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Força Finn

Finn came into our lives on 2/21/2019 when we received a phone call and  learned of his premature birth and health conditions. At the drop of a hat, Ryan and Sharon both agreed to do all they could to make sure this baby was safe and well taken care of. Considering all he had been through in just a few months of his life, he was thriving and doing well thanks to the courageousness, selflessness,  patience, and care from both Sharon and Ryan who put their entire lives on hold for this baby.  Sharon and Ryan  drove daily to Women and Infants Hospital  to learn how to care for a premature newborn baby, and show Finn the love, nurture, and care that he deserved. While spending time at the hospital they would read to him, play music, snuggle him and just love this 3 pound baby boy. 

     He came home on 3/6/19 with everything a newborn would need with the support of family, friends, and love. Sharon and Ryan fought daily to advocate for Finn’s health, development, and needs. He was involved in therapies, play groups and met with every specialist needed to support his development. In his first year of life he had three surgeries, but that was not a set back. Finn was meeting his milestones and was a part of a wonderful circle of support. 

      In August of 2020 Sharon and Ryan along with those who spend a lot of time with Finn noticed he had been a little off. Both Sharon and Ryan had visited the doctors multiple times, had taken various trips  to the emergency room, and had him Covid tested numerous times. During each visit they were told Finn just had a virus. When finally meeting with his pediatrician and insisting something was wrong he was sent to see a neurologist in order to get a second opinion and a better look at his situation, and that is when everything changed so quickly in their lives.

     On 10/7/20 Finn was brought to Hasbro Children’s Hospital and they did a number of tests as well as an  MRI, which led to the discovery of  Finn having a large tumor in his 4th ventricle in his brain. The very  next day he underwent a 9 hour emergency surgery which removed most of the tumor. A week after they discovered the mass, Finn was diagnosed with Anaplastic Ependymoma a rare and aggressive brain tumor. After being in the PICU for 2.5 weeks he was then transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Boston so he could relearn how to walk, speak, and swallow. During that time Sharon and Ryan went to every session, every meeting, and reached out to as many people and resources as possible to make sure Finn was getting the very best care. Within this same time frame, cancer cells were discovered  in his CSF the fluid that flows in both your brain and spinal cord. The regular course of action is surgery and radiation therapy, but with the discovery of the cells in the CSF Finn will have to undergo a few rounds of chemotherapy before his 6 weeks of proton radiation at Mass General Hospital in Boston, which will  most likely be  followed by more chemotherapy as reinforcements against the cancer. Some of Finns other medical problems have now been put on hold while he fights against the greatest villain of all time and despite all of this he still maintains his contagious smile and happy go lucky attitude.

      This is a stressful time for all and now with this diagnosis it’s extremely difficult for Finn and his family. Some positive news during this difficult time is that  Finn was finally adopted on 11/20/20, which was well overdue and such a beautiful moment to share together.  Finally, with your donations and generosity, we’d like to make the best out of this situation and help make life a little easier for this family. These funds will be used to help with Finn’s medical expenses and  help elevate any financial burden.

Thank you!
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $20 
    • 2 yrs
  • Denise Thibeault
    • $50 
    • 2 yrs
  • Wayne Harris
    • $25 
    • 2 yrs
  • Estele Borges
    • $100 
    • 2 yrs
  • Erin Alberton
    • $15 
    • 2 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Taylor Tavares
Organizer
Fall River, MA
Sharon Barbosa
Beneficiary

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