From Exhaustion to Empowerment: My Fight Against Leukemia

In 1992, I was a seven-year-old boy who had just moved to Kansas, trying to adapt to its cold weather and flat landscapes. My dreams were simple: I wanted to be a comic book artist and play basketball with Michael Jordan, pretty standard dream for a kid back then.

But life had other plans.

After months of unexplained sickness—feeling weak, tired, and unable to do the things I loved—my world changed forever on a seemingly ordinary trip to the Sedgwick County Zoo. I was there with my mom, trying to push through the exhaustion, but I could barely keep up. I remember sitting on a bench, too tired to continue, while my mom tried to coax a smile out of me.

It was right after we got home that we received the call. "Mrs. Forbes, we believe Michael has leukemia," the doctor said. Suddenly, the world as I knew it came to a standstill. Everything was a blur—a mix of fear, confusion, and the unknown.

From that moment on, my life became a whirlwind of hospital visits, tests, and treatments. I learned what leukemia was, not just in medical terms but in the way it reshapes a child's life. I was no longer just a boy with dreams of basketball and art; I was a child fighting for my life.

For years, I tucked that part of my story away. It was a painful chapter, one that I didn’t want to define me. I focused on moving forward, on living a life that was as normal as possible. But that boy—who had dreams, who fought through something unimaginable—never really left me. I had him hiding in the back of my mind with those wild dreams and imagination.

Fast forward to July 19, 2024. I was having lunch with Jessica Schinstock , encouraged by my friend Briann S. to talk about my journey—a story I’ve only shared a handful of times. As we talked, I realized that I’ve spent so long trying to forget that boy, to close the book on that difficult time, that I’d lost sight of the power in that story.

That’s when it hit me: It’s time to shine a light on that boy and on every child who faces similar battles. These experiences don’t make us weak or different in a bad way; they make us stronger, more resilient, and capable of sharing stories that inspire others. These children, just like I was, have a light that can illuminate the darkest of times—not just for themselves but for their families and communities as well.

That’s why I’m on a mission now—to raise $150,000 for the 2025 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through the National Visionary Campaign in Wichita, KS. This campaign is about more than just raising funds; it’s about telling stories, creating opportunities, and providing support for children who, like me, are fighting to live their dreams despite the odds.

We’re going to do this through a series of events that are as engaging as they are impactful, drawing on the nostalgia of the 90s, the excitement of gaming, and the passion for art and wellness. These events aren’t just fundraisers; they’re platforms for storytelling, for connecting people to a cause that’s deeply personal and universally important.

My journey started 32 years ago as a boy who dreamed of being a comic book artist and playing basketball with Michael Jordan. Now, as a father living a "normalish" and very nerdy life, I’m taking that boy’s story and using it to fuel a campaign that will help other kids share their own stories and find their own lights. Together, we can ensure that no child faces this journey alone and that they have the support they need to live their dreams.