Bondurant families gathered at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines on Thursday as six‑year‑old Miles Ramsey rang the ceremonial bell, signaling the completion of his chemotherapy regimen. After an 800‑day fight against acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the boy is now officially cancer‑free.
Family’s journey through illness and adversity
Ramsey’s parents, Ali and Cody, recall a series of hardships that tested their resilience. In 2018 a tornado ripped through their newly purchased home, destroying the entire second floor just weeks before the couple’s wedding. Four years later, Miles was born, only to face a life‑threatening diagnosis shortly after his second birthday.
Ali, a nurse, first noticed subtle warning signs – bruising, fatigue, limping, and a distinctive rash on Miles’ legs that indicated low blood counts, known as petechiae. Prompt medical attention led to a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common childhood cancer, according to Dr. Nick Fustino, a pediatric hematologist at Blank Children’s Hospital.
Treatment and challenges
Dr. Fustino explained that Miles received chemotherapy exclusively, benefitting from favorable prognostic factors that guided his treatment plan. The first six months were described as “pretty intense,” followed by a less aggressive two‑year phase that still required invasive procedures such as bone‑marrow biopsies and lumbar punctures to deliver chemotherapy directly into the spinal fluid.
Complications were numerous. Miles experienced seizures linked to medication side effects, severe gastrointestinal sores that made pain management difficult, and a brief period of intubation. Cody noted that the experience felt “kind of like the COVID era, but you’re one of the few participating,” underscoring the isolation the family endured.
Celebration and hope
When Miles rang the bell, Dr. Fustino called the day “a good day,” emphasizing that 95 percent of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who undergo treatment are cured for life. The event also highlighted the ongoing work of Blood Cancer United, which continues to fund research and support families facing similar battles.
Beyond the hospital, the Ramseys are looking forward to community events that celebrate Miles’ recovery. He has been named an honored hero for the upcoming “Light the Night” fundraiser on October 3 at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny.
Community response
Local residents have rallied around the family, offering prayers, meals, and messages of encouragement. The story resonates deeply in Bondurant, a community that values faith, family, and perseverance. As Ali Ramsey reflected, “We don’t take a day for granted with what Miles has been through.”
Miles’ journey stands as a testament to the strength of a young child, the dedication of medical professionals, and the supportive spirit of a close‑knit community.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
