In honor of Charlie Morlock
Meredith Morlock remembers the date that her son, Charlie, now an active seven-year-old, was diagnosed with leukemia: April 12, 2007.
“Charlie suddenly developed some bruises on his foot and on his back and a low-grade fever. We went to the clinic at SAS where my husband works, and the nurse practitioner did an exam and discovered that Charlie’s liver was swollen. Following some blood tests, we knew within 45 minutes that he had leukemia. We were sent to UNC where 72 hours later, we learned, for sure, what type of leukemia Charlie had: acute lymphoblastic leukemia.”
Charlie stayed in the hospital for 10 days to begin chemotherapy and was discharged with a three-week regimen of steroids. In addition to the cancer diagnosis, he wouldn’t be able to attend kindergarten because of the risk of infection. Wake County Schools provided him with a homebound teacher for the fall semester. This same teacher was also his classroom teacher when he started attending kindergarten in January, so his transition was easier. Also smoothing the transition were classroom visits for lessons several afternoons that fall after the other children had left the classroom.
Now in second grade, Charlie takes his oral medicines every day and returns to N.C. Cancer Hospital every four weeks for chemotherapy. “If all goes well, he’ll finish his treatment in 2010,” explains Meredith. “He has sailed right through everything,” she says, “and is doing so well.”
Of Charlie’s care at UNC, Meredith says, “It’s top notch. Everyone knows who we are, they couldn’t be more welcoming, and we have a great relationship with Dr. Gold.”
Charlie’s mom advises parents: “Take it one day at a time. Keep your spirits up.” A self-described glass half full kind of person,” Meredith recommends “keeping busy” and urges parents “not to feel guilty about doing something for themselves.”
“This experience has made us a stronger family, and my husband and me a stronger team for Charlie and his sister, Sara.”