Support Evan’s Brain Cancer Journey

Please help us support one of the kindest, most loving families we know–the Sweeneys–during the most difficult trial a family can endure. On Sunday, May 15th, Evan, 4, began having difficulty walking and his speech started to slur. That evening, Gloria and Scott took him to the ER, and in the weeks that have followed, they have received the most painful, shocking news: Evan has been diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) brain cancer, which is inoperable. The tumor is grade 4, which is unfortunately the most aggressive.

In what has just been a matter of days, our sweet Evan has endured so much: multiple medical procedures, a tumor biopsy, and many symptoms that have impacted his life. At this point, Evan is unable to walk, and eating, drinking, and chewing are challenging. What he continues to love is spending time with his older sister Jocelyn (12) and brother Merrick (9), especially snuggling on the couch, playing video games, and giggling as they make silly faces to see his adorable smile.

On Tuesday, June 7th, Evan will begin six weeks of radiation (every weekday), and he will also partake in a clinical trial through Children's Hospital. The hope is that these treatments will shrink the tumor to improve his mobility and other symptoms and that Evan's life will be prolonged as a result.

So many of us love this beautiful family and would do anything to embrace them during this ordeal. As you can imagine, these past few weeks have been shattering. The Sweeney's world has changed so quickly and significantly. Right now, caring for Evan (and Jocelyn and Merrick) is their number-one priority, and it is more than a 24-7 job. What they are going through right now is all consuming, and they can barely take a breath.

Please consider donating to help with the cost of Evan's care. If we raise anything that exceeds their needs, The Sweeneys will donate it to organizations that help other families in similar situations. Scott and Gloria feel deeply grateful for their support system and for living in an area with the top doctors and medical teams to provide the best care for Evan. Their hearts go out to the many families who are navigating a diagnosis like this on their own and who must make difficult, costly travel decisions to help their children.

More frequent updates on Evan's status will be on his CaringBridge site . Or if you want to participate in a Meal Train for the family, that link is here.

Thank you for all of the love and support.