Grateful Fairfield Family Finds a Way to Give Back

ateful Fairfield Family nds a Way to Give Back

PINP O INTE RESIDENT PR O FILE

Story by Patricia Hudson

Carl 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.” 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.

Anderson, it was determined that Clayton would require a bone marrow transplant. Carl explained, “Prior to searching a National Marrow Donor Program such as Be the Match, they tested me, Shannon, and Reagan but held off on testing Hayden because he was still a baby. I was surprised and relieved that I was almost a perfect match. It is uncommon for a parent to be a match, let alone near perfect.” In March of 2008, Clayton received the bone marrow transplant. He was then declared NED (no evidence of disease) later that year. “We started the toy drive in 2012, as a way to give back to M.D. Anderson, after all they had done for us,” explains Shannon. “We knew personally about the need for toys year-round for events such as holidays. birthdays, Bingo, and other moments where a patient or sibling may need a pick-meup. Each of our family members helps out in many ways. From getting the word out, to collecting, sorting, boxing, and delivery; we each play a significant part in the process, but Clayton is the spokesman for the toy drive. We started with a small goal of 50 gifts and quickly surpassed that. We could have never imagined when we first started that it would become what it is today, a multifaceted, exponentially growing event that we look forward to every year. Each

year has exceeded our expectations, thanks, not only to members of our community, but also to our new corporate partners: Learning Express Cypress, Maelia Davis ReMax Property Group, The Round Top Collection Gallery, and Oakbend Fairfield Physical Therapy. We do a rough estimate of the number of toys donated annually, and each year has surpassed the last. This was another outstanding year,” reports Shannon. Andrea Curran has watched her friend and neighbor Shannon ensure that other families battling cancer could have some joyful experiences. “I am so inspired by my friend, Shannon. When her family overcame an unimaginable challenge, she’s used that to bless others. She’s an incredible person and a blessing to the Cypress community and beyond.” Life has its challenges, yet, the Wingo family has persevered. Carl has been in the oil and gas industry for 27 years, and Shannon works for the Round Top Gallery Collection. Reagan is a 22-year-old senior at Texas Tech. She is majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences with a concentration in Child Life. She plans to be a Child Life Specialist in a children’s hospital and was inspired to be one after Clayton got sick. Hayden is a 14-year-old freshman in high school where he is on the sophomore soccer team. As for Clayton, he is a 20-year-old junior at Texas Tech and is studying Chemical Engineering with a minor in Bioengineering. “Clayton has always enjoyed math and science and knew from an early age that he wanted to be an engineer. Chemical engineering gives him the basis to pursue a career in the medical/pharmaceutical industry,” says mom, proudly.

If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Towne Lake, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please contact me: texasteacher024@outlook.com.