7-year-old Draper boy battling 2 rare cancers at the same time

DRAPER — Emily Taylor said her 7-year-old son Jerett, who goes by Rett, is the fifth of six kids and full of personality.

"He's genuinely so funny," she said. "He loves playing Minecraft — it's kind of his thing."

But for the past two years, his life has looked anything but typical.

He was first diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia right after his 5th birthday in 2024. The diagnosis began a long and difficult journey of treatment that has kept him out of school and in and out of the hospital. His family quickly shifted to homeschooling as his care became their top priority.

Emily Taylor also made the difficult decision to close the dance studio she had owned for 16 years so she could focus on Rett's care.

"We try so hard to make it normal, you know, but it's hard," she said.

Just months ago, doctors delivered unexpected news: Rett had developed a second cancer — anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

The combination of leukemia and lymphoma at the same time is extraordinarily rare. Emily Taylor said doctors told them they had never seen a case quite like Rett's.

Rett has been undergoing treatment and spends long days at the hospital.

Now, the next step in his fight is critical: a bone marrow transplant. Rett's 12-year-old sister, Daphne, is going to be the donor.

"Their relationship is super cute, and they have started taking care of each other more already. It's really fun to see," Emily Taylor said.

As they prepare for the transplant, the family said they've felt an overwhelming amount of support, something they say is helping them stay hopeful for what's ahead.

"Everyone just kind of rallies around. It's amazing actually," Emily Taylor said.

The transplant is expected in the coming weeks, and they're hoping it will give Rett a chance at a healthier future. A *GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with medical expenses.

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