Donation protected
Before last July, Aaron Stone was a typical 16 year old who loved hanging out with his friends playing video games and had a particular knack for music, especially playing the drums. He played with his band, reminisced about Little League days and made everyone laugh constantly. Then in July of 2015, Aaron began a valiant battle with cancer. During that summer, he found a lump in his mouth which was diagnosed as Sclerosing Rhabdomyosarcoma. Aaron, along with his parents Mike and LouAnn, and older brother Sam, have always been exceptionally strong, bright people and decided to tackle this obstacle as they do all others: with unwavering faith, tireless humor and an army of family and friends surrounding them.
After Aaron’s diagnosis, the family traveled to Chicago for an extensive surgery to remove the tumor and reconstruct his jaw. In November 2015, after a challenging recovery from that massive surgery, Aaron started chemotherapy. Over the last year, Aaron has been relentlessly fighting his cancer with traditional treatments including different chemotherapy protocols and a clinical study at Riley Children’s Hospital. He has experienced the often brutal side effects, but through it all he has retained his grace, his courage and most of all, his sense of humor. Hehas continued to attend school and take online courses to keep up with his graduation requirements.
Recently, scans revealed more tumor growth, so in order to add more weapons to Aaron’s arsenal, the family has traveled to Arizona for a highly recommended alternative treatment program to continue the battle. The goal of these treatments is threefold: 1) stop tumor growth, 2) support his body’s natural cancer-fighting mechanisms and 3) attain and maintain remission. Unfortunately, these treatments are not covered by insurance and for the first time since Aaron was diagnosed, the family is paying medical expenses out of pocket and expect the costs to exceed $100,000. As we all know, cancer is a ruthless foe, but we want to offer you the opportunity to come alongside this remarkable family and this wonderful kid to share in the fight with them. Aaron has been challenged, but he will not be defeated – please help him win the war with cancer.
After Aaron’s diagnosis, the family traveled to Chicago for an extensive surgery to remove the tumor and reconstruct his jaw. In November 2015, after a challenging recovery from that massive surgery, Aaron started chemotherapy. Over the last year, Aaron has been relentlessly fighting his cancer with traditional treatments including different chemotherapy protocols and a clinical study at Riley Children’s Hospital. He has experienced the often brutal side effects, but through it all he has retained his grace, his courage and most of all, his sense of humor. Hehas continued to attend school and take online courses to keep up with his graduation requirements.
Recently, scans revealed more tumor growth, so in order to add more weapons to Aaron’s arsenal, the family has traveled to Arizona for a highly recommended alternative treatment program to continue the battle. The goal of these treatments is threefold: 1) stop tumor growth, 2) support his body’s natural cancer-fighting mechanisms and 3) attain and maintain remission. Unfortunately, these treatments are not covered by insurance and for the first time since Aaron was diagnosed, the family is paying medical expenses out of pocket and expect the costs to exceed $100,000. As we all know, cancer is a ruthless foe, but we want to offer you the opportunity to come alongside this remarkable family and this wonderful kid to share in the fight with them. Aaron has been challenged, but he will not be defeated – please help him win the war with cancer.
Organizer and beneficiary
Shawn Harkness
Organizer
Fort Wayne, IN
LouAnn Stone
Beneficiary