Inspirational Stories

After several months of flu-like symptoms, 11-year-old All Star little leaguer Ronnie took a blood test that would determine his white blood cell count was nearly 1 million. Ronnie was immediately sent to Ann and Robert H. Lurie’s Children’s Hospital of Chicago where he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Ronnie’s family moved from their hometown of Portage, Indiana to a temporary home in Chicago to support him during treatment. A bone marrow transplant would increase Ronnie’s chances of staying in remission so on April 25, 2012, he had the procedure thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor in Germany.That proved to be the most impactful treatment option as Ronnie is now in remission and suffers only from treatable side effects.

"Take one day at a time. Always believe and have hope. There are many survivors out there, and this can be beat. Take the help from family, friends, community and strangers. They want to help and be there for you." – Ronnie

Prior to Ronnie’s diagnosis, he and his family attended a Light The Night Walk to support a family friend. After his diagnosis, Ronnie and his family joined the team Jump in for a Cure. The event gave Ronnie hope that he could fight ALL. In 2014, Ronnie joined the exclusive Bright Light’s Club that recognizes top fundraisers and recently he was a Light the Night Honored Hero for Northwest Indiana.

Ronnie continues to play baseball and tennis with a goal of going to college and being in a profession where he can help others.