Despite Serious Illness, Fall River Native, New Bedford Resident, Says Her Son is Still Smiling

A routine morning turned life-altering for a Fall River family when a 7-year-old boy was unexpectedly diagnosed with leukemia. On March 31, Leeanne Pearson woke her son Jaziah for school, expecting a typical day. Just ten minutes later, he began suffering from a sudden nosebleed. That alarming symptom eventually led to a diagnosis of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)—a serious and fast-moving form of cancer. B-ALL occurs when the bone marrow produces an excessive number of immature B-cells, crowding out healthy blood cells. It is the most common type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and while it can occur in adults, it is most often diagnosed in children. The illness requires immediate medical attention, typically involving intensive chemotherapy and other aggressive treatments.

Strength and Smiles Despite the Diagnosis

Despite the seriousness of his condition, Jaziah has continued to show an incredible amount of resilience. According to his mother, he remains cheerful and full of life. From his hospital bed, Jaziah has kept smiling, even participating in games like bingo, where a recent video showed him joyfully dancing after a win. Since his diagnosis, Jaziah has been admitted to the hospital for treatment, but his spirits have remained high-fueled in part by the love and support of his classmates at Jacobs Elementary School in New Bedford. His hospital room is decorated with colorful “get well” messages and drawings sent by his friends, all eagerly awaiting his return to school.

Mother Balances Work and Caregiving Amid Financial Strain

Jaziah’s mother, Leeanne, has remained by his side throughout his hospital stay, working remotely when possible. However, once he is discharged, his treatment will require ongoing medical appointments and support that will prevent her from maintaining a normal work schedule. Adding to the strain, Leeanne recently underwent a mastectomy with reconstruction, using nine of her 12 allotted Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) weeks before her son became sick. Without remaining leave and with FMLA no longer an option, she is facing financial challenges. To help manage the growing costs of her son’s care and her limited work hours, Leeanne has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser. The funds will go toward supporting Jaziah’s treatment, transportation to appointments, and everyday living expenses as she steps back from full-time work to care for her son.

Community Rallies Around Jaziah

The community has already begun showing strong support for Jaziah and his family. Messages of encouragement continue to pour in, and people from both Fall River and New Bedford have expressed admiration for the young boy’s courage and positivity. Jaziah’s journey with leukemia is just beginning, but he’s facing it with strength, laughter, and a heartwarming smile that refuses to fade. His mother remains hopeful that he will soon be able to return home and, eventually, rejoin his classmates at school.