[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]In honor of Sarcoma Awareness Month, we are featuring the story of Brendon, a brave sarcoma fighter.
What is a sarcoma?
Sarcomas are rare cancerous tumors that develop in the body’s connective tissues. There are two main categories of sarcoma: bone and soft tissue. The disease affects both children and adults, but is much more common among children. Sixteen percent of the patients Family Reach served in 2016 had some form of sarcoma.
Meet Brendon
Brendon is a very active two year old. He loves to run around with his older sister, Kimberly, and spend quality time with his baby brother, Matthew.
Brendon was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma last January and is in the midst of a two-year treatment plan that requires frequent inpatient stays and clinic visits. He spends approximately four days a week at Tufts Floating Hospital for Children, more than an hour away from his home. This schedule has had a major impact on his family’s financial wellbeing.
Adjusting to a new way of life
MassHealth covers all of Brendon’s treatment and medical costs. It’s the non-medical expenses and loss of income that have really taken a toll on his loving family. His parents, Yeronely and Raphael, have had to take off a significant amount of work. One must stay with Brendon in the hospital for weeks at a time while the other looks after Kimberly and Matthew.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”14520″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This loss of income has made keeping up with rent and other monthly bills nearly impossible. The family was drowning and needed help staying afloat while fighting their son’s disease.
Getting to the other side of cancer
Brendon’s social worker approached Family Reach. Our team immediately covered several months of rent. This has helped the family get back on their feet and keep a roof over their head as they power through the final phases of treatment.
“We are very grateful for the support Family Reach provided us during this difficult time,” said Yeronely. “Your help has allowed us to be by Brendon’s side and look after our two other children.”
Brendon is a strong little boy. He had a successful tumor removal surgery in mid-May and is in the process of completing both radiation and chemotherapy!
For as little as $15 a month, you can assist families struggling with a sarcoma and other cancers. Click here to learn how.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
