In May of 2022, we took Ethan to LVHN Express Care for a fever and what we thought was a cold. We were later sent to the hospital and, throughout the following 2 weeks of tests and treatments, we would come to hear the words that no parent wants to hear.  “Your child has cancer...”

It has now been 3 years since we were informed of Ethan's diagnosis.  In September of 2024, he took his last dose of chemo and in November, he got to “ring the bell”, signaling the end of treatment.  Ethan has come a long way through his cancer journey.  Even though his cancer treatment is over, he still goes to the clinic for blood work and the occasional IGG infusion to help boost his immune system.  He has been participating in physical, speech, and occupational therapy to help him catch up on developmental delays that occurred while going through his cancer treatment.  

We are also trying to catch up on all the time he missed out on being a kid throughout treatment.  This year he got to go on his “Dream” trip and even started playing T-ball.  After spending most of his life in and out of the hospital, he is now finally able to be a kid and do the things others his age enjoy doing.

Throughout this entire process, PCFLV has been there for us. They have provided us with gift cards for gas, groceries, turnpike tolls, meals, toys, entertainment, and an outlet to talk to other parents who are going through similar circumstances - and so much more. PCFLV has gone to great lengths to help support these kids and their families to navigate through this journey of life with cancer. We could not express our gratitude enough for the wonderful work they do. 

Written by Ethan’s dad, Joe

Please consider helping children with cancer and others in our community by scheduling a blood donation at Miller-Keystone Blood Center: https://donor.giveapint.org/donor/schedules/zip