Sean's new leg for his new life.
Donation protected
I guess this is the Summers Family "it takes a village moment":
As many of you know my youngest son Sean Michael is a childhood cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (the most common childhood cancer) on his 3rd birthday. His protocal (treatment plan) lasted 3.5 years. He sailed through his treatment and at the the age of 12 was deemed 'cured'.
While playing high school football at the age of 17, Sean sustained an injury to his lower leg during a tackle gone awry. It left him with a lump that the Doctor diagnosed as Myositis Ossificans. Unfortunately it was simply monitored for 2 years. At our repeated insistance a biopsy was finally done where it was then discovered that this once thought benign condition was in fact Epithelioid Sarcoma a very rare cancer, the diagnosis was confirmed when Kaisers pathology sent it on to Cleveland Clinic. The treatment was an extensive resection on his lower leg in addition to the max doses of radiation.
Subsequently he has been monitored closely through CT, MRI and PET scans 2 -4 times a year for the last 5 years.
This past March a bout of cellulitis in that leg had him in the hospital for 10 days with massive doses of antibiotics the Drs thought they saw something going on in an MRI in the leg, but eventually chocked it up to the cellulitis. However in Sept it was apparent after 5 years the sarcoma had returned.
The Docs discussed a limb salvage but it did not appear this was a good option, so after many doc consults, 2 weeks ago my brave boy made the informed but life changing decision to have an above the knee amputation.
Through all this he has remained in school where he is studying biomedical engineering at San Jose State University. He maintains straight A's all the while and is even now studying for his last final which is this Tuesday Dec 15th. His amputation is scheduled this Thursday Dec 17th in So San Francisco.
Through this journey my son has taught me what true courage is! He blows my mind...He has had many health challenges yet remains kind, giving and compassionate and now focused! His Dad and I are beyond proud of the young man he has become!
The reason I have begun a Go Fund me for my son is we have discovered that his 1,000.00 a month Kaiser coverage does not cover the cost of a prosthesis, This was beyond shocking to find out. This is a 24 year old young man who tries to stay active, rides a bike daily 6 miles round trip to his classes at SJSU, pitches for his baseball team is now supposed to get around on crutches and wheelchairs when the funds for a good leg are the only thing lacking.
We have also discovered these legs are not cheap they range from $30,000. to $75,000. and up, the kicker is they only last 3-5 years, As we are not wealthy people by any stretch and close to retirement we panicked when we saw these price tags hence we are looking for any way to help our boy lead as normal a life as possible! Many of our friends have suggested doing a Go Fund me...I know I have donated to various causes through them in the past!
It is my hope that one day Sean as a biomedical engineer will one day design his own leg, and the limbs for other amputees!
I know many can not afford to donate funds. but I ask you to pray for my son, I so believe in the power of prayer! Positive energy, good vibes...any and all sent his way will be very much appreciated!
Our profound thanks and love to you all.....
As many of you know my youngest son Sean Michael is a childhood cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (the most common childhood cancer) on his 3rd birthday. His protocal (treatment plan) lasted 3.5 years. He sailed through his treatment and at the the age of 12 was deemed 'cured'.
While playing high school football at the age of 17, Sean sustained an injury to his lower leg during a tackle gone awry. It left him with a lump that the Doctor diagnosed as Myositis Ossificans. Unfortunately it was simply monitored for 2 years. At our repeated insistance a biopsy was finally done where it was then discovered that this once thought benign condition was in fact Epithelioid Sarcoma a very rare cancer, the diagnosis was confirmed when Kaisers pathology sent it on to Cleveland Clinic. The treatment was an extensive resection on his lower leg in addition to the max doses of radiation.
Subsequently he has been monitored closely through CT, MRI and PET scans 2 -4 times a year for the last 5 years.
This past March a bout of cellulitis in that leg had him in the hospital for 10 days with massive doses of antibiotics the Drs thought they saw something going on in an MRI in the leg, but eventually chocked it up to the cellulitis. However in Sept it was apparent after 5 years the sarcoma had returned.
The Docs discussed a limb salvage but it did not appear this was a good option, so after many doc consults, 2 weeks ago my brave boy made the informed but life changing decision to have an above the knee amputation.
Through all this he has remained in school where he is studying biomedical engineering at San Jose State University. He maintains straight A's all the while and is even now studying for his last final which is this Tuesday Dec 15th. His amputation is scheduled this Thursday Dec 17th in So San Francisco.
Through this journey my son has taught me what true courage is! He blows my mind...He has had many health challenges yet remains kind, giving and compassionate and now focused! His Dad and I are beyond proud of the young man he has become!
The reason I have begun a Go Fund me for my son is we have discovered that his 1,000.00 a month Kaiser coverage does not cover the cost of a prosthesis, This was beyond shocking to find out. This is a 24 year old young man who tries to stay active, rides a bike daily 6 miles round trip to his classes at SJSU, pitches for his baseball team is now supposed to get around on crutches and wheelchairs when the funds for a good leg are the only thing lacking.
We have also discovered these legs are not cheap they range from $30,000. to $75,000. and up, the kicker is they only last 3-5 years, As we are not wealthy people by any stretch and close to retirement we panicked when we saw these price tags hence we are looking for any way to help our boy lead as normal a life as possible! Many of our friends have suggested doing a Go Fund me...I know I have donated to various causes through them in the past!
It is my hope that one day Sean as a biomedical engineer will one day design his own leg, and the limbs for other amputees!
I know many can not afford to donate funds. but I ask you to pray for my son, I so believe in the power of prayer! Positive energy, good vibes...any and all sent his way will be very much appreciated!
Our profound thanks and love to you all.....
Organizer
Debbie Summers
Organizer
Walnut Creek, CA
