Maslow's Life-Changing Cancer Journey

2025 Update: Maslow is 8 years old and still spicy as ever! Throughout the last 2.5 years he has bravely tolerated every treatment, twist, and turn that has come his way. Not once but twice he came within inches of remission, only to have the cancer creep back in the familiar spots again. Earlier this spring we learned of two new soft tissue lesions on his skull that are particularly concerning, as they are creating pressure and growing faster than before. He begins radiation to those areas the week of June 9 with the hope of moving on to a clinical trial called MIBG therapy. The future holds much uncertainty, and we just want to get our sweet boy the best care we can while spending the best quality time with him. ❤️

--- Original 2022 story below ---

Help support the Winningham family through a long road of cancer treatments for their oldest son, Maslow.

Maslow is nearly six years old, a big brother to Reuben, and kitty papa to Yuzu and Dashi. He is clever and fiercely independent, delighting in slapstick comedy, riddles, and anything Mario or Zelda. He has always dazzled those around him with his intense curiosity and love of math, science and deep space.

The day after Thanksgiving, Maslow was admitted to the ER after suffering from lower back pain on and off for several weeks. After 12 long hours, blood tests, x-rays, and an MRI, Maslow’s family was informed that a large cancerous tumor was found pressing on his spine and one of his kidneys. The days that followed were full of additional imaging and biopsies, leading to a devastating diagnosis of Neuroblastoma, with smaller growths found on his skull and some bone marrow. There is no known cause, as Neuroblastoma is not hereditary or environmental.

Maslow’s treatment plan will be aggressive and exhaustive, stretching for more than a year. The first phase will consist of 5–6 sessions of chemotherapy that last 19 weeks. During this time, it is highly likely that he will need a blood transfusion if/when his red blood cell count drops due to the treatment, which could mean this phase lasts even longer than planned. Following chemotherapy, surgery is intended to remove the primary tumor, assuming it has shrunk to a safe size. Once the tumor is removed and he recovers from that surgery, Maslow looks at a very aggressive phase of chemo called “consolidation therapy,” which sounds almost unbearable. He will be hospitalized for one month, followed by one week at home, then immediately another month in the hospital. During this time, they will give him infusions of his harvested stem cells because, without them, his body would be unable to withstand the rigors of the treatment. This treatment is followed by targeted radiation therapy for any remaining cancerous areas, and finally immunotherapy which will greatly improve his overall odds of being entirely cancer free.

Before beginning Kindergarten this past September, Milo & Amy’s main focus with Maslow was on getting his ADHD and autism diagnoses. Much effort went into researching and securing services such as occupational and family therapies, as well as finding a supportive preschool and then an elementary school where he could thrive. Their efforts paid off, and Maslow was enjoying kindergarten and making great strides. Sadly, he cannot return to school this year because he’ll be immunocompromised; this is particularly crushing after such a hard-won success.

These are scary times. While they feel fortunate to have a definitive diagnosis and an established treatment protocol, they don’t know how he’ll respond. His compromised immune system will make him more vulnerable to serious illness from COVID, RSV and a host of other things that one typically encounters in childhood.

Moving forward, the Winninghams will need additional help so that Milo can maintain his work schedule and Amy can attend to the multiplying needs of the family. Your help or donation will help provide materials and equipment as well as the many hands needed to make for light(er) work. This includes but is not limited to: childcare during lengthy hospital visits, a second reliable car, groceries and meals, grief and trauma therapy, miscellaneous medical expenses not covered by insurance, adapting their home for Maslow who has had trouble walking due to the placement of his tumor, and much more. A Double Hickman line has been placed in Maslow's chest, which means that a high level of home cleanliness is essential. Surfaces must be sanitized frequently, and all of Maslow’s bedding must be changed daily. Regular household help, laundry service and basic lawn care will give Milo and Amy more time for Maslow’s homeschooling and Reuben’s activities and, most importantly, will stave off the exhaustion that can make the whole delicate system collapse.

Finally, there is reason to be optimistic. Neuroblastomas tend to respond quickly to chemotherapy, so we should be able to know early on if the treatment plan is working or if it needs to be revised. Thanks to advances in treatment, especially with regard to immunotherapy, the odds of survival are 80-85%. In addition, there’s the possibility of being included in a promising medical study for Neuroblastoma.

The Winninghams are overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for the kindness shared with them both near and far. Thank you for getting to know their story and showing your support!