Sawyer

On November 26, 2018, everything changed in nine-year-old Sawyer’s life. The school nurse called his mom concerned by a jaundiced hue to his skin. After a few days of pediatrician visits, a high fever, and extreme lethargy, Sawyer was admitted to the hospital, ultimately receiving a Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) diagnosis.

Sawyer began several months of intense treatments. His beloved Piggie (pictured) stayed by his side for every appointment. Sawyer entered remission and prepared to enter middle school. But then, he became very sick. Devastatingly, he was diagnosed with Acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Sawyer would need a bone marrow transplant.

With Piggie in hand, Sawyer and his mom, Jo Ann, moved to Houston for treatment at Texas Children’s. His Grace Foundation provided an apartment for them to move into, and then COVID-19 hit. Sawyer’s dad and brothers joined Jo Ann and Sawyer at the apartment so they could weather the season together.

“I don’t know what we would do without His Grace,” said Jo Ann. “Because of the apartment provided by His Grace, our family can be ALL together as we ‘shelter in place’ …This forced togetherness is the best gift our family could receive.”

In December 2020, Sawyer was officially declared cancer free.