Toddler's battle with leukemia continues; benefit planned

KRISTIN SIMON-DEJOURNETT photo Levi Stinson plays with his toy raccoon.

Two-year-old Levi Stinson of Bloomfield has been diagnosed with type B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). ALL is a form of cancer of the blood cells which causes the overproduction of immature, cancerous white blood cells and limits the production of normal red and white blood cells and platelets.

Levi began treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis in September. At the time, doctors estimated that Levi might require six to eight weeks of treatment. Levi went into remission in November but still faces two and a half years of chemotherapy treatments. Earlier this month, Levi contracted two upper respiratory infections and was placed in isolation to protect his immune system.

Friends of the family are planning a benefit at 5:00 p.m. on April 11 at the Bible Tabernacle Church in Bloomfield. The event will feature gospel singing by Bronc Adams and Friends as well as Marsha Sue Mitchell. There will also be vendors, a craft and bake sale, and a silent auction.

Facebook users can follow the "Love 4 Levi" page, updated regularly by his mother, Sarah Stockton, to stay posted on Levi's progress.