Cole Magnus of Downers Grove was being treated for acute lymphoid leukemia at Lurie Children’s Hospital this time last year.
Cole was preparing to celebrate his third birthday on Nov. 1, but he couldn’t throw a party with his friends due to his weakened immune system. He asked for birthday cards to make the day special and ended up receiving over 600 cards from all over the world.
Cole was supposed to have a party at a trampoline park this year, but he had to cancel due to the early start of the cold and flu season.
Instead, his family threw a last-minute party in a local park with a few friends, complete with McDonald’s Happy Meals and a surprise appearance by the one and only Batman.
Cole’s mother, Brittany Magnus, said he will celebrate his actual birthday on Nov. 1 with his family and immediate family.
Magnus stated that the past year has also been a roller coaster for the family.
“Around this time last year, we were starting the most difficult phase of treatment, which lasted until early the following year,” Magnus explained. “Cole has been feeling much better since then, and we’ve been able to go on some family trips, and Cole has started preschool.”
Cole, according to Magnus, is still undergoing intensive treatment and is on a maintenance protocol. He has chemo every day, visits a clinic once a month, and has spinal taps.
“He receives chemo in his port, so he retains the port.” And, because he has the port, if he develops a fever at any time, we must be a Lurie within an hour to ensure that he does not have an infection.”
Cole, according to Magnus, is back to himself in terms of physical strength and personality, and his hair has also grown back.
She claims Cole has had a few side effects from his medications, such as mouth sores and leg pain, but she claims Cole feels “pretty good” most days.
“I’d just like to thank everyone who sent me a card last year.” It made a difficult few months a little more exciting and brought us some joy. “We’re very grateful for that,” Magnus said. “We did save a lot of cards.” We keep them in bins in the crawl space.”
Cole’s P.O. box, according to Magnus, is still open for anyone who wants to send him a card for his fourth birthday. Please send it to the address listed below.
Leave a Reply