Join Colton's Journey to Overcome Ewing Sarcoma

In the Fall of 2024, Colton was an active third grader - playing youth basketball, soccer, baseball, and football. During the winter he suddenly was plagued by intermittent pain and discomfort in his left thigh. We thought the pain would subside with a little rest or at least could be growing pains as a nine year old.

We eventually found ourselves at urgent care in our local town. This led us to CNOS at Dakota Dunes, SD. from there they referred us to Children's Oncology in Sioux Falls, SD. This is where he began two rounds of biopsies which then led us to The Mayo Clinic where they gave us the dreadful news that Colton has Ewing Sarcoma. The diagnosis seemed so unreal. We just kept asking ourselves how this could be true since Colton has always been so healthy and active.

Now in an unfamiliar hospital, surrounded by doctors speaking what seemed to be a foreign language. Our medical team began testing with a biopsy of his bone and bone marrow.

Following the numerous testing Colton went through, our medical team concluded that Colton's cancer was localized, and therefore had not spread to other parts of his body. The doctors were incredibly compassionate as they helped explain the cancer diagnosis to me alongside the treatment plan.

On March 10th, 2025 Colton had his surgery to place/insert his port. Colton began the first of 12 cycle's of chemotherapy. On top of the tidal wave of medical decisions to be made, I began wondering how all of this would impact school and Colton's extracurricular passions he enjoys so much. Would life ever be the same for my son?

Early into Colton's first and hospitalization, I was told that Colton wouldn't be able to continue attending school and would need to be homeschooled for the duration of his third grade year and partially part of his fourth grade year.

Doctors and nurses helped explain medical procedures to Colton and calmed many of his fears understood Colton's emotions, and anticipated his needs. For example, accessing Colton's portacath wasn't always easy, so the nurses encouraged Colton to be vocal. There, the transformation of a quiet, fairly shy boy, although still uncertain, to a determined fighter.

Doctors determined that Doxorubicin (a.k.a Red Devil), was the best choice to fight this cancer. As a family, watching Colton go through this has been extremely difficult and heartbreaking. From a nine year old boy who loves to shoot hoops in the driveway with his siblings to a boy so weak he sleeps all day.

Each of our doctors have been accommodating when it comes to providing Colton with the support needed for this process. Changes such as incorporating a new dietary plan recommendations, supplements and physical therapy.

We are referring to this time as the "dark days." This young man, who anyone would distinctly undefine as a spirited and tenacious 9-year-old, would have to now summon those qualities in order to push through thee next uncertain months of chemotherapy.

We can't help but marvel at Colton's quiet strength and grace, and he has taught us and his four sibling's how to appreciate the little things in life and to be thankful for each day.

As we tackle this as a family you can imagine the financial hardship and strain it has had on our family.

Any financial support you can give to help support Colton's fight would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance and for your consideration in helping.

The Harris-Radley family.