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Help Myles Fight Neuroblastoma

I’m sure many of you recognize these guys. If not, let me introduce the Peterson Family. Following his time in the military as a United States Marine, Greg now works at Invenergy maintaining the wind turbines in the area and has previously been a part of the Geneseo Volunteer Fire Department. Kayla has been in her final weeks of school at Black Hawk College to be a Physical Therapist Assistant. Adriana (7) goes to Millikin Elementary School. Adriana and Myles have attended Growth Inc. Child Care Center over the last few years. Both kiddos have played organized sports in town and you may have even seen them playing catch with Greg out in their yard or out riding their bikes. They are active throughout the Geneseo community and in all, a great young family.

Although things may have seemed quiet around the Peterson home, in reality they have been facing a storm behind the scenes. Greg and Kayla are pretty private people and they are only now in a place to (not-so-comfortably) let people in on what has been going on. The last week of June their son Myles had an episode where he said his hip hurt. Myles is five years old and understandably, they thought maybe he was having growing pains and took note. He carried on like normal and then had fits of pain that come on and then leave. They went and had x-rays done of his hip and everything looked fine. The following day on July 3rd, Myles had an episode of severe back pain and they took him to the hospital to have him checked. That hospital took a few more tests and found that he had something in his stomach and they sent him home with instructions to follow up with his pediatrician a few days later after the holiday. Myles would get home and act normal for a while and then fall over crying in pain. Something didn’t settle right with them and after another fit of pain they decided to take him to a different hospital. Being the great parents that they are, Greg and Kayla just knew something wasn’t right. They decided to drive Myles to Peoria OSF. Immediately, Myles was admitted July 4th. Thursday, July 5th their world turned upside-down. They were told that Myles has cancer. It takes my breath away just to write that. I love Myles as my “nephew” and I have kids of my own and I cannot imagine hearing those words as a parent. How can it be?? This strong, energetic, little boy was even playing t-ball just weeks before. As if that wasn’t hard enough to hear, they were told that he has stage 4 cancer. After many tests, scans and biopsies, they now know that Myles has Neuroblastoma. As soon as it was confirmed, the doctors started him on treatment. This week our strong, little guy has already had a blood transfusion and finished his first round of chemo. They say that his treatments will take place over 18 months. In between treatments, they will have to drive back and forth to Peoria and Chicago to have blood work done multiple times a week, for Myles to be monitored, and other procedures.  

Greg and Kayla have been by Myles’ side day-in and day-out. They haven’t been able to work. I know that regular bills, gas, food, medications, housing, as well as medical bills are already weighing heavy and taking their toll. It isn’t easy to wrap your mind around your child being sick. It isn’t fair to have to hear the word “cancer” in reference to your five-year-old little boy. The hospital bed, sterile smells, rhythmic beeps, cords, ports, IV’s, and barrage of nurses and doctors keeps them from retreating into denial, something that any parent would consider doing. I can’t imagine how hard it is for them to vocalize their new reality to anyone, as they are just trying to wrap their heads around it themselves.

These guys need our prayers and support right now. This will be a hard journey for Greg, Kayla, Adriana and especially, Myles. We cannot take all of this away for them- Lord knows, it is driving me crazy that I can’t fix this for them. But what can we do to help?? We can alleviate some financial hardships for them. We can send them gas cards and food gift cards.  We can pray, pray, pray for Myles and the whole family. Let’s rally around the Peterson Family and show them they won’t be going through this alone!

We are here for you guys! Your family, your friends and your community are here for you!


My name is Megan Bournique. Greg and Kayla are both my best friends and family. If anyone has any ideas of ways to support them or need any further information, please feel free to contact me.


Please check back here for any updates! Thank you!
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Donations 

  • Melissa Nuttall
    • $20 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Megan Michelle Bournique
Organizer
Carmel, IN
Kayla Peterson
Beneficiary

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