Every parent hopes for their child to grow up healthy and strong, yet some journeys take a turn no family ever expects. For Lincoln Veach and his family, that journey began just before his fourth birthday. From a leukemia diagnosis to a life-threatening bacterial infection, Lincoln spent 112 days at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, fighting for his life and inspiring all who followed his story.

The First Signs

Lincoln had always been a healthy, energetic boy. But as his fourth birthday approached, his parents noticed troubling changes. He became increasingly tired, nauseated, and pale. Initially diagnosed with an ear infection and prescribed antibiotics, his condition continued to worsen. His stomach became distended, and both his spleen and liver enlarged—alarming his pediatrician and prompting further tests.

X-rays revealed a terrifying truth: Lincoln had leukemia. Specifically, he was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), a cancer of the white blood cells originating in bone marrow.

“It was a shock,” recalls his mother, Courtney, remembering how Lincoln had always been healthy and active.

Adding to the family’s challenges, Courtney was pregnant with their fourth child. The complexity of the situation only intensified the emotional toll on the family, but the hospital staff at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital provided immediate care, conducting extensive testing and developing a treatment plan. Lincoln was initially expected to remain hospitalized for two weeks to receive chemotherapy.

A Sudden Complication

Just one week into treatment, Lincoln faced an unexpected complication. He spiked a high fever, and his right leg became excruciatingly painful. Doctors diagnosed necrotizing fasciitis, a rare and potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly known as flesh-eating disease.

The family faced a devastating choice: risk a life-saving yet dangerous surgery or focus on comfort care, knowing he likely would not survive.

“We decided to go forward with surgery,” Courtney says, tears still in her eyes.

The Battle in the Operating Room

Lincoln underwent multiple surgeries to remove the infection. At one point, doctors considered amputating his right leg—a reality his parents could barely accept. But a small sign of hope appeared: even in the ICU, Lincoln’s foot twitched.

“We saw his foot moving and it just didn’t make sense,” Courtney recalls.

Trusting the medical team and the signs of resilience, the family declined amputation. Surgeons ultimately repaired his leg using skin from his left leg, allowing Lincoln to retain full function of his limb.

A Grueling Hospital Stay

Lincoln remained hospitalized from October 2020 to February 2021. During this time, his parents welcomed their fourth child in December. Multiple surgeries, ongoing chemotherapy, and careful monitoring marked these months, yet the attentive care from doctors, nurses, and hospital staff made a profound difference.

“During some of the scariest moments of our life, UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital was there for us the entire time,” Courtney recalls. “They did everything to take away any additional stress.”

Even small gestures—a nurse bringing a favorite meal or a child life specialist helping Lincoln cope with procedures—offered emotional support during the most difficult moments.

Recovery at Home

After discharge, Lincoln faced a new set of challenges. Weeks in bed had left him with significant muscle weakness, and he began using a wheelchair.

“When we started the year, he was in a wheelchair,” says Joe, his father.

Through physical therapy, determination, and family support, Lincoln gradually regained his strength. Today, at six years old and in kindergarten, he runs, jumps on trampolines, and participates in T-ball and other outdoor activities, showing remarkable resilience and determination.

“He doesn’t seem to let anything bother him,” Courtney notes. “He just interacts with his friends and wants to do all the things his friends are doing.”

Ongoing Care and Monitoring

While Lincoln has made an extraordinary recovery, his care is ongoing. Doctors continue to monitor his growth plates due to the surgeries and skin grafting on his right leg. A future procedure will release scar tissue and ensure proper leg growth. Despite this, the family remains optimistic, trusting the expertise and compassion of UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Lessons in Courage and Hope

Lincoln’s story is a powerful reminder of several vital truths:

• Early detection saves lives: Prompt diagnosis and specialized care were crucial.

• Expert care is invaluable: Access to experienced doctors, surgeons, and support staff made a life-saving difference.

• Family support strengthens resilience: Love, encouragement, and advocacy provided the emotional foundation for recovery.

• Miracles are possible: Even in the most dire circumstances, hope, courage, and determination can prevail.

From a frightened, sickly child to a joyful, active boy, Lincoln’s journey demonstrates the extraordinary power of resilience and faith in family and healthcare professionals.

Inspiring Others

Today, Lincoln is a testament to courage, perseverance, and hope. His parents describe him as living proof that “miracles do happen.” He maintains a sweet, joyful spirit, embracing life with energy and enthusiasm despite everything he has endured.

“He is proof that you can overcome anything, and he has maintained his sweet smile through it all,” Courtney says.

Lincoln’s journey shows that children facing life-threatening illnesses can demonstrate extraordinary strength, and that the combination of timely medical intervention, specialized care, and family support can turn even the most frightening situations into stories of triumph.

A Story That Inspires

Lincoln Veach’s experience is more than a medical journey—it is a story of love, determination, and unwavering faith. From a sudden leukemia diagnosis to battling a life-threatening infection, Lincoln faced each challenge with courage. And in the face of fear, pain, and uncertainty, his spirit remains unbroken, inspiring everyone around him and reminding us all that hope and miracles are possible.