Mrs. Keller and son Trevor
2004 Interview
Hi Trevor. My name is Mrs. Kisel and I am the founder of the Treasure Chest Foundation. I know that you were diagnosed with cancer. Can you tell me about that experience?
Trevor was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. It started out as shoulder pain. The doctors finally did an x-ray and noticed a mass. Trevor has been through one year of treatment and he has one year to go.
Cancer is a big word. How old were you when your Mom and Dad told you that you had cancer?
Ten
I understand that you had to stay overnight at the hospital. What was that like?
Boring, I would sleep, play video games and watch TV.
How often would Trevor visit the outpatient clinic?
At first it was once a week, but now we are down to every three weeks.
Can you tell me about the Treasure Chest in the clinic?
It makes me happy. It makes me look forward to a toy. It makes me get the stuff off my mind. It makes me think about what I am going to get.
What is one of the best toys you ever received?
Binoculars and a bunch of small toys.
Have you gone to the cabinet full of big toys that the Treasure Chest Foundation provides?
Every three weeks I go to the cabinet because I get shots in both of my legs. If I get blood drawn and a check-up I go to the treasure box.
I do believe that if he did not have the Treasure Chest, he would be a nervous wreck every time we went to the clinic. It really saves him every time to have his mind focused on the Treasure Chest or cabinet. He gets a little nauseous before he goes to the clinic, but I know for a fact he would be miserable without the Treasure Chest. Trevor never takes it for granted and sometimes he picks out a toy for his sister. He’s a sweetheart.
What is the worst part of the treatment?
Getting shots.
On numerous occasions Trevor has had to endure two shots, one in each leg, and it is very painful.
Did anyone shave their head?
My dad did.
Our neighbor did, the boy next door did, Kevin did, Jason did, Jerrit did, Joe did… He had a lot of people shaving their heads.
What would you say to a little boy or girl who just found out they had cancer?
That is it going to be O.K.
My son’s cancer changed my life forever. Do you feel this experience has changed you?
It has changed my son so much. The saddest thing is that it made Trevor grow up too fast. He’s not a child anymore… well he is. He has gone through more than we will ever go through. I am so proud of my son. He is unique and very special.