When Sarah and David Thompson received the heartbreaking news that their 20-month-old son, Max, had neuroblastoma, their world was turned upside down. Faced with an uncertain future and the harsh realities of childhood cancer treatment, they didn’t just sit back and lament the situation; they took action. In 2015, they established the Max’s Fight Foundation to advocate for improved cancer treatments for children. Since then, they’ve raised over $300,000 to support clinical trials aimed at reducing pain and suffering for young cancer patients.
The Beginning of a Journey
The Thompsons’ journey began when Sarah noticed her son limping and took him to the pediatrician. Initially, the doctor dismissed the concern, but when Max reverted to crawling, they sought a second opinion from an orthopedic specialist. After a harrowing day at the hospital, the news came: “I don’t think your son has an infection—I think he has neuroblastoma.” Those words shattered their reality, and in that moment, the carefree life they once knew was gone.
The following day, the diagnosis was confirmed—Max had stage IV neuroblastoma, meaning the cancer had already spread to his lymph nodes and beyond. Sadly, this is often the case; 80% of children diagnosed with cancer have already experienced metastasis. After sleepless nights of research, Sarah learned that the prognosis was grim, whispering to herself, “He’s not going to die, is he?”
The doctor informed them that Max had a 50/50 chance of survival, a statistic that gave them a glimmer of hope. Determined to fight alongside their son, Sarah and David made sure he received every possible treatment, including chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiation. While they appreciated the excellent care provided by the doctors, the treatment options were incredibly limited. Max endured a year of therapies that left him frail and in excruciating pain.
David shared in a heartfelt post, “It’s unbearable to watch my son suffer, whether it’s from the constant needle pokes or the overwhelming nausea from the medications. He hasn’t eaten in days because he feels too sick.” The couple felt powerless as they watched their child endure such agony, realizing that the very treatments meant to save him were inflicting tremendous harm.
Founding Max’s Fight Foundation
Recognizing that there had to be a better way, the Thompsons founded Max’s Fight Foundation. Their mission is to raise awareness about the lack of effective treatments for pediatric cancer and to fund research for better options. According to childcancer.org, one in 330 children will be diagnosed with cancer before they turn 19, making it the leading cause of death in children. Alarmingly, only 1 cent of every dollar in public funding goes toward pediatric cancer research, a mere fraction of the overall cancer budget.
“It’s unfair that only three cancer treatments specifically for children have been approved in the past two decades, and we aim to change that,” Sarah expressed during an interview about the foundation’s efforts.
Impact and Innovations
Since its inception, Max’s Fight Foundation has financed several promising clinical trials designed specifically for children. One of their first initiatives was an immunotherapy trial that could revolutionize the treatment of brain cancer in younger patients. As Dr. Emily Chan, a grant recipient, explained, “Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to target cancer cells, ideally sparing healthy tissue from damage. Since children’s immune systems are generally stronger than adults’, this approach might be even more effective for them.”
Another groundbreaking trial funded by the foundation was the Applesauce Trial, which helped test a drug for ATRT brain cancer in infants. The innovative approach allowed for administering medication in a more palatable form for young patients who cannot swallow large pills.
Moreover, they supported a unique immunotherapy trial that involved stem cell transplants, enhancing treatment effectiveness while minimizing discomfort for children. The foundation has also tackled DIPG, a type of pediatric cancer with no survivors long-term, funding a trial that utilizes a specialized drug to target tumor genes effectively.
A Mission Transformed
After 14 months of intense treatment, Max became cancer-free. However, the traumatic experiences they endured during that time ignited a lifelong mission for Sarah and David. Their journey, which began with two heartbroken parents, has now transformed into a movement that has provided hope for 40 children facing dire circumstances.
“Max is where it all started, but this is just the beginning,” Sarah affirmed. “I’m fully committed to this cause, and it’s become my life’s mission.”
Conclusion
In summary, the Thompson family’s heart-wrenching experience with childhood cancer led them to establish a foundation aimed at improving treatment options for young patients. Their dedication has sparked hope and innovation in the fight against pediatric cancer.
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