#DavonStrong: Young Boy Battling Hodgkin Lymphoma Receives an Outpouring of Support From the Internet Amid His Relapse

Davon's cancer has returned and is aggressive. He's in hospital and starting chemo tonight. We've got a long road ahead and appreciate your prayers! He hates being stuck in hospital, I would love to show him how many people are thinking about him. Can you reply for him? pic.twitter.com/0p2NEYW42r

StormyBluePup #DavonStrong (@StormyBluePup) January 28, 2022

Twitter user @ldb570 replied to the tweet with a heartfelt message for Davon: "Hi Davon, sending you hugs from Ohio! I've been in the hospital too & I know it's no fun, but your *cool kid superpowers* will help get you through it! I was in a room recently where they had van Gogh paintings projected on big walls. I hope you'll like it as much as I did."

Hi Davon, sending you hugs from Ohio! I’ve been in the hospital too & I know it’s no fun, but your *cool kid superpowers* will help get you through it! I was in a room recently where they had van Gogh paintings projected on big walls. I hope you’ll like it as much as I did. pic.twitter.com/cQCL4rCM1O

LdB (@ldb570) January 28, 2022

Another Twitter user, @Jennparker2017, was also one of thousands to reply: "Hi Devon. Hospitals are boring. I'm sorry you're not feeling well but Lucy has volunteered to keep you company during naps. Hugs from North Carolina and sloppy Lucy kisses."

Hi Devon. Hospitals are boring. I'm sorry you're not feeling well but Lucy has volunteered to keep you company during naps. Hugs from North Carolina and sloppy Lucy kisses. pic.twitter.com/befG4j0PjN

Jenn 🇺🇸 (@Jennparker2017) January 28, 2022

Davon's Hodgkin Lymphoma Battle

In April 2021, shortly after his nodular sclerosis classical Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, a GoFundMe page was started for Davon and his family; the page also shared details of the boy's diagnosis.

After receiving his diagnosis, he underwent six months of chemotherapy, and thankfully was considered in remission. However, just a month ago, in December, Davon's parents noticed a lymph node in his neck that was growing in size.

"It's been confirmed that his cancer has returned and is more aggressive being that it grew back so quickly," the GoFundMe reads. "His treatment plan is a combination of therapies that will go on for about a year and 4 months. Chemo, radiation and a bone marrow transplant."

"This news is devastating to the family. We ask that you pray for his strength and recovery, and that his cancer be cured so he may go back to enjoying his childhood," the page continues.

"Anyone who's had the pleasure to be around Baby D knows the magic of this child! He has come such a long way overcoming adversities caused by his autism, the word brave is honestly an understatement. So please if you can take a moment and say a prayer for his fast recovery and healing as he fights this battle."

"You got this Davon!!!"

What is Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that affects infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. And there are more than 40 different types of lymphoma.

"Lymphoma is split up into a number of different categories," Dr. Elise Chong, a medical oncologist at Penn Medicine, tells SurvivorNet.

"The first distinguishing breakpoint, if you will, is non-Hodgkin lymphoma versus Hodgkin lymphoma," she adds, "and those sound like two different categories. But non-Hodgkin lymphoma comprises the majority of lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma is a single specific type of lymphoma."

What Kind of Lymphoma Do You Have? Why Your Type Matters

Hodgkin lymphoma has distinctive, giant cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. The presence of these cells, which can be seen under a microscope, will help your doctor determine which of the two lymphoma types you have.

There are a few other important differences between non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma to note. For one thing, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common. And you are more likely to be diagnosed with it after age 55. People usually develop Hodgkin lymphoma at a younger age, like Davon.

It should be noted that another difference between these two types of lymphoma is that non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more likely to spread in a random fashion and be found in different groups of lymph nodes in the body, while Hodgkin lymphoma is more likely to grow in a uniform way from one group of lymph nodes directly to another.

These two different types of lymphoma behave, spread and respond to treatment differently, so it is important for you to know which type you have.

According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, about 95% of people with Hodgkin lymphoma have classical Hodgkin lymphoma. This subtype is further divided into four distinct subtypes shown in the table below. There are four different subtypes, one of which is nodular sclerosis. This type accounts for 70% of classical Hodgkin lymphoma cases and is the most common type in young adults.

How to Cope if Your Child is Diagnosed With Cancer

If your child is diagnosed with childhood cancer, it may seem like the dreams you have for your family are falling apart. It is important to try to keep a level head after you have fully felt all of your emotions around the diagnosis. But it is also important to feel all of those emotions that come along with receiving a childhood cancer diagnosis.

The Value of Using a Social Worker During Treatment

As a parent, remember that you are not alone in this journey; your child's oncologist and care team are there to guide you and provide information and answers. Oncological social workers are a fantastic resource to help you sort out the financial aspects of cancer treatment, as well as other cancer-related issues. Skilled psychologists and counselors can be accessed to help you maintain good mental health through your child's cancer journey, to the best of your ability.

And do not be afraid to reach out to your support system friends, family, etc. for help through this process. No one expects you to handle everything on your own.

Contributing: SurvivorNet staff

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