Chayton Williamson's Story:

We are honored to share the story of our son, Chayton Williamson, and his battle against Medulloblastoma (Brain Tumor). February 3rd, 2006 our lives changed forever. Chayton had become very ill with the flu and could hardly walk. We took him to his pediatrician to see what was wrong. The doctor felt convinced he had ataxia (swelling of the cerebellum) and advised us to go to Scottish Rite Hospital to confirm his suspicions via a CT scan. The scan did not show ataxia but instead revealed a tumor the size of a large egg.

Less than one week later Chayton endured a 6+ hour surgery to remove the tumor. During the operation we received the preliminary pathology report which confirmed the Medulloblastoma diagnosis. Chayton came through the surgery well and a week later we were discharged. It was a bittersweet homecoming for sure as now we were facing the battle of our lives, the fight against pediatric cancer.

After much consultation with his neuro-oncologist, Dr. Claire Mazewski, the decision was made to attempt a protocol that called for chemotherapy drugs only. The reason for this was because the doctors felt that Chayton was too young to have his brain radiated. This protocol called for most of his drugs to be administered while in the hospital. It was there that we were first introduced to CURE and their tremendous support of families facing the battle against childhood cancer.

Chayton was able to complete his protocol in October of 2006 and a subsequent MRI showed he remained in remission. The next year was full of what we considered “normal” life. Chayton enjoyed pre-school and even played on a soccer team. “Normal” didn’t last long however as a routine scan in October of 2007 showed that he had relapsed. The Monday after Thanksgiving Chayton went into surgery to remove the tumor and again it was confirmed to be Medulloblastoma.

Spring of 2008 found us in Durham, NC. Chayton underwent a Stem Cell Transplant at Duke University Medical Center. This was the most difficult, physically, on his little body. Fortunately Chayton, as usual, bounced back from this and recovered well and our stay at Duke was over in a 3 month span of time. We then headed to Jacksonville, Florida where Chayton received Proton Beam Radiation to his brain and spine. This was another 3 month stay away from home for our family.

As of today Chayton remains in remission (his most recent scan was CLEAR!). We have had several doctors explain to us that we have exhausted our best treatment options and if the cancer returns they advise us to “not put him through” anymore. We WILL not let that deter our optimism for the future. Our hope, and prayer, is that more treatments options are being discovered through the research that organizations like CURE fund and if the “beast” returns we WILL have options to save our precious son.

With much HOPE for the future,
Michael, Trisha and Chayton Williamson
 

About September & CURE'S Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time:
September is recognized as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, CURE Childhood Cancer has committed to raising awareness and raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer in our lifetime and put an end to this terrible disease through a special program CURE's Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time!

Please help us in our goal of raising $30,000 in the month of September while honoring special CURE kids each day of the month who have been affected by childhood cancer.

For more information, please click here.


About CURE Childhood Cancer:
Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grass-roots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with cancer.

The founders, parents and a dedicated pediatric oncologist, joined forces to support laboratory research that would translate into immediate care for children with cancer.

Since that time, CURE has raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge research at the Aflac Cancer Center Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine.

Through innovative programming, CURE also provides support for stricken families, providing them comfort and support during their time of devastating need.

Visit us online at www.curechildhoodcancer.org for more information.

Also, we wanted to give a special thanks to all of our offline donors.  We appreciate your support!

Kristi, Alan, and Kelsey Sheppard = $20.00

*The total for all offline donations is reflected in the offline donation box.