Super Sam!

Sam was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma (a type of cancerous brain tumor) at age 4 1/2. His treatment lasted 11 months and involved multiple surgeries, 31 radiation treatments, and 6 months of chemotherapy.

I'm Jen, his mom, and am thrilled to report that he is now 6 years old and in remission!

He's a funny, smart, and sweet kiddo who loves board games, knock-knock jokes, his stuffed tiger, and riding the big, fancy tricycle that his physical therapist loaned us. He started kindergarten this year and has his first loose tooth. He told me that if he could go anywhere in the world, it would be to Paris to see the "awful tower".

He also has some challenges he is still facing.

The chance of the cancer coming back is around 50% in the first 2 years after treatment, after which the chance drops to about 10%-- boy are we looking forward to reaching that 2 year mark!!

His pituitary gland was damaged by the radiation and he will need to take multiple medications for life as a result.

After a small stroke in March of this year, he has mobility issues that cause him to fall frequently, mainly right sided weakness and decreased coordination. His short term memory and word-finding ability were both mildly affected as well. With therapy, all of these things continue to improve daily. I can't express how impressed I am with his attitude and resilience.

I am a single parent who works 3/4 time. I feel very fortunate that I am able to make enough money to pay our basic bills while still spending as much time with him as possible. If we raise the full amount on this fundraiser, it will enable me to pay the remaining balance on his medical bills and will enable him to continue with weekly PT and start occupational therapy. We will also be able to put a bit of money aside to pay for our trip up to Portland for his follow-up visit in November.

Thank you and many blessings to you and yours.