Our dear friends, Ryan and Lauren Florin, recently learned that their 11-month-old baby, Peter, has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer after a large tumor was discovered in his leg. The cancer - embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma - has unfortunately also spread to his lungs. 

Peter will undergo chemo nearly every week for the next year, often being admitted for a few days at a time at CHKD, the children's hospital in Norfolk. He will then likely have radiation and surgery. His type of cancer is rare - only 4 cases per 1 million children (in the 0-4 age group). For surgery, they may travel to a children’s hospital that has a pediatric sarcoma surgeon.

As many of you know, sweet Peter is the youngest of 5 kids. He has 4 older siblings, ages 8, 6, 4, and 3. Lauren homeschools them all in addition to teaching online college courses in Education. Ryan works fulltime in addition to teaching courses on-campus at the same University.

We are hoping to be there for the Florins, as they have always been there for each one of us, and help ease the burden of Peter’s medical expenses. Their heath insurance’s out of pocket deductible for the year is $8,000. 

In addition to their treatment at CHKD, Lauren and Ryan are pursing integrative treatment with a Pediatric Cancer Specialist which has additional costs and insurance does not cover. Monthly supplements and whole food organic nutrition can cost up to $1,000 per month. Peter has also had to undergo genetic testing for the P53 gene - a gene that suppresses tumors which he has. As a result, the rest of the family is required to seek genetic testing.

If you'd like to receive updates on Peter, sign-up at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/peterflorin