Carter Ankeny

Carter Ankeny was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on October 2, 2015 one month before his 5th birthday. He underwent chemotherapy treatments at CHOC for 21 months and enjoyed a brief remission before finding out he relapsed on July 5, 2017. This meant he essentially had to start his treatment all over again. On October 8, 2017 Carter passed away suddenly and shockingly due to a rare infection that occurred as a result of chemotherapy. He was a ball of light who lived life with passion, tenacity and immense love. Even after he was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of four, he continued to live life to its fullest. His contagious smile and spirit won the hearts of many and his attitude about life and ability to thrive in the face of cancer inspired all. Carter was a fighter, who faced every battle and challenge head on and usually with a smile. Carter’s type of cancer has a 90% cure rate, but it was side effects of the lifesaving chemotherapy that took his life. The need for more research to develop safer, more effective treatments is clear.