A brave student at Bowers Elementary School in Roane County is in an area hospital after a test shows indicators of leukemia

Preston Wells was admitted to the hospital with an extremely high white blood cell count as well as a growth on his leg. He had surgery to remove the growth, which was determined to be a very large pocket of MRSA infection. He is on high powered antibiotics to battle this.

The results of the initial bone marrow biopsy have come back with indicators for juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. However, Preston does not show other symptoms of this particular form of cancer. So, they performed another bone marrow biopsy and are awaiting results.

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare and serious form of childhood leukemia (blood cancer). Blood stem cells are made in the bone marrow. JMML occurs when too many blood stem cells become white blood cells called monocytes and myelocytes. Some of the monocytes and myelocytes mature into normal white blood cells, but many of them never fully mature. These immature white blood cells are called blasts. Over time, the myelocytes, monocytes and blasts crowd out the healthy red blood cells and platelets in the bone marrow. This may cause infection, anemia or bleeding problems. JMML can also spread from the bone marrow to other areas of the body such as the skin, lungs, liver or intestines.

His white blood cell count is much better than it was when he was admitted. His family is asking for continued prayer from the community, as they continue to search for answers.

They also mentioned that Preston lights up when he receives cards from his classmates. It means so much to him to know that his community cares for him.

If you would like to send a card to Preston, the family has given permission for this mailing address to be shared:

Preston Wells

c/o Ann Wells

317 Riggs Chapel Rd.

Harriman, TN 37748