Walker's Warriors - Fight Retinoblastoma
Donation protected
Meet Our Hero Walker
Hello. I’m one of the many people who have the privilege of being Walker’s unbiological auntie. Walker is the first and only child (so far) for his parents Amanda and Kevin and after a normal pregnancy and stubborn entry into the world, Walker was born July 23, 2018.
Heart Warrior
Shortly after birth walker was diagnosed with 2 rare congenital heart defects. Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). Walker required open heart surgery at 6 weeks old and has continued to amaze everyone with his bravery and strength. He has been thriving and his family was just starting to get back to “normal” as they celebrated his first Christmas and New Year.
Another Heartbreaking Diagnosis
As if heart surgery wasn’t enough for any family to go through, a few months ago Walker's mama noticed a glare in his right eye. Their pediatrician told them it was probably nothing and referred them to an ophthalmologist. Shortly after the new year they took Walker in and I will never forget how carefree my friend was that day. She had plans that afternoon with a friend visiting from California. She never anticipated that something else could be wrong. They had already been through so much.
The ophthalmologist unfortunately shared the news that it was likely very serious and sent Walker immediately over to Children's Hospital in Dallas. There they diagnosed Walker with bi-lateral retinoblastoma, which is a rare form of cancer in both eyes. The hospital suggested they move forward with systematic chemo but after doing some research his parents decided to move forward with a procedure out of Houston called intra-arteriel chemotherapy straight to the cancer in the eyes. The goal is first to save Walkers life, then his eyes and as much vision as possible.
The Costs
Although Amanda and Kevin are blessed to have good jobs and insurance, they will have thousands in deductibles, co-pays and out of pocket maximums (assuming all treatments are covered). Additionally, they will incur significant travel costs for Walker's treatments. They are extremely grateful to live in a state where there are specialists to treat this rare cancer, but they will still need to travel 5 hours to Houston every 3-4 weeks for chemo and checkups during his journey. As we all know, travel costs like gas, food and hotels can start to add up quickly. In addition to unpaid time off work, medical fees, and travel costs, they have made an important family decision to transition to a single income household, as Walker cannot return to daycare at this time. This is due to increased risks of infection and Walker being unable to receive vaccinations during treatment. Amanda and Kevin relocated to Texas recently for work and have great friend support there, but no local family and we all know dedicated childcare is very costly.
Why This Cause Means So Much
Amanda & Kevin will have significant emotional and financial hurdles that most new parents will never have to endure. They are very hardworking people and politely declined any financial help during Walker’s heart surgery. Their friends and family are rallying around them to try and ease some of their financial burdens so that they can focus on helping their little warrior defeat this terrible disease. I will continue to share info regarding Walker’s treatment and associated costs as they become more known. So far Walker has had one IAC treatment and continues to amaze everyone with his strength and positivity. We are all so proud of Amanda and Kevin for their strength and determination to get their little man through this terribly unfair situation.
How You Can Help
We are all so grateful to you for even reading through this message. If you can contribute anything to help lift them up and ease their burdens through this difficult journey, it will be forever appreciated. If you are not in a place to contribute please don’t feel obligated. We would be grateful if you could share this link with your friends and family to help us spread the word. Additionally, prayers for Walker, Amanda and Kevin are greatly appreciated.
https://www.gofundme.com/walker039s-warriors-fight-retinoblastoma
Hello. I’m one of the many people who have the privilege of being Walker’s unbiological auntie. Walker is the first and only child (so far) for his parents Amanda and Kevin and after a normal pregnancy and stubborn entry into the world, Walker was born July 23, 2018.
Heart Warrior
Shortly after birth walker was diagnosed with 2 rare congenital heart defects. Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). Walker required open heart surgery at 6 weeks old and has continued to amaze everyone with his bravery and strength. He has been thriving and his family was just starting to get back to “normal” as they celebrated his first Christmas and New Year.
Another Heartbreaking Diagnosis
As if heart surgery wasn’t enough for any family to go through, a few months ago Walker's mama noticed a glare in his right eye. Their pediatrician told them it was probably nothing and referred them to an ophthalmologist. Shortly after the new year they took Walker in and I will never forget how carefree my friend was that day. She had plans that afternoon with a friend visiting from California. She never anticipated that something else could be wrong. They had already been through so much.
The ophthalmologist unfortunately shared the news that it was likely very serious and sent Walker immediately over to Children's Hospital in Dallas. There they diagnosed Walker with bi-lateral retinoblastoma, which is a rare form of cancer in both eyes. The hospital suggested they move forward with systematic chemo but after doing some research his parents decided to move forward with a procedure out of Houston called intra-arteriel chemotherapy straight to the cancer in the eyes. The goal is first to save Walkers life, then his eyes and as much vision as possible.
The Costs
Although Amanda and Kevin are blessed to have good jobs and insurance, they will have thousands in deductibles, co-pays and out of pocket maximums (assuming all treatments are covered). Additionally, they will incur significant travel costs for Walker's treatments. They are extremely grateful to live in a state where there are specialists to treat this rare cancer, but they will still need to travel 5 hours to Houston every 3-4 weeks for chemo and checkups during his journey. As we all know, travel costs like gas, food and hotels can start to add up quickly. In addition to unpaid time off work, medical fees, and travel costs, they have made an important family decision to transition to a single income household, as Walker cannot return to daycare at this time. This is due to increased risks of infection and Walker being unable to receive vaccinations during treatment. Amanda and Kevin relocated to Texas recently for work and have great friend support there, but no local family and we all know dedicated childcare is very costly.
Why This Cause Means So Much
Amanda & Kevin will have significant emotional and financial hurdles that most new parents will never have to endure. They are very hardworking people and politely declined any financial help during Walker’s heart surgery. Their friends and family are rallying around them to try and ease some of their financial burdens so that they can focus on helping their little warrior defeat this terrible disease. I will continue to share info regarding Walker’s treatment and associated costs as they become more known. So far Walker has had one IAC treatment and continues to amaze everyone with his strength and positivity. We are all so proud of Amanda and Kevin for their strength and determination to get their little man through this terribly unfair situation.
How You Can Help
We are all so grateful to you for even reading through this message. If you can contribute anything to help lift them up and ease their burdens through this difficult journey, it will be forever appreciated. If you are not in a place to contribute please don’t feel obligated. We would be grateful if you could share this link with your friends and family to help us spread the word. Additionally, prayers for Walker, Amanda and Kevin are greatly appreciated.
https://www.gofundme.com/walker039s-warriors-fight-retinoblastoma
Organizer and beneficiary
Walker's Aunties
Organizer
Troy, MI
Kevin Anthony Padilla
Beneficiary
