Few things are more heartbreaking than learning of a child battling cancer. Yet many of the images we see of kids with cancer are cheerful and full of hope. It reminds us that some of the youngest fighters are also some of the strongest.
Kaitlin Burge shared a different, more harrowing image nearly two years ago, which changed people's perspective on what a childhood cancer battle is truly like. Kaitlin's son, Beckett, was diagnosed with pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia on April 25, 2018. In her photo, he stands at the toilet sick, with his older sister, Aubrey, there rubbing his back and offering her support.
The photo served as an important reminder of how widespread the effects of one person's battle can be. As much as the Burge family has fought alongside Beckett, they now celebrate as he is in remission after over three years.
"One thing they don't tell you about childhood cancer is that it affects the entire family," Kaitlin Burge wrote in her post. "You always hear about the financial and medical struggles, but how often do you hear about the struggles families with other children face. To some, this may be hard to see and read."
"My two kids, 15 months apart, went from playing in school and at home together to sitting in a cold hospital room together," she continued.
"My then 4 year-year-old watched her brother go from an ambulance to the ICU. She watched a dozen doctors throw a mask over his face, poke and prod him with needles, pump a dozen medications through his body, all while he laid there helplessly. She wasn't sure what was happening. All she knew was that something was wrong with her brother, her best friend."
It has been a hard battle for Beckett over two years. As his story spread, the love and support shown to the Burge family continued to grow and grow. On October 15, 2021, Beckett and his family got to celebrate a major victory.
Beckett has officially completed treatment at Children's Medical Center Plano in Texas. "We are excited to say the least," Kaitlin told Good Morning America.
"It has been a long journey. Aubrey has been a great trooper."
Beckett credits his big sister's support in helping him through.
"She always stands up for me whenever I had cancer," said Beckett.
Beckett's life is almost back to normal. He recently had his port removed. He's back in school and playing Little League baseball, and even recovered from COVID-19.
Beckett and his family share a hopeful message for other families in the thick of this battle.
"We just want to say that we're super excited," said Kaitlin. "Any other families that are out there going through cancer with their kids and their own family members, we just want to say, 'Keep up the fight.'
"There's light at the end of the tunnel. Keep your head up. Take it one day at a time."
