Team Connor

Dear family, friends, and compassionate individuals;My name is Heather Braderman and I truly appreciate you taking a moment to read this story about my special buddy, Connor. My precious nephew, Connor Taverna, is fighting a battle that no child should have to fight - the fight against cancer. Connor is a five year old - dino loving little boy who is about to graduate from preschool. He is tender hearted and so loving. Right now, he needs your help. Connor’s symptoms started out as pain and weakness to his right arm. His balance was off causing him to trip and fall. His left eye has weakened and now deviates inward. He suffers from double vision, difficulty walking, and headaches. On May 11th, 2023, Connor was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). It’s a fast growing brain tumor found in the brainstem. This cancer affects children between the ages of 5 and 7 years old. It’s extremely rare with only 150-300 new cases per year in the United States. Sadly, there is no cure for his condition, but there is hope for him. Connor will receive radiation therapy at Hershey Medical Center and is a candidate for a clinical trial with CHOP. I have started this Go Fund Me account in an attempt to ease the burden of his parents, Heidi and Chas. Over the next several months they will need to be at countless doctor appointments, have numerous hospital stays, and be at home to support their struggling son. As you can imagine, the normal costs of everyday living and the medical expenses can be astronomical. This fundraiser will enable my sister and brother-in-law to be able to concentrate on Connor’s needs and wishes as he battles this wicked disease. Connor could be your child. He eats ice cream and pizza. He licks the icing off of cupcakes. He rides his bike and plays on his swing set. He dances to “Shake It For Me” by Luke Bryan. He adores his little sister, Hadley and likes to chase her around. He has an obsession with dinosaurs, but most importantly, he wholeheartedly loves his family. From the bottom of my heart, I humbly ask that you share this link with your family and friends. And if possible, please donate to my nephew and his family. Thank you,Heather