FIGHTINGATFOUR
According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 15 in the United States. In 2007, approximately 10,400 children under age 15 were diagnosed with cancer and about 15 percent of those patients will die. Isaac Lally, 4, son of Marty and Stephanie, suffers from a rare type of brain cancer. The National Cancer Institute reports that among the 12 major types of childhood cancers, leukemia and cancers of the brain and central nervous system account for more than half of new cases. His young life revolves around play and treatment.
Isaac Lally and his parents, Stephanie and Marty, wait inside Kosair Children's Hospital before their weekly appointment to check on Isaac's progress.
Stephanie and Marty comfort their son Isaac before he takes a PET scan.
The Lally family enters Kosair Children's Hospital for Isaac's weekly checkup.
Marty Lally motions to Isaac to carry him to bed.
Isaac Lally plays with toys by himself in one of the Gilda's Club rooms. "Isaac used to be an outgoing kid, but this past year he seems to only talk to family and close friends," Stephanie Lally said. The Gilda's Club in Louisville provides free support for those in the community who live with cancer.
Isaac Lally and his father, Marty, look at fish in the Kosair Children's Hospital waiting room in Louisville, Ky. The Lallys spend most of their Wednesdays at the hospital waiting to see doctors.
Dr. Vivek Sharma speaks with Isaac's parents during his weekly check up. "I am hopeful that he will pull through," Sharma said.
A nurse draws blood to check Isaac's white blood cell count to assess how chemotherapy is affecting him.
Isaac plays with a friend from his neighborhood as they prepare to throw a pumpkin out of the second floor of the Lally home. "Sometimes I can't even let him go outside. It all depends on his white blood cell count," Stephanie Lally said.
Stephanie Lally gets Isaac's attention at a Gilda's Club event for cancer patients and their families.
Stephanie and Isaac smile at each other while preparing for bed.
Marty says a night time prayer as Isaac holds on to his action figure.
Isaac Lally watches television next to his toys in the basement of the Lally's home.
Isaac Lally and his father Marty play outside in their backyard.