Cutting for Kellen

John Byrne and the Govberg Realty Team would like to welcome you to participate and/or join the fundraising event of Cutting For Kellen. John and anyone else that would like to join him will shave their heads to help raise awareness for children with cancer and for the Black family. Kellen is a 2 yr old boy from Northeast Philadelphia. His father is Gavin and mother Eileen Lucia are long time Northeast Philadelphia natives from Father Judge and Saint Huberts. Some of the money raised will also go to Carebands by Nicole's Childrens Fund. This is a fund to help pay for carebands for children who have cancer. To learn more about this great company check out their website at http://www.carebandsbynicole.com/

Kellen's journey began on April 6, 2015 inside our pediatrician's office after noticing an enlargement of his testicular sac. Within the next three days that follow Kellen went through numerous doctor visits, ultrasounds and MRIs. On April 9, 2015, Kellen underwent surgery to remove the tumor. After the surgery we were notified his left testicle was removed and the tumor was malignant. Kellen was diagnosed at 18 months old with a Germ Cell Tumor, more specifically a Yoke Sac Tumor. Germ cell tumors are rare in children and only makes up about 3% of all childhood cancers. After a couple months of positive tests and blood work results, we were shocked to hear that not only was his cancer not in remission, but it had spread to his lungs. In July 2015, Kellen had surgery to install his port and begin the first of six chemotherapy sessions. His treatments consisted of three day stays down at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia every three weeks, where he was known to entertain the doctors and nurses in the hallways. On November 9, 2015, we got to hear that after six rounds of chemotherapy, weekly clinic, countless blood tests, MRIs, chest scans, Kellen was blessed with the new that he had beat his cancer!

After the chemotherapy treatments, vomiting, weaken immune system, medications, hearing damage and losing his hair, Kellen kicked cancer's ass and did it with a smile. People like to say it's better for Kellen to go through this at a young age because he won't remember. We like to say we won't ever let him forget because his fight and resilience is what makes him our Hero. We cannot thank CHOP, our family and friends enough for all the support and love. We will continue to fight and spread awareness not only for this cancer but for all childhood cancers. KellenStrong.