I hope you are all enjoying this cooler weather.

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This week I would like to share the story of an amazing young man! Wyatt Jones is 17 years old; this is his senior year of high school. Wyatt lives right in the middle … actually midway between Valley Home and Oakdale. He is the precious son of Amanda Jones and the very much-loved grandson of Cassie and Ray Jones. Wyatt is a young man with wonderful talents and big dreams. He is smart, funny, and very, very motivated. Wyatt looks forward to doing great things. Unfortunately, Wyatt’s plans have been on hold since January of this year.

On January 24, just five days before Wyatt’s mom, Amanda’s birthday, Wyatt discovered a lump on the right side of the back of his neck. Immediately his mom took him to visit the doctor. The doctor ordered a scan for February 1. On January 30, Wyatt started complaining of pain in his left shoulder and upper chest. Wyatt’s family took him to the ER at Oak Valley. While there it was discovered that Wyatt had a slight rash. After running tests, they diagnosed Wyatt had pneumonia and nothing suggested other issues. Wyatt was prescribed antibiotics and the family thought he would be fine. He had the scan on February 1, 2024. Amanda took him back for follow up appointments. The family had no idea how their lives were about to change. It was during this time that Madera Children’s Hospital reached out concerning Wyatt’s scan. In Amanda’s words, they walked into a follow up visit for Wyatt’s ER visit and “our whole world changed completely.” Doctors set up a bone marrow test for February 12, along with a round of chemotherapy. Wyatt was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. On February 14 they started more chemotherapy. Sutter Children’s Center in Sacramento has been their home for much of the last few months. Wyatt has gone through countless tests and treatments. The family is grateful for his amazing doctors and nurses. The family deeply appreciates each of your prayers, and your support. Due to pneumonia and other illnesses Wyatt was moved to the pediatric ICU in the early hours of March 6. He would be on ECMO (heart and lung) and Dialysis machines for several days. Wyatt remained on a ventilator until March 25. After 79 days straight he got his first break on April 29. Then it was back to the hospital; later he would get another break from the hospital on June 16. The family was so excited for him to be able to come home again for just a bit. Wyatt is extremely close to his sisters Leela Adkins, who is nine years old and in fourth grade and Lucy Adkins, who is seven years old and in the second grade. Wyatt misses being with them so much. Wyatt is especially close to his Auntie Sam who is constantly there for him. As they were once again about to get a short break from the hospital, they were so excited. Amanda started packing things into the car, excitement quickly turned to sadness as she realized someone had broken into her car and vandalized it to the point where it could not be driven. A tow truck was dispatched to take the car from the hospital parking lot … more grief for Amanda and the family. Amanda is a wonderful mother who remains thankful each day for her blessings. She remains constantly at her son’s bedside. Even this act of overwhelming vandalism cannot break her spirit. In the meantime, Amanda has used up all her “family time leave” from work. Finally, a quick visit home and then it was back to the hospital for more chemotherapy. Wyatt would then have another bone marrow and lumbar puncture. He is such a strong young man; he fights each battle as they come. He is overjoyed when he is well enough to get a break and can be with his sisters, Leela and Lucy, Auntie Sam, Grandma and Grandpa. As of the first weeks of August, Wyatt is now a senior in high school, although his home is still at the hospital. He fights daily to win this battle; he would so love to do what other kids his age are able to do. Please pray for this brave young man and his family as he continues to battle this terrible disease.

Wyatt’s final round of chemo is due in September. He will then have monthly checkups starting in October. We send a very special “Thank You” to each of you that have reached out to Wyatt’s family. Your support and uplifting words help this beautiful family stay strong and help them keep battling. God Bless our Wyatt.

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As always, you may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com. or by text or telephone at 209-985-5233.