The past month and a half has been a period that no parent ever wants to hear about: a diagnosis that turns your world upside down.
When Cylus received the news, he was still the energetic, curious, and joyful child we had always known. Yet suddenly, he was faced with a challenge far beyond anything a child should ever endure.
Even in those early days, Cylus’s resilience was clear. While we, as parents, struggled with fear and uncertainty, he maintained his spirit.
He continued to smile, play, and find joy in little things. For him, each day was not a reminder of hardship but a chance to explore, laugh, and fight. His courage became our anchor, giving us strength we didn’t know we had.
Today, we reached a monumental milestone in Cylus’s journey.
He successfully completed his bone marrow harvest—a critical step in his treatment. This procedure required weeks of preparation: careful planning with his medical team, constant attention to his health, and ongoing emotional support to keep him calm and confident. Every detail had to be perfect.
The most incredible part? The harvest was completed in a single collection, and the team collected double the volume needed.
Hearing this news brought tears to my eyes. Cylus has often been described as an “absolute unit of a kid”—strong, resilient, and determined. Even in a situation that would terrify many adults, he fought with all his might and never gave up.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was when Cylus was allowed to ring the aphaeresis bell, signaling the successful completion of this vital procedure.
Watching him press that bell with a huge grin on his face was overwhelming. The sound echoed like a victory, a symbol of his bravery and the progress he’s making on his journey toward healing.
After the procedure, Cylus had the chance to take a photo with his own cells—a magical and surreal moment.
And true to his playful nature, he couldn’t resist pretending to be Dracula, striking a pose that made everyone around him laugh.
These small moments of humor and lightness reminded us that he is still, at his core, the same spirited child we’ve always loved.
We are endlessly grateful. Grateful for Cylus, for his extraordinary courage and determination.
Grateful for the medical team, whose dedication, skill, and compassion guided us through every step. Grateful for friends, family, and supporters who have sent their love, prayers, and encouragement.
And grateful for science itself, whose advancements made this achievement possible.
Returning home today, we carried with us a renewed sense of hope. Cylus, still cheerful and playful, showed no signs of the fear or pain that this process could have caused.
His resilience reminds us that even in the face of daunting challenges, joy, laughter, and courage can prevail.
We know the road ahead will have more hurdles, but today was a day to celebrate.
In just a morning, Cylus accomplished something that would intimidate even the bravest adults. Every smile, every laugh, every small act of bravery demonstrated his inner strength and the power of hope.
We constantly remind ourselves that each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
Today, Cylus achieved a monumental victory. Weeks of worry and preparation transformed into a room full of joy, pride, and laughter.
We captured countless photos to remember this extraordinary day: his smile, his sparkling eyes, and the triumphant ring of the bell.
Cylus showed us that even in the most challenging moments, optimism and courage can triumph.
Looking at him as we prepared to leave the hospital, I whispered in my heart: “You did it, baby!” This journey toward healing is only beginning, but today gave us a reason to celebrate, a reason to hope, and a reason to marvel at the strength of a child.
Cylus seemed to sense the joy and relief surrounding him. He ran, laughed, and played, bringing light into a day that could have been filled with fear.
Each second with him was precious, each smile a victory, and each laugh a reminder of how much we have to be grateful for.
Today, we witnessed not just a medical milestone but the incredible resilience and optimism of a child.
Cylus proved that even when faced with unimaginable challenges, he can shine, play, and inspire.
This journey is long, but today is a testament to progress, hope, and the extraordinary strength of a child who refuses to give up.
As we walked out of the hospital and headed home, I felt a profound mix of pride, relief, and gratitude.
Cylus had faced something terrifying and had done so with bravery, humor, and an unwavering smile. He reminded us that even in the darkest times, hope can prevail, courage can shine, and miracles—big and small—can happen every day.
Cylus has not just survived a critical step in his treatment; he has thrived through it.
And as a parent, there is nothing more humbling and inspiring than watching your child face such challenges and come out smiling.
Today, he showed the world—and reminded us—that even the smallest among us can have the biggest hearts and the strongest spirits.
“You did it, baby!” I whispered again, tears in my eyes. Today we celebrated a milestone. Tomorrow, the journey continues.
But today, we are proud, we are grateful, and we are filled with hope. Cylus has shown us the power of resilience, the magic of courage, and the irreplaceable joy that a child’s spirit can bring to the world.