Eastern Kentucky boy enters remission from advanced leukemia

LEXINGTON, Ky. — One year after an emergency hospital visit in Florida interrupted a family trip to Disney, Axel Combs is in remission from advanced leukemia and entering the maintenance phase of his treatment, according to LEX 18 News.

The diagnosis forced the Eastern Kentucky family to relocate to Northern Kentucky to keep up with constant medical care at a specialized facility. Axel's mother, Sasha Combs, said medical professionals told them the leukemia was advanced and aggressive, and that her son was not stable enough to be transported back to Kentucky when the diagnosis was made.

Axel endured hundreds of chemotherapy treatments and nearly 200 blood transfusions throughout the past year. The rigorous treatment schedule required the family to visit the hospital between four and seven days per week, including holidays. "We had to go on Christmas. We had to go on Thanksgiving to the hospital to get chemo," Sasha said.

Despite the aggressive nature of the cancer, Axel's progress has surprised medical professionals. His mother said doctors told her that his remission was unexpected given how advanced the disease was at diagnosis. "On paper, he shouldn't be doing as well as he's doing. But it's a blessing," Sasha said, noting that medical staff acknowledged the positive outcome was unexplainable by science alone.

Now in the maintenance phase of treatment, Axel faces less intense chemotherapy and is feeling well enough to engage in normal childhood activities. He has returned to playing T-ball and enjoying his favorite snacks. "I eat lots of chips," Axel said.

While Axel's treatment will continue for years, his family said his journey has shifted from survival to healing and hope. His mother emphasized the importance of the simple moments she now shares with her son and his younger brother, Bennett Combs, moments that once felt uncertain.