Rhys was diagnosed with pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. just 2 weeks before his 6th birthday. In the months prior to his diagnosis he had gone from a goofy, fun-loving active little boy to a tired, withdrawn, and somewhat surly kid. His family was hoping it was just a developmental phase, but when he was finally diagnosed all the behavioral changes made sense.
The Goldmans were lucky to live near Seattle Children's Hospital, which has benefited greatly from St Baldrick's funding. For over three years Rhys underwent treatment. He stoically handled countless pokes, lumbar punctures, transfusions, and chemo. The maintenance phase of his treatment plan was supposed to be “easy,” but it wasn't. Like many kids, Rhys’ body struggled to process the chemotherapy His blood counts went up and down and his treatment team struggled to find the correct dosing that wouldn’t completely knock out his bone marrow. He'd be fine for months and suddenly boom! His lab work would show he was unexpectedly neutropenic, in need of transfusions, and requiring another dose adjustment. Sadly, this meant a lot of missed school and life experiences.
Rhys finished his rollercoaster ride through treatment in July 2018 and he's making up for lost time. His days are now filled with singing in a boys’ choir, swimming, chess tournaments, playing with his dogs, and most importantly going to school.
Wouldn't it be nice if the chemotherapy drugs didn't kick you when you're already down? Isn't it bad enough to be a kid with cancer? That's why Rhys Pieces of the Cure was created. This fund will ensure that more research happens. Research that is specifically for kids' treatments and focused on less toxic cures. Please join us and help make this a reality.
Donations given to the Rhys' Pieces of the Cure Fund have generously supported a St. Baldrick's Fellow Grant for Crystal Wang M.D., and funded a one-year St. Baldrick's Scholar Grant extension for Katherine Tarlock M.D.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation is guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of leading experts in the childhood cancer community, to ensure that every dollar makes the greatest impact for kids with cancer.
These people make us smile - they're the doers and money-raisers on behalf of the Rhys Pieces of the Cure. They're shaving their heads, hosting events, starting fundraisers and more to make childhood cancer research possible.
Start your own St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to support our Hero Fund! A dedicated staff member will guide you every step of the way—and you’ll have fun doing something great for kids with cancer.
Register to shave your head and support our Hero Fund at any St. Baldrick’s event worldwide! No event nearby? Go virtual and shave anytime, anywhere.
Not into head-shaving? No problem! Start a fundraiser for our Hero Fund doing something you love—bike a marathon, host a bake sale, anything goes!
Need help? Email us at Funds@StBaldricks.org
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The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization, IRS identification number 20-1173824.
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