David's Cancer Fight Against Rhabdomyosarcoma

Thank you for reading about David's story. My son Tommy and David have been best friends since 6th grade. During the start of that school year, David was given the scariest diagnosis no young child should ever have to hear. What was just thought to be an innocuous bump on his cheek turned out to be an aggressive form of childhood cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. Rhabdomyosarcoma is an extremely rare type of cancer that forms in soft tissue — specifically skeletal muscle tissue. At age 12, David went through countless chemotherapy treatments, radiation, and incredibly risky surgery in his battle with this horrible disease. With the love of his family, friends and supremely skilled doctors, surgeons, nurses and medical professionals, he was able to be declared cancer free after these initial grueling treatments.

David was so excited to be starting high school this year when his parents discovered another small lump on his shoulder in March. With the heaviest of hearts, David and his family's worst fears were confirmed with a biopsy indicating that his Rhabdomyosarcoma had returned and metastasized in a very challenging area to treat. He immediately began rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and traveled to Boston to find the very best cancer doctor willing to take David's case on.

David is the sweetest young man, intelligent, and wise beyond his years, all coupled with a good, good heart. He is one of the bravest kids you'd ever meet. He has taken this fight head-on with such conviction, moxie, and courage, that leaves people truly amazed at the depth of his character and strength. His attitude towards his treatment has always left his team of doctors and nurses truly inspired to keep fighting for a cure. As David likes to say, "Cancer picked the wrong kid."

David wants nothing more than to just play football, attend school like his peers, and chase his dreams of becoming a pediatric doctor one day. Your donation would mean so much to the family, and give them a chance to help David in his fight for his life. An upcoming, critical surgery for David at Boston's Dana Farber Children's Hospital is planned for September and all the money raised will go entirely to David and his family in this courageous fight against Rhabdomyosarcoma. Thank you for taking the time to read his story and for all the prayers, love + support. It means the world to them and to anyone lucky enough to call David their friend.