Michael Smith Neuroblastoma Fund
Donation protected
Dec 16: Michael made through a grueling 11 hour surgery and quick recovery ( he was only in thee hospital for one week). He just completed chemo # 5 and is on his way home. Mid-January he will be admitted for this stem cell transplant. He is an amazing kid; our little warrior.
Oct. 04 - update: Michael successfully completed MIBG treatment. He was quite brave and only cried when he had to go to sleep without his mommy or daddy by his side. He also had his 1st CT scan since treatment started. There are no new tumors and the primary tumor in his tummy has shrunk; an excellent indicator that treatment is working. Right now he is home and feeling like a normal boy. His blood counts are great and he is full of energy. One more week and it's off for chemo treatment # 4.
Thanks again for the many donation that have been received and for the ongoing support from family, friends and the community we live in.
Sept 08 - update: Michael will receive MIBG treatment this coming week - radioactive dye injected for the tumor cells to ingest.
Aug 13 - update: last week Michael had his stem cell rescue in preparation for stem cell transplant after all his chemo, radiation and surgery are completed. He did very well and had so many stem cells that the procedure took much less time than anticipated. Tomorrow, he is going to UCSF for round 3 of chemo. Your continued support is overwhelming. Thank you so much!!!
July 11 - update: Michael was home for a few days before being readmitted to UCSF for a fever and blood transfusions. He will spend a few more days in the hospital and them come home for a few days before starting his next round of chemotherapy.
July 5 - Update: we started chemo 2 days ago and so far Michael is tolerating it very well. The plan is to go home for 2 weeks after 5 doses.
July 2 - Update: Michael's diagnosis has changed to Neuroblastoma; a malignant tumor of the stomach.
After many tests verify the diagnosis and managing his symptoms (increased blood pressure, edema, pain, nausea and vomiting). we have finally arrived at a treatment plan.
Michael will likely participate in a research study; perhaps start his chemo therapy as early as this evening. After 5 days, if everything goes as planned he will finally be able to go home for 3 weeks before returning for the next treatment cycle.
We will try to keep this page updated as much as possible.
Again, many thanks to all of you who have donated to the cause; it has been an extremely difficult time and we are overwhelmed with the responses, both monetary and otherwise!
Love you all!
The Carter, Miyasato and Smith Family!
June 18 - Michael has been diagnosed with lymphoma; a type of cancer requiring long-term intensive care. Many friends and family have asked how to help and how to make monetary donations.
We are all quickly realizing the cost associated with the family living in a hospital room; parking, gas, food, clothes, etc. and the biggest challenge is yet to come: UCD is only covered under the PPO healthcare benefits; meaning after a large deductible, 20% of all bills are not covered.
If anyone would like to make a monetary contribution, this is the way to help. Megan, AJ, Michael, little Madden and the rest of the family will greatly appreciate it!
Thanks so much to everyone for reaching out; all the well wishes, prayers, concerns, notes and phone calls are greatly appreciated!
The Carter, Miyasato and Smith Family!
Wow, the response so far has been amazing, we don't even know how to say 'Thank You' above and beyond....
Oct. 04 - update: Michael successfully completed MIBG treatment. He was quite brave and only cried when he had to go to sleep without his mommy or daddy by his side. He also had his 1st CT scan since treatment started. There are no new tumors and the primary tumor in his tummy has shrunk; an excellent indicator that treatment is working. Right now he is home and feeling like a normal boy. His blood counts are great and he is full of energy. One more week and it's off for chemo treatment # 4.
Thanks again for the many donation that have been received and for the ongoing support from family, friends and the community we live in.
Sept 08 - update: Michael will receive MIBG treatment this coming week - radioactive dye injected for the tumor cells to ingest.
Aug 13 - update: last week Michael had his stem cell rescue in preparation for stem cell transplant after all his chemo, radiation and surgery are completed. He did very well and had so many stem cells that the procedure took much less time than anticipated. Tomorrow, he is going to UCSF for round 3 of chemo. Your continued support is overwhelming. Thank you so much!!!
July 11 - update: Michael was home for a few days before being readmitted to UCSF for a fever and blood transfusions. He will spend a few more days in the hospital and them come home for a few days before starting his next round of chemotherapy.
July 5 - Update: we started chemo 2 days ago and so far Michael is tolerating it very well. The plan is to go home for 2 weeks after 5 doses.
July 2 - Update: Michael's diagnosis has changed to Neuroblastoma; a malignant tumor of the stomach.
After many tests verify the diagnosis and managing his symptoms (increased blood pressure, edema, pain, nausea and vomiting). we have finally arrived at a treatment plan.
Michael will likely participate in a research study; perhaps start his chemo therapy as early as this evening. After 5 days, if everything goes as planned he will finally be able to go home for 3 weeks before returning for the next treatment cycle.
We will try to keep this page updated as much as possible.
Again, many thanks to all of you who have donated to the cause; it has been an extremely difficult time and we are overwhelmed with the responses, both monetary and otherwise!
Love you all!
The Carter, Miyasato and Smith Family!
June 18 - Michael has been diagnosed with lymphoma; a type of cancer requiring long-term intensive care. Many friends and family have asked how to help and how to make monetary donations.
We are all quickly realizing the cost associated with the family living in a hospital room; parking, gas, food, clothes, etc. and the biggest challenge is yet to come: UCD is only covered under the PPO healthcare benefits; meaning after a large deductible, 20% of all bills are not covered.
If anyone would like to make a monetary contribution, this is the way to help. Megan, AJ, Michael, little Madden and the rest of the family will greatly appreciate it!
Thanks so much to everyone for reaching out; all the well wishes, prayers, concerns, notes and phone calls are greatly appreciated!
The Carter, Miyasato and Smith Family!
Wow, the response so far has been amazing, we don't even know how to say 'Thank You' above and beyond....
Fundraising team: MIchael Smith Lymphoma Team (2)
P Alwine Herfeld
Organizer
Raised $3,080 from 32 donations
Rancho Cordova, CA
Megan smith
Beneficiary
Rita Miyasato
Team member
Raised $4,142 from 44 donations
This team raised $22,653 from 221 other donations.
Invite friends to start a GoFundMe
