Thank you for your passion and commitment to fight childhood cancer! In December 2018, Michael (age 3) went to the pediatrician for a typical belly ache and fever. It was within moments of seeing the alarming look on the doctor’s face in the exam room that we knew something was wrong. In the hours to follow, we would learn that Michael has a massive tumor (about half the size of a football) growing deep within his abdominal cavity and, soon after, came the dreaded phrase that no parent should ever have to hear: “your child has cancer.” In particular, Michael has Stage 3 High Risk Neuroblastoma – a pediatric cancer that formed from immature nerve cells on his right Adrenal gland (which sits just above the kidney). It is an aggressive cancer that impacts only 700 children globally a year. Since being diagnosed, Michael has completed 3 weeks of chemotherapy with 3 more to go. Upon completion, he will undergo surgery to remove the tumor, followed by an aggressive Stem Cell Transplant, radiation and an additional 6 months of immunotherapy. His journey to recovery will be long, but are ready to fight. More important, we are determined to win. While the diagnosis of cancer is devastating on many levels, one thing has been crystal clear: Michael is surrounded by an AMAZING extended family of relatives, friends, co-workers, hockey players, and the Park Ridge community who is sending constant love, prayers, hope and well wishes. THANK YOU. As you look to the future, our family hopes you will take the time to love more, enjoy those around you and appreciate all the blessing you have been given. We will too. Thank you for supporting the more than 300,000 kids worldwide who will be diagnosed with cancer this year. By sharing the gifts of your time, talent and money with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, you're supporting research to give all kids with cancer a better chance for a cure.