Nolan loves to laugh and is the life of the party. He loves Cocomelon and dancing to music is his favorite. He is the sweetest child and an absolute joy.
Nolan was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor five days after his first birthday on February 17th, 2022. Prior to his diagnosis, Nolan had an enlarged belly. He was seen by our pediatrician for it when he was 9 months old and she dismissed our concerns. We took him back for his one-year check-up and he was sent straight to Phoenix children’s for images which is where his mom received the news alone due to Covid restrictions.
Nolan has had too many treatments and procedures to list. He lost his kidney, ended up with chylous ascites and was on life support. He also experienced liver failure because of chemo and was on life support a second time. He has had months of chemo, and damage to most of his vital organs. He now has malrotated intestines and will be having another major surgery later this month. There have been lots of struggles having spent 76 days inpatient this year and weekly hours at the hospital. The financial and emotional impact of all of this has been huge. Additionally, Nolan faces a lifetime of complications from having one kidney and also potentially from the damage from the Chemo.
Cancer has changed our entire life but we want to believe it’s changed for the better. Being part of the childhood cancer community has literally been one of the greatest honors of our lives. We have seen so much goodness in our community and through the amazing staff at Phoenix children’s. We experienced so much hope through the process and have now joined the parent advisory board at Phoenix Children’s. my wife also leads a parent prayer and support group at Phoenix Children’s every Wednesday. Giving back as a result of all the goodness we have experienced has become part of our family’s purpose.
Nolan is a walking miracle. He has made it through so many complications this year and we are grateful to have this time in our lives captured.
Hope Session by Jessica Juniper Photography | Facebook | Instagram