by Dick Sterling
If the early detection of cancer is key in a quick recovery… then little Kristen Lee Ann “Krissy” Hays, 5, of Gouverneur, stands a very good chance at making a full recovery. And besides… Grandpa’s special 55-year old holy oil certainly can’t hurt!
Krissy, a kindergarten student at St. James School, Gouverneur, is the daughter of Ryan and Kendra (Bowsman) Hays. In addition to Krissy the Hays have three other children, Ryan Jr., 11, Alexis, 9, and Jaynie, 7. The family lives at Gouverneur Gardens, on Route 11. Ryan works in the service department for Davison Nissan, of Watertown, and until recently Kendra had worked for the Peebles Department Store in Gouverneur. Both are members of the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department.
Krissy, like most every other kid, has had some minor health issues, colds, infections, and whatever else was going around school, but last week her kindergarten teacher, Lisa Stowell, thought that Krissy’s color looked odd. She contacted Kendra, who made an appointment to see Dr. Jessica Jacobs, of Gouverneur Pediatrics.
“Last Friday we took her to Dr. Jacobs, who noticed that her spleen was enlarged and blood tests revealed that her white blood count was high. She told us we had to get her to Syracuse right away. Dr. Jacobs knew what was going on, but only told us that we needed to act fast… We were on the road to Syracuse by 3 p.m.,” said Mrs. Hays.
Krissy was admitted into the Golisano Children’s Hospital (at SUNY Upstate) between 5 and 6 p.m. on Friday and the family’s journey had begun.
By evening she had been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.). “The last thing you ever want to hear is that your baby has cancer,” said Mrs. Hays.
A.L.L. is the most common form of leukemia, which is defined as cancer of the white blood cells, and is most common in young children. The survival rate is about 85 percent.
Blood tests for another issue were done on Krissy just before Christmas, and there was no sign of anything. Which would indicate that Krissy has only had the condition for about two weeks.
By Saturday, treatments had begun. She has already started chemotherapy treatments and will have to continue the treatments for about 2½ years.
Krissy is reported to be in good spirits, but she was starting to get tired. “She doesn’t talk with the doctors and nurses yet… but that’s her nature. If she doesn’t want to talk with you she doesn’t,” said Kendra. People we spoke with at St. James also confirmed that Krissy is a very quiet kid.
Kendra said that the Golisano Children’s Hospital is a wonderful facility. “It’s just amazing here. They have plenty for the kids to do and professional people to talk with both the patients and parents about what to expect during each step of the process.”
On Monday Krissy received a visit from her brother and sisters. She’s also spent plenty of time with her grandparents, Gary and Jackie Hays, of Brasie Corners, and Walt and Dot Bennett, of Morristown.
Jackie said that Gary was able to offer his granddaughter a very special gift. “Back in the 1950’s Gary’s family visited Montreal and visited a famous church. He had lost brothers and sisters in infancy and the family went to the Montreal church to be blessed and offered guidance. The family was offered holy oil. For whatever reason, Gary decided to hang on to his… you never know when you might need something like that,” said Jackie.
This week Gary needed it. He dug out the 55-year-old holy oil and placed some on the forehead of his precious granddaughter.
One thing the family has quickly discovered is that a family member with an illness, especially one that strikes fast, can be very expensive and tough on the family.
That’s where the St. James community, and Gouverneur folks have jumped to the Hays’ family’s assistance.
St. James is happy to accept donations on the family’s behalf. Contact Principal Jacobs (Dr. Jacob’s husband) or call the school (287-0130).
The St. James Vikings will play a home basketball game on Tuesday, January 24. Proceeds from the concession stand, and the money raised in a 50/50 raffle will go to the Hays family. There’s also a skating party being organized for Friday, January 27.
In addition, a spaghetti dinner, sponsored by the St. James School Parent-Teacher Faith Group, to benefit the family will be offered at St. James School on Monday, January 30, from 4:30 p.m. until all are served. You can dine in or take out. Adults will be $9, children 5-12 eat for $5, those under 5 eat free. Delivery will be available, just call your order in at 287-0130. Or for additional information call Cindy Gaumes at 286-8778.
In addition, Kendra’s former co-workers from Peebles are placing collection containers throughout the community.
If you would like to help out with a donation, contact Krissy’s Aunt Barbie at (315) 771-4639.