Drew Chesney, Lewistown

In January 2015, Drew Chesney of Lewistown had an infection on his lower back and wasn’t feeling like himself. He was dizzy and was pale in complexion. His primary care doctor was concerned about his erratic blood pressure and sent him to Geisinger Lewistown Hospital for further testing. Doctors performed blood work and had Drew transported to Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, where the pediatric hematology/oncology team performed further tests.

The tests revealed that Drew had leukemia and would require immediate treatment. He had surgery to remove the cyst on his lower back and underwent six months of intensive chemotherapy. Now 17 and with his cancer is in remission, Drew works to give back to other children fighting cancer at the children’s hospital.

Watch Drew's story

Donations to Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger support Camp Dost, a program of the Ronald McDonald House of Danville. Drew has participated in Camp Dost for the past two years. Donations also fund the Child Life Services, which provided activities and distractions for Drew during prolonged hospital stays.