WAUKESHA, Wis. — Liberty Dance Center is a second home for Lori Williams and her three children. She’s a teacher and enjoys bringing her kids along for the fun.
“We are dancing and playing in the dance studio,” said Williams. “Which is what we do one time a week to have fun and burn off energy.”
It brings Williams joy being able to watch her children play.
“I would dream of the day when we would do normal kid things and it’s such a blessing to be able to have that,” said Williams.
Her son Thomas was diagnosed with cancer when he was 2 years old.
“We took him in for some blood work recommend by our pediatrician and that bloodwork showed up as abnormal that he was fighting leukemia,” said Williams.
Thomas received an intense round of chemotherapy along with multiple blood transfusions.
“When we were first admitted to the hospital, one of the very first things that happened was Thomas received a blood transfusion,” said Williams. “In that moment, I saw him go from the very sick, lethargic child to himself. His energy was restored, and it was amazing to see that transition. That really showed me what a difference blood makes in treatments for kids like Thomas.”
Williams is now a regular blood donor and has even hosted blood drives. She said she’s doing it to shed light on the importance of donating, especially for those who are on the fence.
“I always use that excuse of ‘I don’t like needles, I’m afraid. I don’t like the pain,’” said Williams. “I bet if I sat down across from someone and told them my story and shared with them everything Thomas has gone through — from lumbar punctures to test his spinal fluid to really intense chemo and seven months in the hospital — you’d say, ‘okay I can take 15 minutes to donate blood.’”
Because of the lifesaving treatment, Thomas is able to live a normal life as a 4-year-old and be the best big brother to his two sisters.
“His ordeal really showed me nothing is guaranteed, and you just have to enjoy the moments as they come and soak in every day that you have,” said Williams.
She said being able to watch them play is the biggest blessing she can ask for as a mother, and it shows how blood donations can make a difference.
In addition to raising awareness on blood donations, Williams is passionate about informing the public on childhood cancer research.
She’s hosting a fundraiser on Jan. 27, with proceeds going to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. For more information, click here.