This is a tribute to my hero, my son Brian, who at the age of 3 1/2 was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer-rhabdomyosarcoma.It is soft-tissue cancer that originated in his nasal phaynx but at the time of diagnosis had eroded the base of his skull and invaded the temporal lobe of his brain. Brian had just started preschool. We spent the next four months living in New York City where Brian received very aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatments. His prognosis at best was "guarded"-we were told have he had a 20% chance that he would survive 2 years. That was 17 years ago. Brian graduated high school with a special diploma in June 2004. He is now attending a vocation program working at an assisted living facility. He spent last summer working with elementary school-aged children with disabilties at a therapudic recreation program as well as enjoying his weeks at Camp Friendship in Maryland. Today Brian is legally blind, profoundly hearing impaired, dwarfed, and has many learning disablities. Last year he had surgery to remove his gastric tube after many years of tubal feeding. He is a risk for secondary malignancies including leukemia, lymphoma, and any soft tissue sarcoma. But as a first-born Leo he is a fighter, stubborn and charming. I believe he has been sustained by his passion for boating and is the proud owner of a SeaRay speed boat. Brian is also passionate about his video games, and movies, and his love of helping others. He is our true miracle. Support childhood cancer awareness by visiting at my store at Cafe Press and see some of Brian's art, too! |Site Map|