna’s son, Jesse, had T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. He immediately started treatment, receiving his first blood transfusion as he began a 3½-year chemotherapy regiment.
Jesse, thankfully, reached remission in just 12 weeks, but that first year included 96 difficult days in the hospital. With three other children at home, including a five-year old, it was a challenging time for the entire family.
Today, Jesse remains stable and in remission, continuing daily, weekly and monthly chemotherapy until January 2028.
Connected Long Before Illness
Long before either diagnosis, the families already shared a bond. Ashley was Anna’s daughter’s kindergarten and first-grade teacher. In a small town, that connection became a powerful source of comfort as both families navigated the unknown.
“The first couple of months were the hardest, knowing something was wrong but not knowing what," Ashley said. "We knew Brooks needed treatment, but we didn’t know for what. And the separation … living away for months and missing our four-year-old daughter, who didn’t understand why we were gone. Those were some of the darkest days.”
According to Anna, “For us, it was also the separation of our family. With three other kids, we had to split up and rely on relatives, sometimes in different towns. People wanted to help, but they didn’t really know how, and we didn’t know how to tell them what we needed. It felt incredibly isolating.”
Advice to Other Parents Facing Childhood Cancer
Both moms share the same message. “It is so easy to fall into the black hole of ‘what ifs,’” Ashley said. “What helped me was living in the moment, handling things one day at a time. We celebrated every little win. There are so many losses and so many things you miss out on. Celebrate everything that’s in your favor. Believe and have hope.”
“Take advantage of every moment with your kids,” Anna said. “Find joy in the small things — the little victories, even good lab results, the good days. Soak it all in.”
Community Support and the Birth of Nonprofit Amador’s Heart of Gold
Ashley and Anna’s community rallied around them, offering meals, supplies and support. Out of that experience, they launched Amador’s Heart of Gold, a nonprofit that supports local families facing pediatric cancer — especially important in a rural community with limited resources.
Their nonprofit provides:
- Hospital “to-go” bags
- Gas cards, grocery gift cards, DoorDash credits
- Meals for families returning home from treatment
Their Heartfelt Message to Blood Donors
“During Brooks’ first blood transfusion, I watched the color return to his face. That blood literally brought him back to life,” Ashley said.
“Blood donations truly save children,” added Anna. “After Jesse’s first transfusion, I looked at the bag of blood and thought, 'this person is keeping my son alive.' I told a blood donor Jesse’s story, and it hit him deeply that his donation truly matters for another human being. I hope more people understand that their donation really makes a difference.”
Two little boys. Two families who walked through fear, uncertainty and unimaginable challenges. The community — and the generosity of blood donors — helped carry them through the difficult journey.
Today, Brooks and Jesse run, laugh and play like any other children their ages. “When they’re together, they’re pretty wild, normal boys,” says Anna. And for their families, that joy is nothing short of a miracle.
Article published for the Vital Donor newsletter.