Carter
Carter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on October 2, 2015, one month before his 5th birthday. He underwent chemotherapy treatments at Children’s Hospital Orange County for 21 months before finding out he relapsed on July 5, 2017, essentially starting over at day one of 3.5 years of treatment.
On October 8, 2017, Carter passed away suddenly and shockingly due to a rare infection that occurred as a result of chemotherapy treatment. He was a ball of light who lived life with passion, tenacity, and immense love. Even after he was diagnosed with leukemia, he continued to live life to its fullest, enjoying baseball, football, Lego, dancing, music, Disneyland, games, school, playing with friends and family, and so much more. His contagious smile and spirit won the hearts of many, and his attitude about life and ability to thrive in the face of cancer inspired all. A #Carterstrong community was born, which followed and supported Carter and his family during this journey. The kindness and generosity from this community along the journey allowed a teaching opportunity to give back to others and “hustle kindness” by pursuing and making kindness an active and intentional part of each day. When he passed suddenly, it sent shock waves through the community and all who knew him, loved him, and cared for him.
Carter was a fighter, a leukemia warrior, who faced every battle and challenge head-on and usually with a smile. He fought to the end and showed us what it truly meant to be #Carterstrong. We will now carry on his legacy of strength, kindness, and love by being #CarterStrongForever and pursuing a cure for cancer so no one has to feel the loss like we do every day.
MaxLove Project has been instrumental from the beginning in helping us all survive Carter's diagnosis, treatment, and now death. When we first stopped by the office to pick up "super hero soup" — AKA bone broth — what we found instead was a community of support that showered us with information, friendship; and Fierce Foods recipes, guides, and tools. It was the one safe space we felt we could go to outside of the hospital where people actually understood what we were going through. On one visit he happened to try on a "Brave" baseball cap that they had just gotten in. This became one of his signature hats that exemplified one of the bravest boys we know. MaxLove Project later released a special "Carter Strong Forever" edition after his passing to honor our forever hero. Their community outreach events were wonderful opportunities to connect with other cancer-fighting families.
They continue to support our family and include us even though Carter is no longer here. MaxLove Project continues to be a safe space for us providing wellness, bereavement support, connection, and a place to honor and remember Carter. We are forever thankful for their love, connection, and support. — Jamie, Carter’s Forever Momma