Community to Hold Benefit for Three-Year-Old Cancer Survivor

For the Love of Leland

Community members, organizations and businesses from Kennesaw, Acworth and Marietta are gathering together this Wednesday evening at Legacy Park , a benefit concert in support of a young cancer survivor and his family.

Three-year-old Leland Erickson of Marietta, known as "Pickle" to close friends and family, began undergoing chemotherapy at eight-months-old after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, or AML.

The disease is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with production of normal blood cells. The rare and aggressive form of leukemia most commonly occurs in adults.

Laura Catlin, a close friend of the Erickson's and an organizer of the benefit, said that while Leland is currently in remission, his white blood cell count remains low, leaving him susceptible to even common infections.

The toddler has begun receiving an infusion treatment to help rebuild his immune system, a procedure costing the family upwards of $20,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. This is Leland's last line of defense before a bone marrow transplant, an especially risky procedure given his age and the lack of a donor match, said Catlin.

One of the first things most people notice about Leland is that he doesn't "look sick," said Catlin, who first befriended Leland's mother, Sara, during synagogue four years ago.

"He’s such a happy kid. He smiles all the time. He’s tough," she said. Catlin said she admires Leland's strength and happy disposition. She has pictures of him smiling widely, even while he's getting his blood drawn.

A Mother's Instincts

"Leland gets his strength from his mother," said Catlin. "She’s been an incredible advocate."

She credits Leland's mother, Sara, for having saved his life on numerous occasions. Doctors first told the family nothing was wrong with Leland, but a mother's instincts eventually led to an early and essential diagnosis.

"She fought for months. 'Test him, test him, test him, something’s wrong,'" she said of Sara's determination to find out what ailed her son, who was then only an infant.

While Leland is currently in remission, his white blood cell count remains low, meaning common infections and illnesses are a constant threat to his health. The family must be cautious, but they try their best to give Leland a normal and happy childhood, said Catlin.

With two older sisters and an older brother, Leland is the baby of the family.

During a recent birthday party for one of Leland's sisters, for example, the family rented an inflatable jumper. The family went through extra precautions to sterilize the jumper beforehand, ensuring Leland was able to participate and not miss out on an otherwise "normal family experience."

A Community Effort

Catlin, along with other friends of the family and community members, are organizing a benefit concert this Wednesday to help raise funds and awareness for Leland and his family.

The event will take place at the Legacy Park outdoor bandstand, located at 4201 Legacy Park Circle in Kennesaw. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

Catlin said the event will include a silent auction, jumpers for the kids, a 6 p.m. barbeque and pizza dinner and a 6:30 concert by Yacht Rock Revue, a well-known, Atlanta-based 60s, 70s and 80s cover band. Finally, Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation will be on site swabbing people to test for potential donor matches.

Catlin said organizing the benefit has been a collaborative community effort. Just some of the sponsors and business donors of the event include , Congregation Ner Tamid and Arts@West Cobb.

Catlin said parking will be limited and that there will be a drop-off area for passengers in front of the Legacy Park venue. Drivers will be able to park at , then catch a shuttle service to the benefit.

Advanced tickets are $15 and can be purchased here online by 12 p.m. Wednesday.  Tickets are $20 at the door. A family four-pack is also available for $50.

To donate, become a sponsor or learn more about Leland and the upcoming event, please visit www.loveofleland.com or e-mail help@loveofleland.com.