Why I walk....

A picture is worth a thousand words, so I want to show you what research is doing to save my son.  This first scan shows his brain in November 2010.  Despite 3 years of treatment including 3 surgeries, almost 2 years of chemotherapy, and radiation, the tumor had grown larger than it had ever been.  This is a side view of Matt's head - notice his nose and face on the left of the scan.  The big white blob in the middle of the black space in the center is tumor.  All of the white snakey tendrils you see through the brain is also tumor that has spread.

 This is the same side view of the tumor, taken 10 days ago when we were at St.Jude. 

 

 Here is a view looking down on his head from the top.  Again, the white blob in the center should not be there. 

 And here is the view from our last scans.

In this case, a picture is truly worth a thousand words.  :)

Research is saving my boy.  This is a phase 1 study drug (there are 4 phases before a drug can be put on the market).

Please join our CureSearch for Children's Cancer team, Cache Valley Cancer Kids.  The research really IS making a difference and is saving children like Matthew.  Before we started this study, we were being given very little hope.  The study we are on is a Children's Oncology Group study - even though it is administered through St.Jude Children's Research Hospital.  CureSearch directly funds COG.  Therefore, CureSearch is saving Matthew's life.  :)

To donate, join our team, Cache Valley Cancer Kids.  A donation of ANY amount is appreciated, and a donation of $10 gets you on our 'team'.  We will be walking in September in Salt Lake City.  As a member of the team, you can opt to walk with us, but it is not required. 

We also have a great raffle planned for this weekend at Al's Sporting goods.  Raffle tickets are $1 each and will be on sale both tonight from 4-8 at Macey's in Providence and tomorrow starting at 9 am at Al's sporting goods.  We will be raffling off a 15 foot trampoline, a gift certificate to FireHouse Pizza, and tickets to an Aggie Basketball game. 

It's a super fun way to help support children with cancer.

So show your support today and tomorrow!  Or join our team..... OR BOTH!!!