September is childhood cancer awareness month...we won't let cancer win.
Ethan's Story
After a doctor’s visit in July 2017, Ethan was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. A tumor in his right tibia was the catalyst for the words no parent ever wants to hear, “Your son has cancer.” In a matter of seconds, his life was forever changed and his struggle just beginning. Ethan started chemo within a week of confirming his diagnosis.
The treatment was harsh on poor Ethan’s 15-year-old body. While his friends were preparing to start high school, he was going through chemo. They were looking forward to football games and dances at the same time Ethan was looking at a major surgery to salvage his leg. Ethan tried to maintain some normalcy in the weeks leading up to his surgery. He went to school when he could and played on the high school golf team. Some days, he had trouble standing for long periods of time yet he still persevered, determined not to let cancer ruin (or run) his life.
Ethan completed chemo in February 2018 and was given the all-clear to walk on his slow healing leg that June. He was diligent with physical therapy and worked out constantly. Ethan was successful at getting back to his prime even playing on the school basketball team. In March 2019, his world came crashing down again. A routine scan revealed lung nodules.
There are no words to express the devastation Ethan and his family felt. Another surgery in July 2019 was required to remove the lung nodules. Providing hope once again, a scan the following month showed no evidence of disease. Shortly after this good news came more bad news. Chest pain indicated a new problem, a large tumor in his heart. Ethan was given the devastating news that he would not survive. He still fought with chemo and even an open-heart surgery in April 2020. He had visible scars. Scars that were signs of the battles that he fought. In July 2020, Ethan took his last breath on this earth and is missed every moment of every day.