Inspirational Stories

On November 8, 2023, our world changed forever when my husband Flavio was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). What began as a normal recovery from Achilles tendon surgery quickly spiraled into something far more serious. It started with comments about how pale his skin had become, a sign we now realize was the first red flag. I also noticed unusual bruising on his back, but it was dismissed by the surgeon. After several more concerning moments where Flavio was left weak and exhausted from even simple tasks, we decided to get routine bloodwork done.

On November 7, what we thought would be a joyful day, celebrating the discovery of our baby’s gender, turned into a nightmare. Flavio’s blood test results came back with urgent warnings, and we were told to rush to the ER. What we thought would be a quick visit became a grueling 10-hour ordeal of blood transfusions and waiting. Then, on the morning of November 8 at 8:40 a.m., a doctor delivered the worst news of our lives ― Flavio had blood cancer. In an instant, everything changed.

It took us time to process this devastating news, but through it all, Flavio remained calm, focusing on one thing, healing. Later that day, he was transferred to another hospital where his battle with cancer began. Flavio started chemotherapy on November 10, 2023. The months that followed were indescribable ― filled with long hospital stays, brutal side effects, and uncertainty. But through it all, Flavio’s resilience never wavered. He faced each day with strength, even when nausea, headaches, and other side effects from the chemo were at their worst.

By a blessing, Flavio went into remission after just two cycles of induction chemotherapy and eight intrathecal treatments. His intensive treatment continued through four cycles of Hyper-CVAD, which ended in February 2024.

Next came immunotherapy, a four-month journey that required Flavio to carry a small infusion bag with him 24/7. But amid this difficult phase came a moment of pure joy ― our daughter, Hanna, was born in May 2024, just one day before his next treatment. Watching Flavio become a father, after all he had been through, was an experience I will never forget.

Flavio completed immunotherapy in late August, and nearly a year after his diagnosis, he now takes maintenance pills and receives monthly chemo. He’s stronger than ever and feeling healthier each day.

I share Flavio’s story in the hope it will inspire others facing illness. Our journey has been filled with challenges, sacrifices, and heartache, but we are incredibly blessed to have Flavio with us today. Not only is he healthier, but he’s preparing for something truly special ― raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as a Visionary of the Year candidate in 2025. I am beyond proud of the man he has become. This experience has shaped him into a strong, hopeful, and deeply admirable person who is eager to give back. It’s a promise we made to each other the night before his first chemotherapy session, and I can’t wait to see all the good Flavio will do for the cancer community.