Day 1021 – January 2, 2025

Harvey returned to Philadelphia, PA with mom for his 1-year post-CAR T treatment visit. Here is the latest update from PA this evening:

Harvey got his 11th bone marrow biopsy and 33rd spinal tap today at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

He is here for his one year appointment post CAR T. In CAR T-cell therapy, T cells were taken from Harvey’s blood on 11/9/2023 and were changed in the lab by adding a gene for a receptor (called a chimeric antigen receptor or CAR), which helps the T cells attach to a specific cancer cell antigen. The CAR T cells were then given back to Harvey on 12/19/2023.

He has come so far since his infusion of his super duper T cells on 12/19/2023. To think last Christmas Eve at CHOP, he was inpatient in the Pediatric ICU recovering from cytokine release syndrome and a seizure.

We are all hopeful that these tests will yield MRD-negative results which means that no detectable cancer cells are left in his body after treatment for blood cancer. His results will slowly trickle in over the next week, please keep all the positive vibes coming his way.

2024 was a tremendous year for Harvey without any chemotherapy as his super duper T cells were able to identify and destroy any cancer cells. He still is in B-cell aplasia which is an expected outcome of CAR T and is considered a desirable result. B-cell aplasia occurs when CAR T-cells attack B-cells, which can affect both normal and malignant B-cells.

Not having any B-cells keeps Harvey immunocompromised and very susceptible to infections, as the B-cells are crucial for antibody production. He currently receives monthly IVIG infusions to help boost his immune system.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is made with collected antibodies from healthy donors. It’s similar to receiving a blood transfusion from donated blood. But instead of receiving blood, he gets antibodies to help strengthen his immune system’s natural defenses.

2024 was so good to Harvey, as well as our family, as we were all able to regain a more stable and normalish family life. Thank you all for your endless encouragement, support and love.

You’ve got this, Harv.

We are waiting for test results to return over the next week or two, and are anticipating a huge milestone: 1 year in remission post CAR T. We’ll post an update as soon as they’re available. Thank you so much for checking in on our warrior! We are so incredibly proud of him and grateful for such an amazing 2024.

Harvey & mom arriving at CHOP this morning.

Harvey waiting for his procedure.

Harvey, Clifford, & Wolfie in bed before the procedure begins.

Harvey receiving his 11th bone marrow biopsy & 33rd spinal tap behind this procedure room door.

Asleep after his procedure.