Family returns to Down Syndrome Festival after son’s two-year battle with cancer

Rhett Mallory was born in January of 2016 to Keely and Joe Mallory, their first child. He was also born with Down syndrome.

He participated in his first Down Syndrome Festival and 5k on Oct. 1, 2016. This was the first opportunity for the family to connect with other families in the Down syndrome community. The Mallory family had more than 40 friends and family to walk for “Rhett’s Recruits” that first year. It was a day of celebrating their new baby and spreading awareness about the cause. However, they soon would learn this was the last time the family would all be together for a while.

Rhett was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on May 4, 2018. According to the National Down Syndrome Society, individuals with Down syndrome have an increased chance for medical illnesses such as leukemia. The American Cancer Society states that “children with Down syndrome are many times more likely to develop either acute lymphocytic leu

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEELY MALLORY Family and Friends gather to walk and run for “Rhett’s Recruits” at the 2019 Down Syndrome Festival and 5K. Rhett was not able to attend the event because he was undergoing chemo treatments for leukemia.

Joe and Keely Mallory pictured with son Rhett after his two-year battle with leukemia showing off his walking skills. This year Rhett will walk in the event for the first time.