Sawyer's Warriors Cancer Fund

When becoming parents for the first time there are so many things to wonder about. Will their eyes be blue like Mommy’s or brown like Daddy’s? Curly or straight hair? When less than 1% of the population is born with a Congenital Melanocytic Nevi, that thought doesn’t even cross your mind. Unfortunately, this is Zak and Rebecca Belge’s reality. Our first (and only) grandson was born with this rare skin condition that has many possible complications. From birth, we had to worry about Sawyer developing cancer. He has already had surgery to remove lesions and possible cancerous areas from his back as well as an MRI of his spine and brain. We were all hoping for clear results but sadly we learned this week that he does have melanoma (skin cancer) and will need treatment. Sawyer's journey has not been an easy one so far but he continues to smile and warm the hearts of anyone who meets him.

Not only did Sawyer need immediate medical attention when he was born but so did our daughter-in-law Rebecca. Rebecca suffered a 4th-degree tear during delivery! She has had 2 surgeries so far and has been doing physical therapy weekly to try and heal her body from the complicated delivery. She is a phenomenal mother, putting her medical issues aside to be there for Sawyer’s surgeries. I can’t imagine the pain these new parents are feeling with their baby’s future so unknown. They are strong and positive and that’s why we want to rally around them with support and love (and with your help, money).

Both Rebecca and Sawyer have had a difficult 9 months with several costly surgical procedures, and countless doctors’ appointments. Sawyer’s doctors are in Salt Lake (3 hours from their home in Utah) so each appointment entails transportation and hotel expenses (did I mention the new Mom gets car sick?!). Rebecca’s doctors are in Pennsylvania, luckily close to her parent's home, so this young family has been separated for several months while Rebecca receives treatment and follow-up therapy. My son, Zak, has continued working throughout the process to support his family. He had to leave on a two week fire assignment when Sawyer was only 2 weeks old!

This young couple was robbed of their Dream Wedding due to Covid in 2020. They rolled with it and married without any hoopla in the living room of their Preacher’s house with just their parents present. They met in college, and both have adventurous spirits. Zak is a Wildland Fire Fighter which meant they had to make the move cross country to Utah for his job. Shortly after purchasing their first home, we were all blessed with the birth of Sawyer. Despite what he faces, he is the happiest, most loved baby on the planet! Zak and Rebecca have a tough road ahead of them with Sawyer’s unknowns and mounting medical bills, but I am hoping with the love and support from family and friends, we can help ease their financial burden. Please contribute whatever you can in support of Sawyer’s Warriors.