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Community Rallies To Support Local Boy

By Staff | Dec 12, 2018

JAYDEN POYSER

Eight-year-old Jayden Poyser is fighting a battle no one should have to face, let alone a child: B-cell Acute Lymphobiastic Leukemia (B-ALL).

The second grader from New Martinsville is no stranger to doctors, medications or diagnoses. His family explained he was diagnosed with high functioning autism and ADHD at three-years-old. Since then, he has taken regular medications and attended medical appointments.

Jayden’s family explained that on Oct. 21 of this year, the boy woke with shoulder pain and developed a fever. He was taken to his doctor the next day and was diagnosed with a virus. He was able to return to school fever-free on Oct. 24 and seemed to be fine until Oct. 29 – his birthday, and trick-or treat night. He then began complaining of hip pain, cutting his night short.

Jayden’s family explained that on Oct. 30, Jayden’s teacher called from school and stated the boy was in pain. Jayden was taken home from school and taken to the Emergency Room that night; after lab work and x-rays, he was sent home, and his family was told to follow up with his doctor.

Jayden, unable to walk and screaming in pain, returned to the doctor for a follow-up on Nov. 1; his family said he was diagnosed with a virus, despite negative flu and strep tests.

JAYDEN POYSER

Jayden’s family decided to take him to Ruby Memorial Hospital’s ER, and Jayden was admitted to Ruby Memorial on Nov. 2. He tested positive for five viruses and abnormal labwork. Since Jayden still had difficulty walking, the doctor ordered an MRI, which showed fluid in Jayden’s hip, pelvis, and spine.

On Nov. 3, a needle aspiration was performed to test the fluid. No bacteria was found, so Jayden was diagnosed with viral myositis.

Jayden was released from the hospital on Nov. 4 and began physical therapy on Nov. 6. His family said Jayden was doing great for a couple of days, but awoke the night of Nov. 8 with hip pain, accompanied by a fever of 103. He was taken to the ER the morning of Nov. 9 and sent back to Ruby.

On Nov. 10, doctors at Ruby Memorial studied Jayden’s lab work and imaging and speculated that Jayden had Juvenile Systemic Arthritis; however, the diagnosis needed confirmed by Pediatric Rheumatology at UPMC.

Jayden’s family said that on Monday, Nov. 12, Rheumatology studied Jayden’s file and disagreed with the initial diagnosis. Rheumatology at UPMC recommended a bone marrow biopsy. The next day, Jayden was sedated, and the biopsy was performed. That evening, he was diagnosed with ALL.

On Nov. 14, the first spinal tap and chemo were performed on Jayden, and the family received his three-year treatment plan.

Jayden was able to come home to New Martinsville on Thursday, Nov. 27 but has several trips ahead of him to Morgantown for his treatments. Folks can follow his story on Facebook, “All for Jayden Poyser.”

There are some fundraisers scheduled if the community would like to donate to any of those. There is a Yeti Raffle Ticket Drawing on Dec. 20. This is located at Citywide. There are also 50/50 ticket sales that can be purchased by contacting Cindy Albright, Becky Winters, Jennifer Haught or Amy Ciser. The drawing will take place on Dec. 24. Decals are available with a “Ribbon” for $5, or a “Dino” for $3. There will be a Quarter Auction Dec. 29 at the Methodist Church.

Those who would like to donate items or make a dessert for the auction may contact Brittany Titus at 304-997-1963.

There is also a bank account set up at Peoples Bank (Walmart) for donations under “ALL FOR JAYDEN POYSER.” The family is also working on other fundraiser ideas after the holidays.

Jayden’s family said he would like to thank everyone for all the support and well wishes.