Lincoln Veach and his family have faced a journey no parent ever expects to take. From the shock of a leukemia diagnosis to a life-threatening bacterial infection, Lincoln spent 112 days at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, battling for his life and inspiring all who knew his story.

It all began around Lincoln’s fourth birthday. Once a healthy, active boy, he became increasingly tired, nauseated, and pale. “He had been fairly normal and active up until that time,” his mother, Courtney, remembers. Initially diagnosed with an ear infection and prescribed antibiotics, Lincoln’s condition worsened. His stomach became distended as his spleen and liver enlarged, prompting his pediatrician to order additional testing. X-rays revealed a terrifying truth: Lincoln had leukemia. The family was immediately referred to UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital for specialized care.

Upon arrival, Lincoln was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), a cancer of the white blood cells that originate in bone marrow. “It was a shock,” Courtney says, recalling how he had always been so healthy. At the time, Courtney was also pregnant with the couple’s fourth child, adding another layer of complexity to an already overwhelming situation. Despite the fear, the hospital staff met them with immediate care, running extensive tests and developing a treatment plan. Initially, Lincoln was expected to remain hospitalized for two weeks to receive chemotherapy.

But just a week into treatment, a sudden complication threw everything into uncertainty. Lincoln 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 was faced with an impossible decision: risk a life-saving but dangerous surgery or focus on comfort care, knowing he likely would not survive. “We decided to go forward with surgery,” Courtney recalls, tears still in her eyes.

Lincoln underwent multiple surgeries to remove the infection. At one point, doctors considered amputating his right leg, a reality his parents could barely face. But a flicker of hope appeared: even while in the ICU, Lincoln’s foot twitched. “We saw his foot moving and it just didn’t make sense,” Courtney says. Choosing to trust the team and the signs of resilience, the family declined amputation. Surgeons ultimately repaired his right leg using skin from his left leg, allowing Lincoln to retain full use of his limb.

The hospitalization was long and grueling. Lincoln remained in the hospital from October 2020 to February 2021, during which time his parents welcomed their fourth child in December. After multiple surgeries and continued chemotherapy, Lincoln was discharged, having spent 112 days under the watchful care of his doctors and nurses.

Recovery at home brought new challenges. Lincoln had lost significant muscle strength after weeks confined to bed. “When we started the year, he was in a wheelchair,” Joe, his father, recalls. But with perseverance, physical therapy, and family support, Lincoln regained his strength. Today, at six years old and in kindergarten, he runs, jumps on trampolines, and participates in T-ball and outdoor activities with joy and determination. “He doesn’t seem to let anything bother him,” Courtney says. “He just interacts with his friends and wants to do all those things that his friends are doing.”

Despite his remarkable progress, Lincoln’s care is ongoing. Doctors will continue to monitor his growth plates because of the surgeries and skin grafting performed on his right leg. A future procedure will be needed to release scar tissue and ensure his leg continues to grow properly. But the family remains optimistic, trusting the expertise and compassion of the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital team.

Throughout Lincoln’s treatment, the family was continually impressed by the attentiveness of the hospital staff. Nurses, doctors, and support staff went above and beyond, ensuring the family was informed and involved at every stage. Even small gestures—a housekeeper bringing Lincoln a favorite meal on a rough day—made a world of difference. “During some of the scariest moments of our life, UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital was there for us the entire time,” Courtney says. “They did everything to take away any additional stress.”

Today, Lincoln is a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of hope. His parents describe him as living proof that “miracles do happen.” Despite the odds, Lincoln maintains a sweet, joyful spirit, embracing life with enthusiasm and energy. “He is proof that you can overcome anything, and he has maintained his sweet smile through it all,” Courtney says. “While the journey is not over yet, we are blessed to have him home.”

Lincoln Veach’s story is more than a medical journey—it is a story of determination, love, and unwavering faith in both family and healthcare professionals. From a sudden leukemia diagnosis to battling a life-threatening infection, Lincoln has faced every 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.