Wilson was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma on May 8, 2024. Before his diagnosis, Wilson began experiencing severe shin and knee pain. This pain changed him from an active, energetic, outgoing boy who loved running, dancing, and jumping into a child who would cry often, become anxious, and refuse to move. He could no longer participate in sports, and his family frequently visited the pediatrician trying to understand what was happening.
Wilson has some limitations due to his diagnosis. He underwent a rotationplasty amputation and is currently awaiting his prosthetic. For now, he uses a wheelchair or hops around with a walker.
He has completed fourteen rounds of chemotherapy. Wilson’s mom has had to take time off work almost continuously since his diagnosis, and he has been home full time attending school online with lengthy hospital stays. These changes have created financial challenges for the family.
Wilson’s cancer diagnosis has affected their family life in many ways. Their financial security has been impacted, and they have had to spend significant amounts of time apart from one another. They are no longer as active in their community and have had to pause many of the activities they once enjoyed together.
Wilson is a joyful and creative boy. He loves his siblings and making other people laugh. He enjoys playing soccer and basketball and looks forward to playing again once he has his prosthetic. He often plays his Nintendo Switch with his brother or friends and enjoys Minecraft and Mario Bros. Wilson is artistic, imaginative, and loves arts and crafts. He is always creating, inventing, building, and sharing his ideas with those around him. His favorite colors are red and green, just like Christmas.
Marshall is “cheeky” and sweet with a hint of mischief. Funny stories or funny cat videos make him laugh. Marshall’s favorite thing and special interest is trains and have been since he was a year old.
He was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma on July 19th, 2024. Before his diagnosis, he complained about leg pain for a couple of days at a time for a few weeks.
In many ways, the uncertainty, stress, and depression of not knowing what is going to happen has been the hardest part. Also, Marshall used to go to an autism center which was very school-like and that changed abruptly for him which was hard.
Liam was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma on November 14, 2023. Before his diagnosis, he had a growth on his right side. He completed 14 rounds of chemo, had 2 surgeries to remove the tumor, and had a medical port in his chest.
We are more grateful to God for all the little and big things! Liam rang the bell on July 19th!
Hope session by Elaine Janet Photography | Facebook
Piper is the sweetest and most resilient child we know. She loves princesses (she was rapunzel for Halloween), she loves horses, Halloween, baking, and watching the Ravens play football every Sunday.
In March 2022 Piper was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewings Sarcoma. She had a 7-inch tumor removed from her right femur in August and the prognosis is very positive.
It was very rare that Piper (who was 3 at the time) wasn’t experiencing any pain before her diagnosis. While playing one day, we felt that her leg was very stiff. After taking her to the doctor for x-rays she was diagnosed and started chemo 2 weeks later. She had 70% of her femur/tumor removed and a bone graft was completed. After 15 weeks in a cast, she has begun walking while in a brace now. She is getting stronger each day.
Piper has completed 14 rounds of intensive chemo. She has lost all her hair, but we have just completed treatment and look forward to her beautiful curly hair growing back. Piper was diagnosed when I was 9 months pregnant. Her sister was born after her first round of chemo. My husband had to leave shortly after I gave birth because Piper had a neutropenic fever that placed her in the hospital. It was a difficult time navigating a cancer child’s treatments and a newborn but our family is strong.
Our family dyanmic has of course changed due to the situation we faced, but we became very knowledgeable on the topic of cancer. We also volunteer and speak with other families who need support and have questions about the process.
You would think 5 different kinds of chemo drugs, steroids, reconstructing 70% of the femur, the inability to walk for 15 weeks, bi-weekly shots, yucky tasting antibiotics, nausea, hair loss, and countless sleepless nights would make anyone cranky, but overall, Piper has shown incredible perseverance with a tremendously positive attitude. While other kids are confined to their rooms, Piper is out walking the halls saying “hi” to all the doctors and nurses. When other kids are too tired to leave their beds, Piper is in the art room painting or playing with dolls in the playroom. She’s only 4, but so strong.
