By Debra Downey, Senior Editor
At the tender age of seven months, baby Carter has already waged a courageous battle for life.
The good news is the adorable, blue-eyed youngster affectionately known as “The Professor” appears to be winning the fight.
When Carter was only 12 weeks old, mom Megan Whipple noticed one of her son’s testicles was slightly swollen. After visits to Carter’s doctor and specialists, a pediatric surgeon at McMaster changed the Whipple-Button family’s lives forever.
Megan, husband Allan and their extended family were prepared for the fact Carter might need a small surgery to fix a hernia or twisted testicle. Megan had no idea the prognosis for her second son was worse…much worse.
Carter had a malignant tumour.
“We were in complete shock that our three-month-old had cancer,” said Megan. “…Carter has acute meyloid leukemia. It was difficult to diagnose, because it hadn’t been seen in someone so young, and in the form of a tumor.”
Acute meyloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia affecting adults, but is extremely rare in someone as young as Carter, or in the form of a tumour.
Before formulating a treatment for her son, Megan said the McMaster Children’s Hospital medical team consulted with colleagues at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the United States, as well as Sick Kids in Toronto.
At the end of July, with his devoted family by his side, Carter underwent his first round of chemotherapy.
During the past five months, Carter and his family have experienced many setbacks and many triumphs. Between surgeries, infections, numerous procedures and sedations, a trip to the ICU, blood transfusions and much more, Carter has become a true hero to everyone he has met.
“Carter’s bravery and determination keeps us going,” said Megan. “I am truly amazed that such a little being could be so strong and resilient. He is our little hero.”
After spending the majority of his days and nights at Mac, Carter completed his last round of chemotherapy just a few weeks before Christmas.
Mom said despite all the trials her young son has experienced, Carter is still a very playful baby. He has just mastered sitting up and has started trying to crawl.
The adventurous tot, who absolutely loves interacting with his big brother Noah, 2 1/2, also keeps mom, dad and his nurses on their toes by trying to chew on his IV tubes. His feeding tube is also a bit of a problem. Carter has mischievously pulled the tube from his nose many, many times. In fact, he is now on tube number 21.
“Most days he is smiling and playing,” Megan said of her son. “On the tough days, he still finds a way to make us smile.”
A memory most dear to mom’s heart occurred just recently. Carter was bouncing playfully in his exerciser, when his soother dropped to the floor. The concerned youngster turned, looked at mom and appealed for help, saying, quite clearly, “Mum-mum.”
It was the first time Carter had referred to Megan as his mother.
Although Carter is a very happy little boy, he sometimes displays a serious, more inquisitive side. Carter often sits quietly, just studying his surroundings.
That’s why nurses and doctors at Mac Kids, where Carter has spent much of his young life, have taken to calling the little, blue bundle of joy “The Prof,” or “Professor Whipple-Button.”
• • •
Megan Whipple and husband Allan Button met through mutual friends seven years ago. Megan was 17 at the time, a student at St. Mary’s High School. The pair went their separate ways for a few years, then later re-established their relationship. Megan pursed her “profound love of children,” by attending Mohawk College for Early Childhood Education. The couple welcomed son Noah on April 6, 2008, Carter followed on March 19, 2011.
“I love my children with all of my heart, and without them, I don’t know what I would do,” said Megan. “They are the light in my life and the twinkle in my eyes. They are loving, gentle and truly amazing boys. Allan and I are truly blessed to have such beautiful and wonderful boys.”
However, Carter’s illness has put a strain on the young family’s financial situation.
Along with parking passes, food at the hospital and meals on the run, Noah is in daycare so mom can be at the the hospital caring for Carter. Dad Allan is the sole income earner, but due to his son’s illness, he has missed many days of work.
To assist in easing the financial burden, Megan and Allan’s extended family are hosting a fundraising dinner/dance planned for March 2012. Organizers are currently searching for a venue that might be provided free or with a nominal fee. An account for Carter and his family has also been opened at the TD Canada Trust, Centre on Barton Branch, account number 102-6478330.
To help out with the fundraiser, organizers ask you to consider a monetary donation, a raffle or silent auction prize, or donations of food or refreshments. For more information, contact Jessica Button at jbutton@uoguelph.ca.
Megan said Carter is currently in remission, but will still need lots of care, well into the future. He must have a bone marrow biopsy every month and routinely return to the oncology clinic to check on blood counts and his overall health.
“Our dreams for the future is that Carter stays in remission, and will lead a normal happy life,” said Megan. “We have hopes that our boys will grow up to be wonderful, successful men and have families of their own.”
