All Children's Hospital Foundation

4 All Children's Hospital Foundation | www.givetoallkids.org FOR 7-YEAR-OLD BAHA, an exciting, extended trip across the world to live with his grandparents and learn more about his Palestinian heritage was cut dramatically short when a visit to his doctor in Jerusalem for allergies turned into something much more: acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive form of cancer that starts in the bone marrow. It is the second most common form of leukemia in children after acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and it requires quick, aggressive treatment. "Baha was having allergy problems, and there was a swelling in his nose," explains his mother, Linda. "We had taken him to a few doctors while we were at home in Orlando, before the trip." Doctors had recommended over-the-counter antihistamines, so the family thought he was well enough to go on vacation. But an alert doctor in Jerusalem knew Baha didn't look right and ordered blood work. The distressing results were faxed to Linda's brother, Assad, back in Florida. On the recommendations of both the Palestinian doctor and Assad, the blood work was immediately forwarded to All Children's Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine. The hospital's pediatric hematology-oncology program is a regional and national leader in pediatric oncology care and a referral of choice in Florida. It was the best choice for Baha. The staff at All Children's jumped into action and told the family to find a way to get Baha to the hospital within 24 hours. It would be no easy task for parents toting three children across the world – one of them terribly sick. "The doctors took it seriously right from the start. It was overwhelming," recalls Yazan, Baha's dad. "It took two days. We had to first get him to Jordan to wait for the flight, and that's when his fever spiked." "Baha was diagnosed preliminarily in Jerusalem with AML, and the family stopped in Jordan to get allopurinol to protect his kidneys until he arrived at All Children's," explains his oncologist, Nanette Grana, M.D. "They told us he wouldn't have survived the trip without it," Yazan adds. "The hospital was on the phone with us the entire trip, offering to contact the American Consulate – whatever it took to get Baha in for treatment." Stress was high, and the family was beyond the deadline that All Children's had set. Exhausted and terrified after their long journey, they landed in Tampa and drove immediately to the emergency center. "All Children's was ready for us," Yazan remembers. "In 10 minutes we were checked in and heading up to the seventh floor," where the Vincent Lecavalier Center for Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders is located. "The minute I knew he was safe, I collapsed," Yazan adds. The family had some idea what it would take to heal Baha, but People Baha's Story Diagnosed halfway around the world, Baha Manasrah was referred to All Children's Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine for expert leukemia care. By Karen Steinke Baha and his family take another road trip to All Children's for blood work.

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