Caden's Journey
Donation protected
Updated 10/6/2017- On January 31, 2014, Caden was flown to Seattle Children's Hospital, where he was later diagnosed with Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver. Cancer. In my opinion, the ugliest word in any language. On June 13, 2017, Randy and Stephanie got news that no parent should ever have to get-- their courageous, nobel son is going to die. A few days later, 16-year old Caden heard those words himself. He is the oldest of five children, and his siblings also had to hear that about their big brother.
Thank you for your love and support of this family. Thank you for the prayers, fasting, phone calls, texts, emails, gifts, and if you so choose, monetary gifts on this site. Many want to help in any way they can, unfortunately there isn't much that anyone can do to take away the pain. This site provides a way for anyone to help with funeral expenses, and that help is greatly appreciated.
Caden with his miracle, Mira. We love you!
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My 16-year old nephew, Caden Dirks, was placed on a Life Flight from Richland, WA to Seattle Children's Hospital on 1/31/2014 and days later diagnosed, at age 12, with Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver. After four Rounds of chemotherapy, Caden had the tumor removed on 5/7/2014, followed by two more Rounds of chemo.
Caden's Cancer was rediscovered on 7/17/2015 requiring lung surgery on 7/23/2015.
Caden's Cancer was rediscovered AGAIN on 1/20/2016 in his abdominal cavity. Over the next few weeks, he underwent more chemo and another surgery to remove the large tumor on 3/9/2016.
On Thanksgiving Day, Caden felt abdominal pains that were all too familiar. On 11/28/2016 it was confirmed that the Cancer returned. This time he has elected not to do chemotherapy and instead will go straight to the tumor resection surgery. This was the fourth tumor to be removed. They found that it had adhered to both the diaphragm and bowel.
Feb 2017 update - The surgery was successful. Unfortunately, we found out in that the cancer is back.
June 2017 update - The Immunotherapy didn't work. In fact, in the eight weeks he was on it, two new tumors grew. He now has four tumors inside him with two of them being inoperable. They will do radiation to help ease the pain and give him more time. Despite having battled cancer for over three years now, he still became an Eagle Scout and is very active in his church. He is the oldest of five and is a great big brother.
June 14, 2017 - Randy and Stephanie told Caden and his siblings everything, that they are out of options and now the goal is to improve his quality of life and extend his time on Earth for as long as possible.
On Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 4:35 AM, Caden became the newest angel in heaven. His funeral will be held on Thursday, October 12 at 2:00 with a viewing from 1:00-1:45. The service will be held at 895 Gage Blvd, Richland, WA 99352.
His family has spent tens of thousdands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses fighting this disease despite good insurance from Randy's great employer. Living over 200 miles away from where they receive treament alone made it very costly. Many have asked how they can help with funeral expenses. This page was set up in order to give people a way to help with medical expenses and now the funeral. Every cent is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your love and support of this family. Thank you for the prayers, fasting, phone calls, texts, emails, gifts, and if you so choose, monetary gifts on this site. Many want to help in any way they can, unfortunately there isn't much that anyone can do to take away the pain. This site provides a way for anyone to help with funeral expenses, and that help is greatly appreciated.
Caden with his miracle, Mira. We love you!****************************************
My 16-year old nephew, Caden Dirks, was placed on a Life Flight from Richland, WA to Seattle Children's Hospital on 1/31/2014 and days later diagnosed, at age 12, with Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver. After four Rounds of chemotherapy, Caden had the tumor removed on 5/7/2014, followed by two more Rounds of chemo.
Caden's Cancer was rediscovered on 7/17/2015 requiring lung surgery on 7/23/2015.
Caden's Cancer was rediscovered AGAIN on 1/20/2016 in his abdominal cavity. Over the next few weeks, he underwent more chemo and another surgery to remove the large tumor on 3/9/2016.
On Thanksgiving Day, Caden felt abdominal pains that were all too familiar. On 11/28/2016 it was confirmed that the Cancer returned. This time he has elected not to do chemotherapy and instead will go straight to the tumor resection surgery. This was the fourth tumor to be removed. They found that it had adhered to both the diaphragm and bowel.
Feb 2017 update - The surgery was successful. Unfortunately, we found out in that the cancer is back.
June 2017 update - The Immunotherapy didn't work. In fact, in the eight weeks he was on it, two new tumors grew. He now has four tumors inside him with two of them being inoperable. They will do radiation to help ease the pain and give him more time. Despite having battled cancer for over three years now, he still became an Eagle Scout and is very active in his church. He is the oldest of five and is a great big brother.
June 14, 2017 - Randy and Stephanie told Caden and his siblings everything, that they are out of options and now the goal is to improve his quality of life and extend his time on Earth for as long as possible.
On Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 4:35 AM, Caden became the newest angel in heaven. His funeral will be held on Thursday, October 12 at 2:00 with a viewing from 1:00-1:45. The service will be held at 895 Gage Blvd, Richland, WA 99352.
His family has spent tens of thousdands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses fighting this disease despite good insurance from Randy's great employer. Living over 200 miles away from where they receive treament alone made it very costly. Many have asked how they can help with funeral expenses. This page was set up in order to give people a way to help with medical expenses and now the funeral. Every cent is greatly appreciated.
Organizer and beneficiary
Daniel Dirks
Organizer
Brigham City, UT
Randy Dirks
Beneficiary