A Long Island family’s joyful Labor Day weekend turned into a nightmare when their 1-year-old son, Jackson Berry, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most aggressive form of childhood leukemia.
What started as a routine trip to the doctor ended with Shaun Berry and his wife facing a yearlong battle of hospital stays, chemotherapy and an eventual bone marrow transplant.
“It was crazy,” Shaun shared, his voice cracking. “We went from packing everything for Labor Day weekend, not realizing we had such a crazy illness in front of us.”
With Jackson’s mom now by his side around the clock, she’s had to step away from her job, leaving the family to scrape by on a single income amid skyrocketing medical and living costs.
The diagnosis hit hard: AML moves fast, and the road to remission is grueling.
Shaun, who juggles work, hospital visits and household chores, admits the fear is constant.
“It’s in the back of my mind everywhere I go,” he said.
Yet amid the pain, the Berrys are drawing strength from their bond.
“He’s just pretty much our world,” Shaun added. “This isn’t gonna be his story—he’s awesome and he’s gonna go on and do amazing things. This is just a little hiccup.”
The couple even made a pact: to chase next year’s dreams if this year steals them away.
Hope is arriving in the form of community compassion.
Angels of Long Island, a nonprofit thrift store dedicated to crisis support, is hosting a special fundraiser this Sunday, Sept. 21, with 100% of proceeds going to the Berry family.
“Cancer is hard enough, but when it hits a baby, it’s devastating,” said Debbie, a store representative. “Gas back and forth to the hospital, food while you’re there—it all adds up. Our mission is to help families that fall into crisis, and this is a crisis.”
Shoppers are encouraged to visit the store for deals on gently used items, turning everyday treasures into lifesaving aid. For more details or to donate directly, click HERE.
