On May 13th, 2021, Ryder had a seizure at preschool. He was just a little over 4 years old. He had been getting morning sickness, was vomiting, and was sleeping a lot more than usual. His mom took him to the doctor, but they were unable to figure out what was going on initially.  

 

We were devastated when we finally heard a diagnosis of brain cancer, specifically Medulloblastoma SHH-high risk-group ¾. He suffered hydrocephalus, a buildup of brain fluid. He had right optic nerve damage to his vision. And he required the placement of a shunt.  

 

He had three surgeries to remove a fist-sized tumor, the last one at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He endured 7 months of chemotherapy, as well as high-dose chemo with stem cell transplant. 

 

Pop-pop and Nana (me) watched Hunter, Ryder’s brother, who was 3 at the time. We had many praying for us, but no help at that time. 

 

At age 6, in February of 2023, Ryder relapsed. He had additional chemo treatment, and 2 weeks later, he ended up in CHOP again for a whole month. In March of 2023, we almost lost him due to sepsis and heart and kidney failure. However, in May of 2023, he was well enough for radiation therapy for 6 weeks. 

 

Ryder lost so much of his childhood. We struggle with behavioral problems. But he loves to watch his tablet and play with his dinosaurs, cars, and magnets. He also likes swimming.  

Ryder really loves going to Perkins for breakfast as a family.  

 

We are so thankful to PCFLV for their support. We try to enjoy as many of their events as possible.  

 

Written by Rosanne, Ryder’s grandmother 

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