Supporting Atticus’ Fight Against Cancer

Hi, this fundraiser is for our 4 year old son Atticus Keene.

Atticus was diagnosed with High-risk Neuroblastoma Stage 4 on March 15, 2021. He started this battle with a week and a half of high fevers that came and went throughout the day, fatigue, cough and belly tenderness. We first thought he came down with a cold virus that his pediatrician thought was followed immediately with a stomach bug that caused his sudden belly problems and vomiting that emerged soon as his initial symptoms. His respiratory symptoms continued and after being x- rayed, they then diagnosed him with acute pneumonia. We were told to treat his symptoms and just keep him home to heal, but made another appointment because the symptoms worsened.

They found a large lump in his abdomen and thought his spleen was enlarged and sent his to the ER at Norton Children’s Hospital in Kentucky. They ran several tests that night not knowing what it could be and upon getting the results from his CT scan they told us they found several masses, the biggest on his adrenal gland, next on his liver and several smaller spots in both lungs. In the span of a week, Atticus received his cancer diagnosis and underwent surgery for a tumor biopsy, central line placement in his neck and chest, and bone marrow aspiration. We began chemotherapy at Norton and transferred care after a month to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Ohio for more specialized care of his Neuroblastoma.

So far, Atticus has been through 6 cycles of chemotherapy, one cycle of high-dose chemotherapy, and 2 stem cell transplants, 12 days or photon radiation, and has started his immunotherapy treatment. As expected, it’s been extremely difficult for our son to from being a healthy little boy to having to undergo the traumatic changes that come from countless procedures, medications, hospital stays, ER visits, and everything else that comes with getting rid of the cancer especially at such a young age.

We have tried to help him during this difficult time by having both of his parents with him every step of the way. We aren’t able to work at this time and are currently staying at the Ronald McDonald next to the hospital. He has been so brave and always is making his medical team and the RMH staff smile. Every donation, big or small, is extremely appreciated and is used toward bills to be paid, necessities, fun things to help Atticus stay motivated, and for future expenses that can come from long-term side effects from the cancer treatment.

We know every positive thought, prayer and message sent his way has helped him stay strong during all this.

Thank you all for everything,

Atticus, his momma (Jessie), and daddy (Tyler)