Ethan's Fight: A 14 year old's battle!

Hi, my name is Wes Reynolds, and I would like to introduce you to our 14 year old nephew, Ethan Westwood. Ethan is a loving brother to 3 siblings, one being his twin. Ethan is suffering from a form of cancer known as Ewing's Sarcoma. Ewing's Sarcoma is rare cancer that most often occurs in and around the bones and typically occurs in children and young adults. It often begins in the legs, bones of the pelvis and arms.

More information on this rare cancer can be found at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ewing-sarcoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351071#:~:text=Overview,abdomen%2C%20limbs%20or%20other%20locations

Almost 12 months ago, Ethan was diagnosed with a tumour in his lower spine. This tumour in Ethan's vertebrae had grown to a point where it had fractured his L5 vertebrae and, due to the position of this tumour, was inoperable.

Ethan immediately underwent a rigorous 10-month chemotherapy and radiation treatment program that was extremely taxing for Ethan. The attached photo shows Ethan after "ringing the bell" at the Royal Childrens Hospital, an event that all children undertake upon completing their respective treatments. Sadly things have not gone to plan since that day.

All that was required now for Ethan was his final scans, and the all-clear to return to his everyday life, school and footy. Although the original tumour in the L5 has miraculously disappeared, unfortunately for Ethan, the scans show that new tumours have now popped up in several other areas, including multiple tumours further up Ethan's spine that are inoperable.

Ethan has immediately been cast into a new treatment program at the Royal Childrens Hospital (the doctors and everyone involved there are amazing people). Still, the road ahead is not going to be easy. Life was not meant to be this difficult, especially for our children. My wonderful nephew is the light of his family's lives; he brings fun, laughter and love; life without Ethan is unimaginable.

Despite the harsh realities of Ethan's condition, Ethan continues to take on this fight resolutely, with a strength and maturity that belies his tender age.

Ethan has a fantastic support base of family and friends rallying around him, but the toll on him and his immediate family is devastating.

Medical expenses, driving to appointments daily and keeping Ethan comfortable all come at a cost. His family also wants Ethan to have access to integrative specialist treatments, which are currently being researched. Still, they also come at a substantial financial cost, so Ethan and his family will greatly appreciate any support from this fundraiser.