07 Dec Sebastian and Schuyler are Ready to Hit the Road
“I know how to start the BMW engine,” Sebastian says. “I am going to drive to go play virtual reality games,” Schuyler says.
On May 5, 2021, Sebastian’s mother, Heather Duitt, took him to the doctor for an ear infection. Immediately, they were transferred to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Sebastian was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and began the first of five chemotherapy sessions and staying at our Ronald McDonald House near Scottish Rite.
His chemotherapy treatment sessions lasted between 21 and 34 days. When the sessions were over, he had to remain in the hospital to fight against infection until he regained some of his immune system.
Sebastian’s stepdad, Ronan, took turns with Heather to make sure that Sebastian was never alone. Atlanta Ronald McDonald Family Room has been a huge resource for him.
“You spend all day with this sick little boy, feeling like there’s nothing you can do,” Ronan says. “But then you walk into the Family Room, and there are other parents feeling the same way. It’s so lovely to be surrounded by people who understand.”
Sebastian was able to go home for a short time until he relapsed and needed a bone marrow transplant in September. His brother, Schuyler, was a perfect match. “It felt great to be a match,” Schuyler says.
His family is staying with us while Sebastian recovers and were with us during Thanksgiving. “We are so thankful to have a place to all be together this Thanksgiving and have Sebastian healthy again,” Heather says.
The Duitts have enjoyed staying with us and like having a place where they can cook for their son and keep him safe. “Atlanta RMHC allows us that close proximity to the hospital while still having a normal family life,” Heather says.
On November 22, the Duitts were featured on Fox 5 to help promote our BMW Raffle. The boys played in the promotional BMW and told the news anchor, Paul, they were going to take him for a ride. Paul fastened his seatbelt, tightly. Sebastian even helped pulled the BMW Raffle finalists on December 2.