Marietta Child Shows Leukemia Who's Boss

MARIETTA, GA -- In October 2016, three-year-old Claire Grasso's parents took her to the family pediatrician for what they believed were digestive issues. But the pediatrician was also concerned about a rash on Claire’s face. She ordered blood work, then the family got a call the next day informing them that Claire’s blood levels were elevated and suggested that they go to Children’s.

Shortly after arriving, the emergency room doctor shared the devastating news that Claire had leukemia. She was admitted into the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and began what would be 26 months of chemotherapy treatments.

“Everything we thought was normal in life was no longer normal,” says Kimberly, Claire’s mom,, “and the first nine months were the most intense.”

Claire finished chemo on Dec. 12, 2018, and got to ring the bell in the center, a milestone that signifies her completion of treatments. She is now in remission, but the sassy, hysterical 5-year-old little girl who loves to craft and swim, must still go to follow-up appointments with her oncology team every few months.

Her family will be sharing their story as part of the WSB Care-a-Thon, an annual fundraiser for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, in late July.

“The staff in the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center has become our second family,” Kimberly says. “When Claire was diagnosed, we had just moved to Atlanta and didn’t know anyone. We didn’t have any friends or family here, and they were here for us. They have been absolutely wonderful.” And thanks to their positive experience with the team in the center, the Grasso family continues to support the hospital in whatever ways they can.

“We’ve done toy drives and donated to the child life specialists,” Kimberly says. “We are also proud supporters of the News 95.5 and AM750 WSB Care-a-Thon. If this diagnosis had happened 40 years ago, we wouldn’t be smiling. But, we are smiling now because of the great doctors, research staff and supporters.”