Young leukemia patients, families enjoy a respite from treatment

Matthew Pattison of Barrington finished up treatment for his leukemia in October, but you would never know it from the way he ran around a carnival party last weekend, collecting prizes at every game station.

"I love everything about this," quipped the 7-year-old, as he stashed another giveaway into a knapsack.

For 18 years, members of the Leukemia Research Foundation have hosted a family-themed party for its pediatric blood cancer patients. The games and attractions vary, but families always enjoy a lunch buffet and dancing to round out the bash.

Lee Weihing of Chicago watched her three sons take in all of the party's activities, including her oldest son, Nathan, who had finished his treatment one week earlier, after 3½ years of chemotherapy rounds.

"He only has good memories, because of events like this," said Weihing, an Arlington Heights native. "We come every year."

This year's edition took place at the Belvidere Banquets in Elk Grove Village, and it featured among other things, the chance to meet some of the Mane in Heaven miniature therapy horses.

The animal-assisted therapy group had four of its miniatures on hand, and they encouraged children to pet and brush them. Handlers acknowledged their novelty, but said that the excitement they bring, along with their gentle nature, helped advance healing.

"They bring about comfort and relaxation - as well as smiles and unconditional love," said Danielle McCready, one of the handlers.

Even one of the older patients on hand, 15-year-old Arnold Nevarez of Elgin, was drawn to the horses, and he knelt down to have his photo taken with them.

Arnold was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 9, and he endured three years of chemotherapy and at least three spinal taps. He now is in remission and a student at Elgin High School, where he enjoys being in the Book Club, among other things.

"I always have fun at these parties," Arnold said. "They always have good food, and you meet a lot of people."

His mother, Maria, concurred, adding that she looks forward to meeting up with other families each year, and comparing notes about treatment regimens.

"We've seen these children grow up," Maria Nevarez said. "It's just fun to be together."

Gabi Pattison, Matthew's mother, said she liked attending an event outside the hospital.

"It's something to do, especially designed for these kids," Pattison said, "where they feel safe - and normal."

Kevin Radelet, executive director of the Leukemia Research Foundation, said while advancing research, patient financial assistance and education are the three pillars of the organization, the second half of the mission statement is to enrich the quality of life for young blood cancer patients.

"We want to brighten people's day, offer them something out of the ordinary," Radelet said; "give them a respite from their usual regimen of doctor visits, chemotherapy, radiation and spinal taps."

He described the Wilmette-based foundation as a grass-roots organization that has funded more than $60 million in research projects, over five continents in its nearly 70-year history.

Learn more about the organization, at www.leukemia-research.org.