PAIGE'S STORY

Ron and Dyan Harmon thought their daughter Paige just had a cold. But after two days of antibiotics, Paige, who was two years old, got worse. Her lips were pale and her parents knew something just wasn't right. When they took her to see the pediatrician, he immediately ordered blood work. Thirty minutes later, they got the news that Paige most likely had leukemia. Fifteen minutes later, Paige was admitted to CHOC and diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Before Paige was sick, Dyan had a strong feeling she should switch to a pediatrician who was affiliated with CHOC. She thought it would be well worth the drive from the Harmon home in Corona to Orange County. Since getting Paige's diagnosis, Dyan is thankful that she followed her instinct. CHOC has played an important part in their lives. Dyan and her husband Ron are grateful their daughter has a pediatrician affiliated with CHOC, where she is able to get aggressive treatment for her leukemia.

Leukemia comes on fast and can be killed off quickly. Paige hit remission on the seventh day of her first hospital stay. But even though her case is considered low risk, leukemia has a high return rate. That's why Paige will continue chemotherapy for two and a half years.

Overall, the Harmons report that Paige is doing well. They continue to be grateful to the CHOC family. As Dyan explains, "It takes very special individuals to work with children with cancer, and CHOC has wonderful doctors and nurses. They also have child life specialists who come in and explain things to us and to Paige in a way she can understand. They blow bubbles with the little ones and entertain the older kids with games and videos. It's amazing how much that helps. We are very thankful to be a part of CHOC."

Paige is one of the many patients who receive life-saving care at CHOC. The CHOC Cancer Institute treats more than 70 percent of the children diagnosed with cancer in Orange County. And, CHOC's survival rates are higher than the national average among children's hospitals.