Carolina-based organization helps relieve patient stress during cancer journey

Three kids under the age of 19 are diagnosed with cancer in both North and South Carolina every day and more than 700 are diagnosed every year, according to Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.

Children’s Cancer of the Carolina’s provide resources, a community and compassion to children with cancer and their families. The organization also provides emotional and financial support.

James Walter, 15, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of cancer.

“I was diagnosed with early T-cell precursor lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma,” James said.

The discovery left the Walter family shocked and in denial.

“I was thinking, I never smoked and I never vaped,” James said.

James is cancer free now. He finished treatment in June but said in 2021, his life changed in an instant. 

It all started from what he believed was a fever. 

“I woke up and I was sweating a ton,” James said.  

He ended up in the intensive care unit with doctors having to take two bone marrow biopsies. The results showed COVID-19 and leukemia.

For James, the most difficult part of his diagnosis was knowing that he wasn’t going to be able to do the things he loved, like playing basketball or football.

For his mother, Maureen Walter, the hardest part was knowing her son had a 50-50 chance to live.

“No parent, no person wants to hear that their child has leukemia,” Maureen Walter said.

For two and a half years, James was in and out of the hospital for chemotherapy treatments.

In May of 2022, after his fourth bone marrow biopsy, the Walter family got the news they were praying for. 

“It was clear,” Maureen Walter said.

The road wasn’t easy, but Maureen said she’s thankful for the village that helped her family. She was thankful especially for Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.

“They provided so much assistance when James got diagnosed,” Maureen Walter said. “You don’t even have a clue; you can’t fathom what those costs are unless you are thrown into this situation.”

Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas will help more than 2,400 children and their families this year.

Even after a child or teen is considered cancer free or in remission, they continue to be a part of the program until they’re 21.

Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas help cover costs of meals, hospital visits, parking and gas for families.