'He was at death's door': Make-A-Wish Oklahoma fuels Jeremiah’s fight against T-cell leukemia

At the Crossland Construction site, a special Make‑A‑Wish celebration took place on June 25. Nine‑year‑old Jeremiah Vines got to become a construction-working superhero who also drives a purple Lamborghini. 

Partnering for Hope: Make‑A‑Wish Oklahoma

Make‑A‑Wish Oklahoma, founded in 1982, is one of 58 chapters of the national nonprofit, dedicated to granting the heartfelt wishes of children facing critical illnesses. With the belief that “hope is essential,” the organization crafts life‑changing experiences—whether occupational, adventurous, or celebrity‑branded—to uplift children like this young construction hero.

Understanding T‑Cell Leukemia

Jeremiah’s wish carries added weight: he is in remission from T‑cell leukemia, a serious blood cancer that affects the body’s T‑lymphocyte white cells.

What is T‑Cell Leukemia?

T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‑ALL) is a fast-moving type of blood cancer. It happens when the body starts making too many immature T-cells — a kind of white blood cell — in the bone marrow. These faulty cells crowd out the healthy ones, making it harder for the body to carry oxygen, stop bleeding, and fight infections. T‑ALL tends to grow quickly and is more common in children and teenagers.

Causes and Treatments

T‑ALL happens when there’s a change (or mutation) in the DNA of developing T-cells. Sometimes this is inherited, but it can also happen randomly. Certain conditions, like Down syndrome or past radiation exposure, can increase the risk.

Treatment often starts quickly and can include strong chemotherapy, radiation, targeted drugs, and sometimes a stem cell transplant. In children, the survival rate can be as high as 80%. Adults tend to have lower success rates, but treatment is improving over time.

A Superhero Recovery

After years of medications and treatments, Jeremiah is now in remission, beginning his journey to a healthy recovery. 

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