Save Buzzy's Vision: Our Journey Thru Chemo

The week before Thanksgiving, our world was turned upside down. After multiple doctor’s appointments and three ER visits, we received the heartbreaking news that no parent ever wants to imagine hearing: “Your son will need chemotherapy to save his vision.”

Our 2-year-old son, Buzz, has been diagnosed with a rare condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), which is causing tumors to grow on his optic nerves. These tumors, known as optic pathway gliomas, are affecting both of his eyes. Tragically, the tumor on his right optic nerve has already taken the vision in that right eye. Now the tumor on his left optic nerve threatens his remaining sight.

To save the vision in Buzz’s left eye, he will need weekly chemotherapy treatments for at least a year—possibly two. While there is no guarantee that he will regain vision in his right eye, we do know that miracles happen among us everyday. As someone recently reminded us, “God makes miracles where miracles shouldn’t happen.”

Buzz is receiving care from an incredible team of specialists at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), one of the best places in the country for his condition. However, this requires our family to travel to Philadelphia (4 hour roundtrip commute) at least once a week for his treatments and additional doctors appointments.

In addition to the emotional toll, this journey comes with significant financial challenges. One of us will need to step away from work to focus on Buzz’s care, meaning we will lose half of our household income. Between travel costs, medical bills, and daily expenses, we are facing one of most challenging hardships ahead of us.

We are sincerely asking you from the bottom of our hearts to please help support our family and Buzz during this unfortunate and devastating chapter in our lives. Whether through prayers, sharing our story, or making a financial contribution, your generosity will help us provide Buzz with the best possible care, cover medical and travel expenses, and support our family’s basic needs.

With God and the support, love, and much-needed laughter of our friends and family, we know we will get through this together.

There are no words of gratitude sufficient enough to express what this means to our family. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us during this time.

Our deepest Love and Appreciation,

Amanda, Dan, Buzzy, and Jett

Please consider sending via Venmo or Zelle for full direct contribution.

Ways to Give:

Zelle: Amanda Blackman

Venmo: @amanda-bee-1