On July 28, 2024, TJ and Brittney announced the news of their first pregnancy to their immediate families. That same week, TJ had been experiencing ongoing migraines, lack of appetite and an overall feeling of just “under the weather.” On Saturday, August 3rd TJ had sought medical attention at Hackettstown Hospital. In the early hours, around 1am he had gotten the life altering news that he had been diagnosed with cancer, specifically Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He was immediately transferred to Morristown Medical Center where he unknowingly would be for the next 52 days. Facing Acute Myeloid Leukemia while preparing to welcome a newborn can be an incredibly challenging experience. The diagnosis has brought on a whirlwind of emotions, including fear and uncertainty.

During TJ’s inpatient chemo treatment in August, he unfortunately contracted pneumonia, MRSA, turned septic and was required to be in a medically induced coma in ICU. For 8 days he was on a breathing & feeding tube. This was worst case scenario as his body’s immune system was quite literally at 0 due to the intense chemo treatment. He was discharged on 9/23/24 with at home treatment for a few weeks. During this time 2 more rounds of outpatient chemo were required.

Following his recovery from multiple rounds of chemo, he began the process to find a donor for a bone marrow transplant that would require another hospital stay between 4-6 weeks. Mid November, Doctors found a match for TJ & that inpatient process began on 1/1/25.

Managing treatment—whether it’s chemotherapy or other therapies—can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. While just passing the 1-year anniversary of purchasing their first home and trying to manage financially, it has grown tough as TJ has been out of work since August 2024 and will be out of work for the foreseeable future.

Despite the challenges, they are looking to find moments of joy with their newborn to be a source of strength and motivation in his fight against the disease. These small joys can help provide a sense of normalcy and hope during a tumultuous period.