FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — A Fresno family is sharing their 2-year-old daughter’s leukemia diagnosis in hopes other parents will recognize early warning signs and seek medical care quickly.
Janelle Sanchez, described by her family as a pink-loving, princess-partying toddler who loves to sing and dance, began feeling sick in July.
A Fresno family is sharing their 2-year-old daughter’s leukemia diagnosis in hopes other parents will recognize early warning signs and seek medical care quickly (FOX26).
Her parents said she woke up one morning and immediately complained that her legs were hurting. A few days later, she developed a fever, and they noticed her balance was off.
“She started saying her left knee was hurting,” Jacqueline Sanchez, Janelle’s mother, said. “She was wobbling and she was again crying and I’m like something doesn’t feel right like that’s not normal.”
After a fever spike and a trip to the family doctor, the parents took her to Valley Children’s Hospital, where they learned Janelle has leukemia.
Ramiro Sanchez, Janelle’s father, said the news was devastating.
“When (Jacqueline) gave me the call and we’re both bawling and it was very devastating to hear that because we don’t know what type of horror it was,” he said.
Janelle is now considered “high risk” because the cancer cells are in her bone marrow, and she is undergoing intense chemotherapy.
The family said their church and community have rallied around them.
“I really do believe that God’s gonna heal her,” Jacqueline Sanchez said. “We’re getting strangers from everywhere saying, ‘I don’t know you but I’m praying for your baby girl,’ and every prayer counts so it’s a blessing,”
The parents said they hope other families will trust their instincts and get medical help if something seems wrong.
“Don’t be afraid just get your child checked because only you know what’s actually going on with your child like you see your child every day you know like you know how they act if they act differently like you know you know something’s up or something’s wrong,” Jacqueline Sanchez said.
The family has started a GoFundMe to help pay for Janelle’s treatment and said they are close to their goal.
They also thanked supporters for their prayers and expressed appreciation for the nurses and doctors at Valley Children’s Hospital.
Valleu Children’s Hospital reports that early signs of children’s leukemia includes:
Pale skinFeeling tired, weak, or coldDizzinessHeadachesShortness of breath or trouble breathingFrequent infections or infections that don’t go awayFeverEasy bruising or bleeding, many nosebleeds, or bleeding gumsBone or joint painSmall, flat, red spots under the skinBelly (abdominal) swellingNo appetiteWeight lossSwollen lymph glands (nodes) that may feel like firm bumps under the skin in the neck, armpits, or groin
To learn more about the disease, click HERE.