BISMARCK, N.D. — Eleven-year-old Ultra O'Connell of Bismarck is set to complete her two-year journey battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her final chemotherapy treatment is scheduled for this weekend, culminating in a celebratory bell-ringing ceremony next Friday, marking a significant step toward reclaiming a normal childhood.
For the past two years, Ultra’s life has been punctuated by frequent hospital visits and strict medication alarms, often interrupting typical childhood experiences. Ultra expressed missing "just being a kid," explaining to KFYR that she frequently had to pause activities with friends to take her medications. Much of her time, rather than spent in typical leisure, involved being in clinics and hospitals, where she found solace in activities such as assembling diamond art pieces.
Doctors diagnosed Ultra with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was 9 years old. Her family first suspected something was amiss due to a series of persistent symptoms. Ultra experienced constant fatigue, coupled with "leg pain and jaw pain." Additionally, she noted that her "ears hurt, like, a lot," leading to an initial visit for what was thought to be an ear infection, she stated to KFYR.
Throughout her challenging treatment period, Ultra maintained notable spirits and energy, supported by the dedicated medical staff at Sanford Health in Bismarck. Nurses at the facility engaged with Ultra, even singing songs with her. Beyond direct patient care, these nurses extended their support to Ultra's school, educating her classmates about her condition. Melissa Schmautz, a Child Life Specialist, explained that this initiative helped Ultra's peers understand her treatment, its side effects, and the reasons she might miss school, thereby alleviating Ultra from having to answer all those questions herself. Her mother, Lea O'Connell, observed Ultra's assertive and proactive role in her own care, noting that her daughter was clear about her preferences for treatment. Lea O'Connell described Ultra as "her own little advocate."
Despite the rigors of treatment, there were moments of joy and respite. Ultra enjoyed an "epic" Make-A-Wish trip to Singapore, where she had the opportunity to feed giraffes and visit amusement parks. However, the most anticipated event remains her imminent return to everyday life. With her final chemotherapy treatment slated for this weekend, the upcoming bell-ringing ceremony next Friday signifies the end of a long and challenging chapter, ushering in a future where Ultra can fully embrace "kid stuff" once again.
