• Howie Mandel Shares Grandson Axel’s Leukemia Battle, confirmed during what seemed like a routine illness.
• A bone marrow transplant from Axel’s sister was pivotal to achieving remission.
• Treatment is ongoing with a focus on rebuilding Axel’s immune system.
• The family faced public misunderstanding amid their protective health measures.
• Despite struggles, Axel is currently in remission, doing well, and loved deeply.

Howie Mandel and his daughter, Jackelyn Shultz, recently shared a very personal family story on September 17, 2025: the diagnosis and remission of Jackelyn’s 9-year-old son, Axel, with leukemia. This marked the first time they publicly talked about Axel’s battle with his health, during a heartfelt interview on the podcast In Depth with Graham Bensinger. The family not only revealed the challenges of the cancer itself but also the ongoing difficulties during remission, showing a poignant picture of their resilience.

Howie Mandel’s Grandson Axel’s Leukemia Diagnosis and Family Response

Initially, Axel’s leukemia diagnosis came as a surprise to the family, who thought he merely had the flu while on a trip to Hawaii. The news was a heavy blow; Mandel described it as devastating, speaking about the unthinkable grief of being informed something was severely wrong with a child. Just within 24 hours of the diagnosis, Axel began his first chemotherapy session. Handling the disease was made more intricate by Axel’s existing autoimmune condition, which needed to be managed along with leukemia. The family embarked on a fight that was as much about managing their emotions as it was about facing the medical challenges of childhood cancer.

Bone Marrow Transplant from Axel’s Sister Brings Hope

A pivotal moment occurred when Axel received a bone marrow transplant from his 11-year-old sister, Abbey. This procedure was crucial in putting Axel’s leukemia into remission. Mandel highlighted that although the remission marked an important achievement, it was not the end of their journey. Post-transplant, Axel embarked on a lengthy recovery path with ongoing treatments to help rebuild his immune system, as the treatment and transplant had left him without a proper functioning immune defense.

The Long, Hard Road of Treatment and Remission

Jackelyn openly shared the harsh realities behind Axel’s treatment and remission journey. She described the process as “a really, really, really long, hard road” that extends well beyond the cancer itself. The family had to cope not just with the illness but also with the intense follow-up care, rehabilitation, and the challenge of supporting Axel’s immune system rebuilding over several years. Because Axel currently lacks an immune system, he is unable to attend school, demonstrating how the impact of cancer lingers even in remission. This demands continued vigilance and care from the entire family.

The Emotional Toll and Public Misunderstandings Faced by the Family

During this ordeal, Jackelyn recounted facing unexpected backlash and misunderstandings, especially when she wore a mask on her podcast while Axel was undergoing treatment to prevent infections. Some mistaken her protective measures for political statements, not realizing the life-or-death urgency behind them. Mandel and his daughter expressed the emotional toll of such misunderstandings amid their exhausting fight to keep Axel safe. They highlighted how such moments tested their strength but also solidified their commitment to their family’s health.

Howie Mandel’s Reflections on Family and Coping with Cancer

Mandel reflected candidly on the emotional hardship of witnessing a child suffer from a serious illness. He described the experience as “really, really tough” and acknowledged the unbreakable family bonds forged through these trials. He underscored that their priority now is boosting Axel’s immune system to prepare him for a more normal life. Despite these challenges, Mandel expressed immense gratitude for Axel’s current health status, stating that Axel is “doing well” and “happy,” which brings some relief to the family.

Jackelyn Shultz on Ongoing Recovery Challenges After Remission

Jackelyn emphasized that remission does not mean the end of patient care. She explained that treatment involves much more than the cancer diagnosis and initial therapy. The family must manage the post-remission effects, possible complications from the transplant, and long-term health follow-ups. She described the process as exhaustive but remains hopeful and thankful for Axel’s progress. This ongoing struggle demands resilience daily, underscoring the need for awareness of the realities faced by families battling childhood cancer.

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