On Friday, August 13th - Cindy (our beloved BASE Camp Program Director)'s son, Danny, suffered a stroke. Danny Whitaker is a BASE Camp kid through and through. Diagnosed with Medulloblastoma at the age of five, he has grown up to be a 22-year-old survivor, advocate, and even spent time as a part-time employee with BASE Camp. Anyone who has met the BASE Camp team knows of Danny's story.
Every day since August 13th, Cindy has stayed by Danny's side, in which they have not left the hospital -27 days so far. As a result of his stroke, it was discovered that Danny has cancer with metastasis along with some other health complications.
This has been a devastating turn of events for the Whitaker's. Danny is still recuperating from the effects of his stroke, learning to walk and swallow liquids again, and needs round-the-clock care. On top of this, Danny is now facing another uphill climb as the doctors wait for biopsy results to determine his plan for treatment...however, his case remains to be very serious.
BASE Camp is raising funds to help support Danny and their family as they navigate this new journey. 100% of the funds raised here will be used to cover medical expenses along with other unexpected costs associated with his diagnosis. BASE Camp also would like to fulfill a Second Wish for Danny.
Below Are Some Words Direct From Cindy:
I wasn’t sure if I was going to post this or not, mainly because I can barely think the words that are on my mind - much less, say the words out loud without breaking down. On Friday - August 13, 2021 my 22-year-old son, Danny had a stroke in the cerebellum. We also found out he was a type 2 diabetic. The stroke is a side effect of the radiation he received when he was five for a brain tumor. Talk about lasting side effects.
Afterward, he went to rehab to learn to walk and use fine motor skills again. It was while on the rehab floor that Danny started having chest pain that sent him down to the cardiac unit. Fearing he may have a clot, they took chest x-rays and what came back was the unimaginable.
It was revealed Danny had two masses; one on the kidney and one on the 9th rib. The one on the kidney is Renal Cell Carcinoma that has metastasized. The other is feared to be second cancer, a Sarcoma, but nothing will be determined until we have the results of the biopsy that took place on Tuesday, September 7.
It was also discovered there is an additional spot on the top of his rib cage and one in his brain that are suspicious but they will have to wait on those as they are not the most pressing problem we have right now. The neurosurgeon would like to go in to see what is on the brain in a few weeks if he’s able to.
We never expected to be in this place again and yet here we are...
Heartbroken and devastated.
This is a very serious diagnosis and we’re not sure what the outcome will be but we are going to do our best to make sure Danny has a long healthy life and is able to find love and maybe have a family. That is the dream, the prayer, the hope, the miracle.
Danny being Danny, has a positive attitude and a go-with-the-flow spirit. It breaks my heart not knowing what’s underneath the surface of what he’s feeling because he doesn’t want anybody to worry about him.
We will try and seek out the best possible treatment and we will live every moment and make memories while doing so.
Thank you everyone - we truly feel and appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers at this time.
Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit BASE Camp Children's Cancer Foundation Inc, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.
More information about BASE Camp Children's Cancer Foundation Inc: Our mission is to provide a year-round series of programs for children and families facing the challenge of living with cancer, and other life-threatening, hematology-related illnesses.
Since 1982, we have served Central Florida children and families, BASE Camp has strived to help with the day-to-day challenges that children and families face. It is our goal to be a consistent presence that families can rely on. We support our families long-term, throughout their journey.
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