Ripplen is five years old and has been bravely fighting high-risk neuroblastoma since just after his fourth birthday. He’s been in treatment for around 18 months and still has about two more years of care ahead of him.
His cancer journey began when his family noticed some concerning changes. He stopped eating, began experiencing severe back pain, and became increasingly fatigued and lethargic. These symptoms led to the heartbreaking diagnosis of neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
Throughout his treatment, Ripplen has endured so much—chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, a bone marrow transplant, immunotherapy, and train chemo as part of the plan for remission. It’s been an incredibly difficult road, one that has reshaped every part of life for his family.
He also lives with autism and has a short attention span, which adds another layer of challenge to an already intense medical journey. But through it all, Ripplen’s sweet and silly spirit continues to shine. He has a big heart, a bright personality, and finds joy in the little things. He especially loves anything that flies and trains, and his laughter is the kind that can lift the spirits of everyone around him.
This journey has changed the way Ripplen’s family views the world. In the midst of so much uncertainty, they’ve learned to hold tightly to hope, to joy, and to the beautiful, everyday moments with their brave boy.
Hope session by Hannah Grimmetts Photo