Nick's Medical and Travel Expenses
Donation protected
Nick Widner was 14 when he was diagnosed on May 2nd, 2012 with Osteosarcoma - a type of pediatric cancer that occurs in the long bones of the body. His tumor was in his knee/femur. In August of that same year his tumor was removed and he had a total knee replacement along with 9 inches of his femur replaced with a titanium rod.
Since his diagnosis, Nick has had multiple lung surgeries and countless rounds of chemo to remove nodules. This past March, while in surgery, the surgens found that they couldn't remove the largest tumor because it's laying on a major artery and it would be too risky. Instead, they started a type of targeted radiation that would shrink the tumor.
In May, his cancer had progressed even with the recent radiation. The scans showed spots on his spine, liver, kidneys, and the right lung had a new spot. At that point he started a clinical trial to try to shrink the tumors. His family has been told by his oncologist that this is not survivable and they have limited time unless they can get it under control.
On June 12th his PET scan showed that the tumors had worsened so they had to stop the trial. The family had hoped to start a trial in Tampa but Nick didn't qualify. They are now looking at MD Anderson in Houston but no spots open until the end of July. In the meantime they will do targeted radiation in a few spots and oral chemo to keep things stabilized. They start treatments next week.
Nick is a very vibrant 17 year old who has always been wise beyond his years. He's never stopped cracking jokes and making everyone laugh through all of this.
When he's well enough to travel, Nick wants to visit the Colorado Mountains, Arizona, and a few states along the way.
Please show your support and help Nick and his family though this extremely difficult time in their lives. Help them raise the funds they will need for medical treatment and his desire to travel!
From the website sarcomahelp.org:
"As opposed to other types of carcinoma, there is really no time when "cure" is felt to have been definitively achieved. Sarcoma is a lifelong diagnosis, and should be treated as such. Having said this, most recurrences or metastases will be discovered within the first two to five years after treatment. Once the patient has cleared the five-year mark, the risk of recurrence diminishes greatly, but still certainly exists."
Click on the verse below to follow Facebook updates on Nick's progress and send him positive words and prayers.
"Carry each other burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
Since his diagnosis, Nick has had multiple lung surgeries and countless rounds of chemo to remove nodules. This past March, while in surgery, the surgens found that they couldn't remove the largest tumor because it's laying on a major artery and it would be too risky. Instead, they started a type of targeted radiation that would shrink the tumor.
In May, his cancer had progressed even with the recent radiation. The scans showed spots on his spine, liver, kidneys, and the right lung had a new spot. At that point he started a clinical trial to try to shrink the tumors. His family has been told by his oncologist that this is not survivable and they have limited time unless they can get it under control.
On June 12th his PET scan showed that the tumors had worsened so they had to stop the trial. The family had hoped to start a trial in Tampa but Nick didn't qualify. They are now looking at MD Anderson in Houston but no spots open until the end of July. In the meantime they will do targeted radiation in a few spots and oral chemo to keep things stabilized. They start treatments next week.
Nick is a very vibrant 17 year old who has always been wise beyond his years. He's never stopped cracking jokes and making everyone laugh through all of this.
When he's well enough to travel, Nick wants to visit the Colorado Mountains, Arizona, and a few states along the way.
Please show your support and help Nick and his family though this extremely difficult time in their lives. Help them raise the funds they will need for medical treatment and his desire to travel!
From the website sarcomahelp.org:
"As opposed to other types of carcinoma, there is really no time when "cure" is felt to have been definitively achieved. Sarcoma is a lifelong diagnosis, and should be treated as such. Having said this, most recurrences or metastases will be discovered within the first two to five years after treatment. Once the patient has cleared the five-year mark, the risk of recurrence diminishes greatly, but still certainly exists."
Click on the verse below to follow Facebook updates on Nick's progress and send him positive words and prayers.
"Carry each other burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
Organizer
Shalena Lindsey
Organizer
Leesburg, GA
