SAN ANTONIO — Jaxon Mungia was diagnosed with leukemia July 15, 2023. He’s gone through 11 hospitalizations over the past 12 months. But nothing can keep his spirits down. In fact, his parents are learning about resilience through him.
The Mungia's have benefitted from two organizations: South Texas Blood & Tissue and B.I.G. Love Cancer Care that collaborated for a blood drive on Sunday.
“Whenever it first started, I didn’t know I had it," Jaxon said. "It started as a ‘out of breath type’ deal. I would walk and get out of breath.”
Apart from feeling winded, that wasn’t the only symptom that concerned Jaxon’s parents, Crystal and Julian Mungia.
“He kept coming home from summer school with a really bad headache and just a consistent cough and I thought it was allergies, so we treated it with Zyrtec or Advil,” said Crystal.
On July 15 of last year, Jaxon received his leukemia diagnosis.
“No kid wants to go to the hospital, and the more we go the more he’s gotten more used to it," Julian said. "There’s only so much we can do and so much ‘positive talk’ before that light just kind of leaves and dies, and then depression starts to set in.”
Despite the circumstances, Jaxon makes sure his 'positive light' doesn't burn out.
“All you have to do is stay positive and just enjoy life," Jaxon said.
Organizations like B.I.G. Love Cancer Care step in to ease the childhood cancer journey.
Amber Woodworth is the San Antonio program director for B.I.G. Love Cancer Care.
“Jaxon is such a fighter,” said Woodworth.
The organization was established in 2007 in memory of Brooke Phillips. She battled cancer until she was 5-years-old. B.I.G. Love Cancer Care meets the most basic and urgent physical, emotional, and financial needs.
“Every time I’d come by I would drop off something that’s called 'weekly wishes'. And it’s just a $30 budget of things they’d want that week,” said Woodworth.
Crystal Mungia says her son has received more than 10 blood transfusions since his diagnosis.
“The fact that it’s on-hand and easily accessible," Crystal said. "The volunteers go and donate their blood and platelets. They are saving a life."
Keeping in mind not all strength comes from muscles.
“Gotta have the heart and the right mindset.” Julian said.
To learn how you can help families like the Mungia’s, visit South Texas Blood & Tissue and B.I.G. Love Cancer Care.
B.I.G. Love Cancer Care will hold a fundraising pickleball tournament November 2 at Chicken N Pickle. For more information, click here.