Brian has such a big and bright personality, he used to be so shy and didn’t talk to anyone other than family. After his diagnosis and a lot of hospital/clinic time, he has actually opened up a lot more. He loves music and dancing. bubbles, cars, and sea animals are his current obsession. He has a “secret handshake” he does with his favorite nurses and doctors. He spends any chance he gets watching Blippi and exploring.
Brian was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in November of 2021. He did not have symptoms that we noticed. He was actually running with his sister when he fell and I immediately saw the right side of his face paralyzed! We took him to urgent care where they then sent us to the emergency room. That is when they told us his labs were abnormal and they discovered his kidneys were 3 times their normal size! His pancreas was inflamed with tumors and as it turned out he had stage 4 cancer. His face being paralyzed was caused by cancer making its way into his spinal fluid.
Brian is currently receiving chemotherapy. He also receives regular lumber punctures. It has been difficult because instead of spending time together as a whole family (we also have a 9 yr old daughter) we spend a lot of time in the clinic/hospital. We also don’t get to go out as much or visit with other family members.
Brian is the strongest little boy ever and I don’t just say that because of his cancer diagnosis. He has adapted so much and makes everything he goes through look so easy. Before his cancer diagnosis, he was diagnosed with autism and a speech delay. I was so worried because he has sensory sensitivities but he found a way to cope.
Joel is a fun-loving 9-year-old boy. He absolutely adores animals! He also loves to watch YouTube videos and play Roblox.
Joel was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma on June 14 2022. Before he was diagnosed, he was extremely tired, had no appetite, had pale skin and was lethargic.
He has had 2 biopsies, multiple hospital admissions, and chemotherapy. He also tends to get tired more easily than he used to.
The struggle of having a child with cancer has been very hard on all of us. We worry more and don’t make plans like we used to.
In spite of everything, Joel has such a great attitude toward all that he has gone through.
Sara was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma after experiencing a bad cough. After two virtual appointments with a doctor that didn’t resolve the issue, we called 911. Sara was rushed by ambulance to the hospital where she had emergency surgery for the placement of a chest tube. She was later diagnosed with cancer while recovering in the pediatric ICU.
Sara’s treatments have included chemotherapy and steroids. During her most recent hospital stay, the nurses, doctors, and other staff threw Sara a surprise middle school graduation party.
We are sad to report that Sara passed away shortly after this session.
Rowan was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on April 20, 2022 — three days before her thirteenth birthday. Ro had no symptoms or health issues at all. She was a student-athlete having an amazing season on the track team. But one day I picked her up from track practice and saw a lump on the side of her neck. Less than 48 hours later, she was in the operating room for a biopsy.
She has had two surgeries, countless scans, and two months of chemo. The chemo is very intense and must be done inpatient, so every three weeks Ro and I spend 3-4 nights at the hospital, then have many regular outpatient appointments. It’s a struggle being away from my husband and eight-year-old son so much.
Our family schedule is built around Rowan’s treatment schedule now. Rowan’s recovery is our number one priority, but I do feel bad about how this affects my son and make an effort to spend time quality one-on-one time with him as much as possible.
Rowan is a very loving, sweet, smart, and funny kid. She has always been a wonderful big sister and dotes on her little brother. She is a great student and a natural athlete. In her spare time, she loves reading, painting, riding her bike, and watching TikTok. Having a child with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis is terrifying, but we know we will get through this. Rowan is tougher than any cancer!
Gavin loves jokers, tricks, and art. He’s usually talkative and a very caring boy. He had a cervical lymph node that was surgically removed and he further declined. He was admitted to the hospital, they thought it was an infection, and one week later while in the hospital he continued to have fevers will a decline in platelets. It was recommended to have a bone marrow biopsy and full surgical removal of the lymph node.
He is still undergoing treatment and at times he is neutropenic and has to be hospitalized. He continues to have lumbar punctures every chemo cycle and is hospitalized with each cycle of chemotherapy.
