Our Child Has Leukemia—Now What?

By The Natalie Strong Foundation

Practical Steps, Honest Advice, and Natalie’s Story

When our daughter Natalie was diagnosed with ALL B-cell Leukemia at age 12, our world changed overnight. Suddenly, simple things like preparing dinner or having friends visit required new rules and a lot of courage. If you’re facing the same journey, you might be wondering: What do I do next? How do I keep my child safe? Here’s what we learned as a family—and how you can prepare your own home and heart for what’s ahead.

Making Your Home Safe

Cleanliness Is Key

Natalie’s immune system became very weak during treatment, so we had to step up our cleaning game. We bought gloves for everyone, put hand sanitizer in every room, and made it a rule to wipe down doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls several times a day. It felt overwhelming at first, but soon it became second nature.

Meal Prep and Food Safety

To protect Natalie, we started preparing separate meals just for her. We used different cutting boards and utensils, and never let her share food with siblings—no matter how much they wanted to. Leftovers and fresh food were either eaten within two hours or thrown away, because bacteria grows quickly at room temperature. Following this two-hour rule helped us relax, knowing we were keeping her as safe as possible.

Air Purifiers in Every Room

We wanted to give Natalie the cleanest air possible, so we added HEPA air purifiers everywhere—bedroom, living room, and play area. This helped reduce dust and germs in the air, and gave us peace of mind.

Hydration and Health

Natalie’s doctors recommended she drink at least 61 ounces of water a day to help her kidneys during chemotherapy. We kept track with colorful water bottles and gentle reminders, turning it into a family habit.

Visitors and Friends

We love our friends and family, but we had to be strict: if anyone had a cough, cold, or had been around someone sick, they couldn’t visit. When healthy friends did come by, we made sure they washed their hands well, and sometimes wore masks. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it.

Understanding Treatment: What to Expect

Natalie’s treatment was split into three big phases. Knowing what to expect helped us plan and gave us hope.

1. Induction Phase

The first step is called “induction,” and it’s the hardest. The goal is to get rid of as many leukemia cells as possible, fast. Natalie was in the hospital a lot, had frequent tests, and was very tired. We watched for fevers and tried to keep her comfortable. It’s a scary time, but it’s also when you see just how strong your child really is.

2. Consolidation (Intensification) Phase

Once her doctors told us Natalie was in remission, we moved to the next phase—“consolidation”. This meant more chemotherapy to make sure every last leukemia cell was gone. Natalie still felt tired and sometimes got sick, so we kept up all our safety routines.

3. Maintenance Phase

The final stage is “maintenance,” and it lasts the longest—sometimes up to two years. The chemotherapy is less intense and that is up next for us. We are hopeful and continue to remain faithful.

This journey isn’t easy—there were days we felt scared, sad, or just exhausted. But every day, Natalie amazed us with her bravery and her smile, even on the hardest days. We made routines our anchor: cleaning, meal prepping, and hydration gave us a sense of control.

We also found a community of families and supporters who understood exactly what we were going through. If you’re just starting this journey, know that you are not alone. There are people and resources out there to help—never be afraid to reach out.

If your child has leukemia, you can do this. Take things one day at a time. Focus on the small victories—each glass of water, every meal safely made, every hug and smile. Your love and care matter more than you know.

Natalie’s journey is ongoing, but every day she proves what it means to be #NatalieStrong. Together, with hope, routine, and the support of others, you and your child will get through this.

Stay strong—and remember, you are not alone.