Meet Mikey & The iPad Project

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Mike Fortini is a Los Angeles City firefighter. He writes...

I've always considered myself a "normal guy". I have been blessed to have what most would consider a good life. I married my High School sweetheart and together we had 3 beautiful children. Sometimes though, things change, and everything in life can be turned upside down in an instant.  




Luckily for us Michael's Aunt Lisa and Uncle Frank saw a way they might be able to help. Just before admission they purchased an iPad for Michael to take with him on this terrifying journey. For countless hours everyday it brought joy to his face. He watched shows, played games, Skyped with friends. We were able to keep him on pace with his learning, using many of the free applications available. The value for him was immeasurable.  
After 54 days of isolation at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Michael was released and came home to spend Christmas with his family. I am happy to say that Michael is now doing well 8 months post transplant and his iPad is still right by his side everyday. There is no doubt in my mind that having it throughout made it an easier experience for all of us. I have made it my mission to see that other children have that same resource my son did. There is no reason they shouldn't.  

I want to make sure that every child who goes through Children's Hospital Los Angeles has an iPad by their side. Cancer is a disgusting thing for anyone, but especially ugly for a child. Having something that can bring them joy, education, and entertainment all in one is a gift that can help every family that finds themselves in a position like we did. Every child deserves it. ​
In May of 2011, my middle child and 4 year old son Michael, "Mikey", was diagnosed with an aggressive form of T-Cell Leukemia. Normal was now out the window.  

The next several months of treatment were disappointment after disappointment as the doctors continued to tell us that despite the aggressive chemotherapy treatments, Michael was not responding as favorably as they would like. It was decided he would need a Bone Marrow Transplant. Michael would be confined for several weeks to a small room in the hospital. The only visitors allowed would be Mom and Dad.  


During all the chemotherapy and radiation the iPad never left his side. During the countless blood transfusions the iPad was there.  When Michael received his 2-year old brothers stem cells the iPad was still there. At night when Michael would sleep my wife and I would use it to catch up on Facebook, watch movies, and try to escape the horrors of what our son was going through. For us too, its value soon became very apparent. What also became apparent was that not all the children going through the same treatment had the same resource.  
Meet
Mikey Fortini
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