Our sweet boy, Drake, has endured more in the last several months than most do in a lifetime. His journey began in October 2023, when he started experiencing unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, daily low-grade fevers, and intense night sweats. As concerned parents, we knew something wasn’t right. By January 2024, Drake’s symptoms escalated—chest and abdominal pain, severe anemia, and a 20-pound weight loss. 

 After two iron infusions and a blood transfusion, a CT scan was ordered. What it revealed changed our lives forever: a large mass in Drake’s colon. Everything moved quickly from there. 

Within days: 

 • A colonoscopy revealed the tumor was 9 cm in size—much larger than anticipated.

 • A second colonoscopy was performed to mark the tumor. 

 • Just days later, Drake underwent a partial colon resection to remove the mass. The surgery was successful. 

Drake is recovering like the strong young man he is—but then came the diagnosis: Clear Cell Sarcoma of the Gastrointestinal Tract, a cancer so rare that fewer than 200 cases have ever been documented. This diagnosis is devastating. It’s a high-grade, aggressive sarcoma that doesn’t respond to chemotherapy or radiation. Drake’s cancer had already spread to the lymphatic system, placing him at least at Stage II or higher. At just 14 years old, Drake is facing an invisible battle. Because he hasn’t lost his hair, many assume he isn’t sick—but the truth is, he’s battling a cancer that doesn’t respond to traditional treatments. Please remember: not all illnesses are visible. Despite having medical insurance, our out-of-pocket medical expenses are growing rapidly—and they will continue to do so. We are raising funds not only for Drake’s care, but also to support the Clear Cell Sarcoma Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding critical research for this devastating disease. 

 ⸻ 2025 Update: The Fight Isn’t Over Recent scans have revealed new lesions in Drake’s liver, lungs, and abdomen, marking a frightening turn in his journey. We are now urgently pursuing second and third opinions, including consultations with one of the top sarcoma specialists in the country, based in New York. The cost of travel, lodging, and out-of-network consultations is substantial. But we won’t stop fighting. Drake is a warrior. And we, his family, are committed to doing whatever it takes to find the answers, treatment options, and hope he deserves. 

 ⸻ How You Can Help:

 • Donate to support Drake’s medical journey • Share his story to raise awareness for Clear Cell Sarcoma

 • Contribute to the Clear Cell Sarcoma Foundation so future families won’t have to face this alone 

 From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this fight. Your prayers, donations, and words of encouragement mean more than you’ll ever know.