ateful Fairfield Family nds a Way to Give Back PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE
Story by Patricia Hudson
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arl and Shannon Wingo were happily raising their three children, Reagan, Clayton, and Hayden, when they received some devastating news. “In January, 2008, just days before his 7th birthday, Clayton was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia,” relates Shannon soberly. “We started treatment at M.D. Anderson the same day,” recollects Shannon. How would they be able to manage Clayton’s chemotherapy treatments and keep up with Reagan and Hayden needs and activities? Fortunately, there was family close by to help. “We were extremely lucky to have grandparents who lived a street over who could watch Hayden, pick Reagan up from school, and be there for them while we were at the hospital,” comments Shannon. “We also had close friends and members of the community who came together to support us.” 6 January | February 2022
Clayton recalls the rigors of chemotherapy, “The chemotherapy regimen for my specific diagnosis was intense; I lost my hair, I was constantly nauseous, and had mouth sores. I was very weak and wasn’t able to do the things kids should be doing at that age. Not only was I very young when I was diagnosed, but I also spent the majority of my treatment isolated in my room. Because of this, I did not come into contact with many children my age while in the hospital.” Following two rounds of chemotherapy, administered by the “amazing staff,” at M.D.
