Ward’s Medical/Associated Expenses

On December 8, 2017 Brittany and Trip Porch took their 18 month old son, Ward, to the pediatrician for his routine wellness exam.  During the examination, his doctor noticed a lump on the right side of his abdomen.  Subsequent ultrasound testing led to a preliminary diagnosis of renal cancer, likely a Wilms tumor.

On December 13th, Ward and family arrived early at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio for Ward’s CT scan to help further diagnose the mass and determine treatment alternatives.  

The tumor was determined to be large - about the size of a butternut squash.  The good news is it appears to be contained and encapsulated within the right kidney.  The  team did not identify any sign of cancer in the lungs or Ward’s left kidney.

The team outlined a treatment course that will be more of a marathon than a sprint.  First, Ward will undergo surgery to remove the kidney containing the tumor.  Ward will remain hospitalized following surgery for 4-5 days.  Observations during surgery and follow-up testing will dictate the extent of Ward’s post-surgical treatment course.  At a minimum, Ward will begin chemotherapy several weeks following surgery.  The duration of chemotherapy will depend on the surgical findings, but will likely range from 16-32 weeks.  

This is an uncertain and heart-wrenching time for Trip, Brittany, and family.  They are trying their best to absorb and process the information they receive from Ward’s medical team.  Their focus is giving Ward the best chance of success; making him as comfortable as possible as he undergoes treatment; and getting through each day together.

Brittany and Trip give tirelessly to their church families, friends, and neighbors.  They have been brilliant sparks to their respective congregations at Broad Street Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Granville in central Ohio.  As part of a hopeful, loving and supportive community, my goal with this page is to in some way reduce the long-term financial stress of this most difficult situation.  Trip and Brittany are far too humble to personally ask for financial support, but the financial burden of Ward’s future treatment and associated care is a certainty.

Thank you for considering a gift to help Ward and family fight through and beyond his diagnosis.

* Please note that while I will manage this gofundme account, only Trip and Brittany will withdraw funds to cover expenses related to Ward’s care.

* If donations exceed that necessary to cover costs related to Ward’s care, all remaining funds will be donated to other families facing pediatric cancer to help offset their expenses.