Support Henry's Brave Battle Against Cancer

Sometimes rare and unwanted parts of life happen to the people you love and there is nothing you can do but to choose bravery and to fight.

Last month we learned that Henry's year would be unusual, and it would demand bravery and require a fight.

At first, we weren't sure what to make of the swollen lump that appeared above Henry's eyelid. The children's ER in Franklin prescribed a round of antibiotics and scheduled an appointment with an eye specialist a few months later. On January 17th, after antibiotics had no effect, we decided to skip the wait and venture to Vanderbilt Children's in Nashville. The ER staff checked him out, ordered a CT, and got Pediatric Opthalmology involved right away. The CT led to an MRI, which led to Lisa being pulled into the hallway to be informed of news that no parent ever wishes to hear, "The scans have revealed what looks to be cancer. Henry needs a biopsy."

That Wednesday, by a stroke of good fortune the ideal surgeon became available for Henry, so what was initially scheduled as a regular biopsy turned into a total mass resection. We were hopeful that the post-op consultation would be filled with relief as we were informed it was nothing more than maybe a fatty deposit or something of the sort. Instead it all but confirmed what what we were afraid of: this looks like cancer and it will be a miracle if it is anything else.

By Friday oncology had scheduled a consult and full body scan and by Monday Pathology had confirmed that it was a cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma - one of only around 350 active cases in the country. Last Thursday we met with his oncologist to further discuss results and initial treatment plan. Tomorrow Henry undergoes his full-body scan to make certain that the cancer isn't present in any other area of the body. On Thursday he will have a port placed in his chest and receive his first dose of Chemotherapy.

How is Henry doing? He has been inquisitive, calm, and incredibly brave. From scans to IV to surgery his motto has been unshakable, "Let's just do what we've got to do." I'm not allowed to ask him what he wishes for or "it won't come true" but I have asked him what his hope is for 2025 and his answer was quick, "...to get better." And I have promised him that we will do everything we can to make that come to pass.

If you would like to cheer Henry on, you're welcome to send email me at [email redacted] to request his mailing address to send a note or request Lisa's phone number to send a video. If you would like to help you're welcome to choose an item off of his Amazon Wishlist , send a meal gift card, or contribute to his Go Fund Me which will be used for medical bills, gas, and other needs associated with his care. But most importantly, please join us in hoping for and praying for strength and the best possible outcome for our sweet baby boy.