In May of 2020 my nephew, Aidan O'neil suffered for many weeks with pain in his back and legs. His doctor insisted it was growing pains. After no relief, and symptoms worsening to the point of Aidan barely being able to walk his parents took him to the hospital. After having an MRI the doctors discovered a tumor on his spinal cord. They immediately rushed him into surgery to try to remove the tumor. His parents feared the worst. In June of 2020 he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma "a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects only 200 children in the United States each year".
Aidan and his mom spent many full weeks for several months at the hospital so that Aidan could receive treatment which included chemotherapy, and radiation. Finally, in April, 2021 Aidan was given the all clear.... the doctors couldn't detect any cancer cells. However, there was not much relief... or as much as we hoped, as this type of cancer has a very high risk of returning. Many children with Ewing Sarcoma do have a reoccurrence or develop another form of cancer within a short time span.
Moving forward, Aidan continued to be scanned every 3-6 months.
In April 2022, Aidan was having pain in his hip, and in early May the doctors wanted to run additional tests. The doctors delivered devastating news to Tom and Mary. Aidan's cancer had returned. Not only had the tumor in the original site re-appear, but they found lesions on his hip, femur, and pelvis. Aidan has undergone countless chemotherapy sessions, had to have another surgery on his spinal cord, and is now receiving radiation. The doctors have confirmed that the tumor looks fuller on his spine and are looking to have Aidan go to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia "CHOP" for a study.
So many people ask, "What can I do?" and there is no easy answer. Prayers are most appreciated, and sometimes that is all we can do. However, I wanted to put this fundraiser together in hopes of relieving some/ any of the financial burden. Mary and Tom live in Vernon, New Jersey. They will be traveling to Philadelphia, PA in the coming months. I am hoping to raise some funds to assist with whatever they may need "Fuel, meals, hotels, doctor bills". Every little bit helps whether it is $5.00 or $50.00.
Please Pray for Aidan, my sister, and brother in law, and his two younger brothers. If you can, please donate, or share this fundraiser.
The outpouring of love and support has been so amazing.
We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the moon.
