Mrs. Keller, Trevor’s mom
2004 Interview
Treasure Chest Foundation
Mrs. Keller
Trevor
TCF
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?
K
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.
TCF
Cancer is a big word. How old were you when your Mom and Dad told you that you had cancer?
T
Ten
TCF
I understand that you had to stay overnight at the hospital. What was that like?
T
Boring, I would sleep, play video games and watch TV.
TCF
How often would Trevor visit the outpatient clinic?
K
At first it was once a week, but now we are down to every three weeks.
TCF
Can you tell me about the Treasure Chest in the clinic?
T
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.
TCF
What is one of the best toys you ever received?
T
Binoculars and a bunch of small toys.
TCF
Have you gone to the cabinet full of big toys that the Treasure Chest Foundation provides?
T
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.
K
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.
TCF
What is the worst part of the treatment?
Getting shots.
T
K
On numerous occasions Trevor has had to endure two shots, one in each leg, and it is very painful.
TCF
Did anyone shave their head?
T
My dad did.
K
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.
TCF
What would you say to a little boy or girl who just found out they had cancer?
T
That is it going to be O.K.
TCF
My son’s cancer changed my life forever. Do you feel this experience has changed you?
K
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.