Landon’s Story

On November 17, 2020, one of our own families in the Santee community, Rob and Anne Cravo, received the heartbreaking news that no parent ever wants to hear: their 8-year-old son, Landon, was diagnosed with Stage 4 T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

After noticing he was struggling to breathe at soccer practice, they rushed him to the ER for what they thought was to be a simple asthma diagnosis.  While at Rady Children’s Hospital, a mass was discovered in his chest.  It had grown so big that it had collapsed his lung and was pushing on several organs.  The cancer had spread throughout his body to his spinal fluid and bone marrow.

He was immediately admitted to the hospital to undergo surgery to reduce the mass and prepare for the chemotherapy treatments. Due to his condition, they were unable to administer anesthesia during surgery. What a strong boy to undergo that!  As of 12/10, he has handled everything like a champ and has needed only a few blood transfusions so far. It is estimated that he be in the hospital until right before the holidays, with treatments continuing for the next 3-5 years.

As you can imagine, this has been devastating on every level to the Cravo family. During this time, Anne has had to take medical leave from work to stay at the hospital with Landon while Rob is at home with Lilli, their 11-year daughter. The family was also hit with a tragedy in July when Rob was hospitalized with a rare autoimmune disease, GBS, Guillain-Barre syndrome. He has been home rehabilitating from his temporary paralysis and therefore has not been able to work.  His recovery has been hard on the family and things were just starting to look up when Landon’s cancer diagnosis came.

When we see our friends and members of our community struggling, we rally to support them with whatever they might need. Our intention is to seek out donations (that they would never ask for themselves) to help with bills, gas, food, and other essentials. They have endured so much these last several months, and every little bit helps.

Please consider donating to Rob and Anne Cravo so that they can support Landon in this battle. This sweet soul is being asked to endure something that none of us would wish on our worst enemy. Landon is such a strong little boy and although he has a hard road ahead of him, he will get through this! Let’s rise up and show our love for one of our own Santee families!

Thank you in advance for blessing the Cravo family. Please share with all your family and friends!

#Fight4Landon #LandonsWay #SanteeStrong