04/30/2026
Lenix is a 5 year old from Monticello, diagnosed with Acute B-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.
Lenix first began experiencing leg pain in February 2025. She was taken to a local urgent care, where an exam and X-ray led to a diagnosis of a soft tissue injury, as nothing appeared abnormal on the imaging. However, over the following months, she continued to have intermittent pain. She was then seen by her pediatrician, who ordered lab work and another X-ray. When both came back normal, the decision was made to monitor her symptoms for any changes.As time went on and the pain persisted—especially in the evenings—her pediatrician referred her to a pediatric orthopedic specialist. At the time of that appointment, Lenix was not experiencing pain. The orthopedic doctor ordered additional lab work and mentioned an MRI as a possible next step, but did not feel it was necessary at that time, as it would require sedation and she was symptom-free during the visit. The lab results again came back normal. A few more months passed, and Lenix continued to complain of intermittent pain. After attending a scooter party, where she was struck in the leg with a roller skate, her leg became significantly swollen and she had difficulty walking. Another visit to urgent care and an X-ray revealed a buckle fracture and a possible lesion. At that point, the orthopedic doctor ordered an MRI.
The MRI showed several small areas of infection in her leg bone. In January 2026, Lenix underwent surgery to remove a golf ball–sized section of infected bone from her lower right shin, just above the ankle growth plate. Antibiotic beads were placed directly into the bone, and she was non-weight-bearing and confined to a wheelchair for four weeks. Multiple samples were sent for culture and pathology.
After several weeks, the pathology results suggested leukemia/lymphoma. Lenix was then referred to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, where she was evaluated by oncology, rheumatology, infectious disease, and orthopedic teams. Leukemia was ruled out through examination and a bone marrow biopsy. The lymphoma was ultimately identified in the tissue samples. Lenix was officially diagnosed with Acute B-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in March of 2026.
She enjoys mini chocolate chip cookies, cheez-its, beef stocks, fruit snacks, Chick-Fil-A, Panda Express and Subway. Lenix likes Barbie, Zootopia, Frozen, Lilo & Stitch, crafts, experiment kits and squishes. Her older sister likes chocolate rice cakes, cheez-its, Chick-Fil-A, Olive Garden, Starbucks, chapter books, Needoh squishes, crafts, skin care and games. Her two year old sister likes Paw Patrol, baby dolls, play-doh, Little People, blocks, crackers and Chick-Fil-A. They could use gas and grocery cards to Caseys, Kwik Star, Fareway and Wal-Mart.
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