Life After Brain Cancer: Isaac’s Late Effects
Ambassador Isaac finished treatment for medulloblastoma almost four years ago. But today, on the five-year anniversary of his diagnosis, the effects of childhood cancer are still evident in his everyday life. Read what his mom, April, has to say about what survivorship looks like for Isaac.
People often say to me, “Move on. Let it go. He’s cancer free. We’re sick of hearing about it.”
Yes, it has been some time since Isaac finished treatment for medulloblastoma on August 24, 2012. He has made tremendous strides, and let’s face it — he’s still here and cancer free.
So why don’t I forget it? Why do I seem forever trapped in this cancer nightmare?
A Symbol of Love: Mateo Goes Bald for His Brother Mason
Mateo and Mason spent their early years of brotherhood playing together and acting goofy. When Mason was diagnosed with a brain tumor, the two brothers stayed strong, bonded by their love for soccer and for each other. This weekend, Mateo, now 16, will be shaving his head in honor of his little brother. Mateo tells his story below.
Mason (right) hugging his big brother Mateo.
I was 6 years old that day in July 2006 when my parents told me we had to go home to the United States because my brother was sick and needed surgery.
We were medically evacuated from Ecuador because my almost-4-year-old brother, Mason, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It changed all our lives in an instant.
The Force Is Strong With This One: Ian’s Story
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away — well, all right, recently in South Dakota — there lived an Honored Kid named Ian. He was a Star Wars fan and a fighter, with a heart of gold and the soul of a Jedi master. In honor of Star Wars Day, we’re bringing you his incredible story. As Ian would love to say in celebration of today, May the Fourth be with you always.
Dressed in Jedi robes and armed with his lightsaber, Ian gets ready to save the galaxy.
Honored Kid Ian had the heart of a Jedi.
The young Star Wars fan fought valiantly against an evil foe while always thinking of others ahead of himself. He even had a lightsaber, Jedi robes and some really cool moves.
“He’s my role model,” said his dad, Rob. “I still try and strive, but the things he knew and the things he did — it was pretty amazing.”
Daisy’s Latest Scans
2015 Ambassador Daisy relapsed with medulloblastoma in September 2015. Since then, she’s been through surgery, radiation and chemo. Then she went in for scans to see if the treatment was working. Daisy’s mom, Natalie, shares the results.
Daisy smiles as her mom, Natalie, gives her a kiss.
It had been 92 days since we heard the devastating news of Daisy’s relapse of medulloblastoma. Her brain and spine MRI was only a few days away, and emotions were high.
Her doctor at the children’s hospital told us that if the scan showed any progression of disease, treatment would stop. Our beautiful 9-year-old daughter would be put on palliative care.
How could words like that sink in?
Meet Isaac
During treatment for a type of brain cancer called medulloblastoma, Isaac was known as the kid with the smile. The little boy endured countless pokes, nine rounds of chemotherapy, 30 rounds of radiation and an extensive brain surgery. He had to learn to walk again and lost his hair four times. A determined kid, he always insisted on going back to his first grade class after each session of brain and spinal radiation.
Daisy’s Message to You [VIDEO]
Just days after learning her cancer had returned, Ambassador Daisy went in for surgery to remove the tumors on her spine. Her mom, Natalie, shares this update, along with a sweet video message from Daisy to you.
Daisy’s Cancer Is Back
Last Thursday, Ambassador Daisy went to the hospital for a routine MRI. The next day, her parents received the worst possible news. “The second time is worse,” her mom, Natalie, writes. “So much worse than the first time because this time we are aware of the brutal realities … the cruelness that is childhood cancer.”
So Many Reasons to Celebrate: An Update on Grace
Last month, 2014 Ambassador Grace had her final post-treatment MRI. Her mom, Bekah, shares the good news, along with some other milestones that have had them smiling this past summer.
Grace smiles with her parents, Bekah and Russell.
Grace’s MRI in August showed no evidence of disease. And now, eight years after diagnosis, the MRIs are done.
This is a huge medical milestone every cancer parent dreams of. It hasn’t completely sunk in.
Ambassador Grace Helps Other Brain Tumor Survivors Thrive Through a New Research Grant
Ambassador Grace finished treatment for a brain tumor seven years ago. Now, as she faces the late effects of her battle with a smile and her shining spirit, she is also helping other kids going through the same challenges through her fundraising efforts. Today we announce the Grace for Good St. Baldrick’s Supportive Care Grant, which is going to a research team using the latest technology and testing to find ways to help survivors like Grace.
Grace and her mom, Bekah.
If Childhood Cancer Hadn’t Gotten a Hold of Her
Even though Ambassador Daisy’s scans show no evidence of disease, the evidence of her brain tumor treatment is something she lives with every day. “I think the hardest thing for me to grasp is that it took her smile,” her mom, Natalie, says.
Daisy finished treatment for medulloblastoma, a pediatric brain tumor, last year. Her facial muscles are partially paralyzed from the surgery to remove her tumor.
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