Hope Beyond Leukemia 13-Year-Old Ricky Alcedos Journey Toward Healing
United States, 7th Oct 2025 – At just eight months old, Ricky Alcedo began a battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that would define much of his childhood. After five long years of chemotherapy, Ricky went into remission, only to relapse in 2022. When traditional treatment failed, CAR T-cell therapy successfully eliminated every trace of leukemia in his body.
Despite this success, Children’s Hospital recommended a bone marrow transplant—even though Ricky was completely cancer-free. His parents were opposed to the procedure, seeing no medical need, but the hospital insisted. Fear was placed in both the child and his parents, who were told that refusing could jeopardize his survival. Yielding to that pressure would prove to be the most devastating turn in Ricky’s journey.
A Mistake That Changed Everything
The transplant triggered chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a rare and life-altering condition. Ricky’s skin became painfully inflamed, his appetite disappeared, and he lost the ability to move. At times, even the simple act of being touched caused unbearable suffering.
When Ricky’s condition worsened, Children’s Hospital admitted they had no answers and attempted to transfer him to City of Hope. To his parents, this felt less like a referral for advanced care and more like doctors trying to wash their hands of responsibility after making a catastrophic decision. It was at that moment the Alcedos realized they needed to take a different path to save their son.
A Turning Point in Care
Their search led them to Forgotten Formula PMA, a private medical association whose doctors immediately developed a plan of care.
The results were remarkable: Ricky, once unable to eat, now enjoys three to four meals a day. Pain and nerve medications were no longer necessary. He regained movement in his hands, allowing him to play Roblox with family and friends, and for the first time in years, he could rest comfortably and be held by his parents without pain.
“Seeing Ricky smile again, being able to hold him, and watching him enjoy simple things like playing on his tablet—it’s something we weren’t sure we’d ever see again,” said his parents, Richard and Wendy Alcedo.
A Community Coming Together
Several organizations are now working together to support the Alcedo family, including helping them secure the right RV so they can travel comfortably to Ricky’s treatments across Florida, Texas, and Mexico. These efforts reflect the extraordinary network of kindness that has grown around Ricky’s journey.
Special thanks go to Baller Dreams, who recently gave Ricky a once-in-a-lifetime day with the Savannah Bananas baseball team. During our interview, Ricky lit up when recalling the game—a highlight that reminded everyone of his unshakable optimism.
The family also extends their gratitude to Treasure Coast Pizza, whose mobile pizza truck has surprised Ricky with special visits during his appointments in Florida. Most recently, they sent him a package of Joyride Candy, one of his absolute favorites. Ricky loves to share how Joyride can be found at Target, and he insists his favorite flavor is Cherry Berry Ropes. He also enjoys following the brand’s candy creator on YouTube, where he reviews hotels and restaurants—a quirky channel that always brings a smile to Ricky’s face.
Looking Forward
The mission is clear: reverse the damage caused by GVHD and give Ricky the chance to experience his teenage years as fully as possible. His journey is not only a testament to his resilience but also a story that brings attention to the devastating impacts of GVHD and the importance of empowering families with informed choices in medical care.
This article is the first of many. We will be doing follow-up features on Ricky’s progress and shining a light on the rare disease that has touched not only his family but many across the United States and around the world. In these updates, we will also spotlight the companies, organizations, and community members who have stepped up to encourage, support, and stand with Ricky along this difficult road.
About Ricky’s Journey
Ricky Alcedo is a 13-year-old boy whose courage has inspired countless families, friends, and supporters. With the help of dedicated doctors, nonprofit organizations, and his loving family, Ricky is determined to reclaim the childhood and adolescence that illness and medical missteps nearly took away.
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Country: United States
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