When Mannford resident Steven Roberts, the son of Clarence and Verdia Roberts, was 3 1/2 years old he and his family received a startling diagnosis: Steven has Acute Lymphoid Leukemia.
Following the 1983 diagnosis at St. John's Medical Center, in Tulsa, treatments with oral medication plus periodic bone marrow tests and spinal taps were started in an Oklahoma City Hospital every 9 weeks.
With this type of leukemia, there is a three year period of treatment. If the patient receives treatment for this period and no leukemia cells reappear, the patient is considered 'cured.'
In September, of 1985, 1 1/2 years later, Steven went out of remission of the disease. The family was informed that leukemia cells were present again in the youngster's bone marrow. They were also informed that not much could be done for him.
I.V. medication treatments were started and at this time, St. John's Medical Center took over Steven's case, which eliminated the grueling Oklahoma City trips.
These trips were emotionally as well as financially exhausing on the family.
This was followed up every three weeks through injections administered at St. John's and was continued for a period of one year. Dr. Daniel Plunket became Steven's new doctor.
In April, of 1987, the Safeway Warehouse where Clarence was employed as an order filler, closed and he was out of a job. Mrs. Roberts does not work outside the family's home.
But, miracles occur and God has been good to the Roberts.
Recently, Clarence found work at the Mannford Public School System as a janitor.
Other changes occurred as well.
In mid-September, Steven had his last treatment at St. John's. It was followed up by a routine bone marrow test and a spinal tap, in addition to some routine surgery.
All of Steven's tests came back Negative. He has no more leukemia cells.
Steven is a First Grader at Mannford Elementary School and is "ornery as ever."
"He's been definitely full of mischief," said his mother. "He's pulled quite a few stunts, such as not giving his teacher pertinent notes from home. He was afraid that she wouldn't let him go out to play as his platelets were low."
"All the time before I said the Lord was going to take care of it. They tell you to take one day at a time," said Verdia. Jesus also said that in His work. "We still take it one day at a time."
The family did have to stay away from most people and also missed church for around a month due to the susceptibility of Steven to colds, etc. The family attends the Freedom Hill Baptist Church.
Clarence and Verdia would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support throughout Steven's illness.
"People all over the U.S. were praying for Steven," said Verdia.
"We would also like to thank the staff and doctors at St. John's Medical Center. The hospital became a second home to Steven. Special thanks also to Wauleah McKaughan. She was always there when we needed her."
Steven Roberts turned 7 years old on Sunday, October 11.
The results of Steven's tests were the best birthday present the family could have received regarding their only child.
"I don't see how people can just do things in life without God's help," they both agreed.
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