In fall 2021, Rhett Jones—a spirited four-year-old with a love for adventure—fell ill during a family camping trip. When his symptoms persisted, Rhett’s parents, Renae and Tommy, grew increasingly concerned. Multiple visits to the doctor and urgent care brought alarming news: Rhett’s spleen was enlarged, and his bloodwork was abnormal.
He was admitted to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital, where further testing revealed a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. The road ahead would be daunting.
Rhett underwent three rounds of chemotherapy before being transferred to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC. On March 15, 2022—his fifth birthday—Rhett was admitted for a bone marrow transplant. Both of his siblings were tested to be bone marrow donors. His older brother, Lane, was a perfect match and selflessly became Rhett’s donor. The transplant took place on March 24, 2022.
Unfortunately, Rhett’s recovery was filled with complications. He faced a life-threatening pulmonary hemorrhage and spent three challenging weeks on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a type of artificial life support to help his lungs and heart function. His care team wasn’t sure he would survive, but each heartbeat was a testament to his resilience.
Gradually, Rhett transitioned from intensive care back to a regular hospital room and then to Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Charlotte. He returned home later that summer, while continuing treatments for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a serious complication that can occur from a bone marrow transplant when the donor immune cells attack the recipient’s body.
On October 27, 2023, nearly two years after his initial diagnosis, Rhett rang the end-of-treatment bell—a day his family and care team will always remember. “To be able to see him ring the bell was just so special and beautiful,” said Sammi Starkey, a Child Life specialist at Levine Children’s Hospital. “They weren’t sure what was going to be happen, to now, Rhett being here, being healthy, and thriving post-transplant.”
Even as Rhett continues to manage GVHD with medications, his family rejoices in every milestone. Rhett recently started second grade and became an uncle to his baby nephew, River.
“You never think going through cancer will happen to you or your family,” said Rhett’s mother, Renae. “It’s not easy, but we are so thankful for where we are today and how we’ve grown as a family.”
Throughout his journey, Rhett’s bravery has remained steadfast. His story is a testament to the strength he found within himself, the love of his family, the power of faith, and the expert care at Levine Children’s that continues to inspire hope. On Saturday, November 2, 2024, the Greater Charlotte community will celebrate patients like Rhett at the 29th Annual Hopebuilders 5K, while helping to support vital patient programs at Levine Children’s Hospital! Click here to learn more.
Watch Rhett’s inspiring journey: