YVONNE PIERRE: When was your son, Ryan, diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS)?
LINDA DOLEZAN: We found out Ryan had DS at birth, although we were told I was at “high risk” in my 22nd week. I declined the amnio.
At the time, did you know anything about DS?
All I knew about DS at the time was memories of kids I knew of growing up. I also knew those kids were not treated nicely by their peers and I never really understood why.
When were you and Ryan diagnosed with cancer?
I was actually diagnosed with Breast Cancer on October 25, 2005. We found out Ryan had Leukemia (AML) on November 22, my 39th birthday as I prepared for a radical surgery the next day.
How much did you know about leukemia prior to the diagnoses?
I was under the impression that kids with Leukemia did not survive.
Is leukemia treatable and how?
Leukemia is treatable. Chemotherapy treatment is the normal protocol. Remission is the goal. Some kids respond better than others, and sadly, some kids do not survive. There are still things about the disease that I don’t understand. I was told that “our kids” respond to treatment much better than kids without DS. Ryan was an example of a child that responded very well.
What was your immediate reaction?
Well, after all, we had already been through with Ryan, his heart and his rough start, I think I said, “Here we go,” thinking another bridge to cross, this one a little rickety, but, we would get across it. Scared to death of what we had to face, but with encouragement and prayers, we would get through it.
What has been the source of your strength?
God, my mom, family, friends, and including other parents who had been there and breast cancer survivors.
How has this changed your outlook on life?
My outlook on life is that you should never give up hope and don’t let your dreams pass you by. If you want something, make it happen.
Where can people go to get more information about leukemia?
Cancer.gov and Leukemia-Lymphoma.org. I am sure there are others out there.
How are you both doing now?
After a recent scare in May 2008, where we discovered my BC spread to my left ovary, we are BOTH doing great. I needed no further treatment and Ryan continues to get good reports from his regular follow up appointments with this oncologist.
What advice would you give other parents?
Reach out for support, ask questions, take notes, and never give up hope. Never turn away an offer for someone to help, look for a way, no matter how medial, to allow a friend to help.
Many people are not sure how to react to a loved one who is facing obstacles. What are some things people can do to support a loved one? Just tell them you are there for them. Maybe look for little gestures to make them smile. Send them a card, write them a note/letter, cook them a meal and deliver it (make it freezer ready, just in case)… Oh, and don’t ask them if you can do this, just do it. I turned down many meals because I didn’t want people to go out of their way for me. In hindsight, I know people would have felt better if I had just let them help. I have made many friends through this and some of those friends have faced their own obstacles recently. I tell them I am here for them and stand back, not too close, but never far away. I give them encouragement, praise and hope. I tell them I am praying for them and I DO it.
You won a contest last year called Extraordinary Parents and because you won you made an appearance on Nancy Grace. Very inspirational and moving, where can others go to see this video?
Yes, thank you. We were so honored to have won this award when there are so many others more deserving. Please watch this year as Nancy Grace will be having the 2009 contest! Nancy Grace Interview
How can people contact you?
I can be contacted through Facebook (under Linda Mantke-Dolezan) or via email at bluyz1966@aol.com. Also visit Ryan’s web site, with his complete story.
I am here if anyone ever needs an ear, a shoulder, or encouragement. That is my purpose having gone through this. God wants me to help others face their obstacles and get across their rickety bridges.
