Max's Fight with Cancer
Donation protected
For those of you who don't know my nephew Max Derba, he's one of the funniest, vibrant, upbeat, playful kids you would ever have the pleasure of meeting. Living in sunny Florida, he takes full advantage of being the typical 8 year old, playing with his older brother Declan, his cousins Alex and Leah, and all of his friends from school. There are few kids I've met who are as outspoken and personable as he is. Not only that, but he loves old school Mario and Zelda. I mean, the kid dressed as Link for Halloween, which pretty much makes him the coolest kid ever in my book.
A few days ago, Max was taken to the ER for some general symptoms; fever, rash, constipation, fatigue etc. at first the doctors were chalking up his symptoms to some sort of blockage, however they were unable to explain his extremely high blood pressure, given his age. Upon a few more tests, they discovered a tumor the size of a baseball above his kidney. The tumor is cancerous.
The original plan was to remove the kidney entirely, but a complication arose where it had wrapped around Max's aorda which would prevent that particular surgery from happening. The treatment plan is still being discussed. When Max's blood pressure was stabilized, they moved him to Children's in Boston, which as we all know has arguably the best medical care in the country.
The feeling of receiving news as devastating as this is truly indescribable. Reading about stories on a frequent basis more often than not had me mutter such phrases to myself "that's awful" or "how terrible.." never thinking that my family would ever have to go through something to this degree. Now that it's a reality, my family, and in particular my sister Laura, can see first hand how the overwhelming love and support from our family and friends can be the light in a dark time.
I did not give this fundraiser a target goal. I completely understand that we are all strapped financially. Lydia sobs whenever I take my wallet away from her (it contains nothing of value.) We are planning weddings, buying homes, having children of our own. All I would ask is for you to share this link and Max's story on social media. Above all else, Max is going to benefit from the positive vibes given from those that are closest to us.
Please keep Max and his family in your thoughts. He is a great kid who has so much life to experience, and again, with the overhelming love and support from all of you, he will beat this thing.
A few days ago, Max was taken to the ER for some general symptoms; fever, rash, constipation, fatigue etc. at first the doctors were chalking up his symptoms to some sort of blockage, however they were unable to explain his extremely high blood pressure, given his age. Upon a few more tests, they discovered a tumor the size of a baseball above his kidney. The tumor is cancerous.
The original plan was to remove the kidney entirely, but a complication arose where it had wrapped around Max's aorda which would prevent that particular surgery from happening. The treatment plan is still being discussed. When Max's blood pressure was stabilized, they moved him to Children's in Boston, which as we all know has arguably the best medical care in the country.
The feeling of receiving news as devastating as this is truly indescribable. Reading about stories on a frequent basis more often than not had me mutter such phrases to myself "that's awful" or "how terrible.." never thinking that my family would ever have to go through something to this degree. Now that it's a reality, my family, and in particular my sister Laura, can see first hand how the overwhelming love and support from our family and friends can be the light in a dark time.
I did not give this fundraiser a target goal. I completely understand that we are all strapped financially. Lydia sobs whenever I take my wallet away from her (it contains nothing of value.) We are planning weddings, buying homes, having children of our own. All I would ask is for you to share this link and Max's story on social media. Above all else, Max is going to benefit from the positive vibes given from those that are closest to us.
Please keep Max and his family in your thoughts. He is a great kid who has so much life to experience, and again, with the overhelming love and support from all of you, he will beat this thing.
Organizer and beneficiary
Matt Tamulionis
Organizer
Brockton, MA
Laura Derba
Beneficiary
