Colton Strong
Donation protected
Colton's Story
Colton turned 8 years old on January 6, 2020. In his 8 years in this world, he has endured more than most. He was born 13 weeks early, weighing a mere 1 lb 10 oz. and was only 12 inches long. He spent more than 2 months in the NICU before he was cleared to go home in March 2012. From March 2012 thru November 2017 Colton was a typical little boy, growing, learning, playing; you name it, he did it. In November 2017, he began exhibiting alarming health issues. Headaches, vomiting, blurred vision, etc. On November 21, 2017 Colton was finally able to receive a CT Scan which depicted intracranial pressure. He was immediately flown, via Flight for Life, to Denver Children's Hospital, where they conducted an MRI. It was discovered that Colton had a tumor which had metastasized to his spine. He had emergency brain surgery to remove the tumor. But...the worst was yet to come. Days after the surgery our greatest fears were confirmed when we were informed that Colton did in fact have Medulloblastoma....brain cancer. For the next 7 months, Colton had to undergo an extreme Chemotherapy, recieve a shunt placement and push through many other obstacles, including being septic and multiple stays in the PICU. In June of 2018, Colton was finally able to go home, cancer free, and resume his life to the best of his ability. The brain surgery, months in a hospital, chemotherapy and every other obstacle thrown at Colton, left him weak. He had to basically re-learn how to be the kid he was less than a year prior. But....he did it! He was able to do monkey bars, run and play again. Colton got to celebrate Christmas and his birthday at home in December 2018 and January 2019. But just 5 days after Colton's 7th birthday, he went for a post-treatment MRI. Again, our worst fears came rushing back, his cancer had returned. This time, Colton had to receive Radiation Therapy. They opted to try a new type of Radiation Therapy, which was offered at MD Anderson in Houston. Colton completed his treatment and was again declared cancer-free in April 2019. He has since recieved 4 post-treatment MRIs, which he must travel to Houston for. The last MRI showed a new "brightened" spot. While his Oncologist is not convinced this is a serious problem he does want to keep a close eye on it. This means that Colton will have to travel more regularly to Houston for MRIs and tests.
Colton, his mom, dad, and brother have truly endured more in the last 2 years then anyone ever should. They have been removed from their home, staying in hospitals, hospitality houses and hotels, for more than a year in total. Both of Colton's parents are entrepreneurs, but given the circumstances of the last 2 years, both of them have lost almost all, if not all, of their business clients. They have mounding medical debt and the constant travel back and forth to Houston, has left them between a rock and a hard spot. They have their daily expenses on top of all the extra medically associated costs. It is truly heartbreaking that they have to worry about paying bills, as all of their energy should be focused on keeping Colton healthy. If there is any amount you could give, it would mean the world to our family. Your donation could be the difference for them. Even if you can't help monetarily, a share could do wonders. We are forever grateful to each and every one of you. ❤
Colton turned 8 years old on January 6, 2020. In his 8 years in this world, he has endured more than most. He was born 13 weeks early, weighing a mere 1 lb 10 oz. and was only 12 inches long. He spent more than 2 months in the NICU before he was cleared to go home in March 2012. From March 2012 thru November 2017 Colton was a typical little boy, growing, learning, playing; you name it, he did it. In November 2017, he began exhibiting alarming health issues. Headaches, vomiting, blurred vision, etc. On November 21, 2017 Colton was finally able to receive a CT Scan which depicted intracranial pressure. He was immediately flown, via Flight for Life, to Denver Children's Hospital, where they conducted an MRI. It was discovered that Colton had a tumor which had metastasized to his spine. He had emergency brain surgery to remove the tumor. But...the worst was yet to come. Days after the surgery our greatest fears were confirmed when we were informed that Colton did in fact have Medulloblastoma....brain cancer. For the next 7 months, Colton had to undergo an extreme Chemotherapy, recieve a shunt placement and push through many other obstacles, including being septic and multiple stays in the PICU. In June of 2018, Colton was finally able to go home, cancer free, and resume his life to the best of his ability. The brain surgery, months in a hospital, chemotherapy and every other obstacle thrown at Colton, left him weak. He had to basically re-learn how to be the kid he was less than a year prior. But....he did it! He was able to do monkey bars, run and play again. Colton got to celebrate Christmas and his birthday at home in December 2018 and January 2019. But just 5 days after Colton's 7th birthday, he went for a post-treatment MRI. Again, our worst fears came rushing back, his cancer had returned. This time, Colton had to receive Radiation Therapy. They opted to try a new type of Radiation Therapy, which was offered at MD Anderson in Houston. Colton completed his treatment and was again declared cancer-free in April 2019. He has since recieved 4 post-treatment MRIs, which he must travel to Houston for. The last MRI showed a new "brightened" spot. While his Oncologist is not convinced this is a serious problem he does want to keep a close eye on it. This means that Colton will have to travel more regularly to Houston for MRIs and tests.
Colton, his mom, dad, and brother have truly endured more in the last 2 years then anyone ever should. They have been removed from their home, staying in hospitals, hospitality houses and hotels, for more than a year in total. Both of Colton's parents are entrepreneurs, but given the circumstances of the last 2 years, both of them have lost almost all, if not all, of their business clients. They have mounding medical debt and the constant travel back and forth to Houston, has left them between a rock and a hard spot. They have their daily expenses on top of all the extra medically associated costs. It is truly heartbreaking that they have to worry about paying bills, as all of their energy should be focused on keeping Colton healthy. If there is any amount you could give, it would mean the world to our family. Your donation could be the difference for them. Even if you can't help monetarily, a share could do wonders. We are forever grateful to each and every one of you. ❤
Organizer and beneficiary
Jaclyn Curran
Organizer
Parsippany, NJ
Nicole Farrell
Beneficiary