Help Julian kick cancer's ass! (Again)

In early August, we shared that Jules had completed inpatient treatment and we were so very excited to finally start living a somewhat "normal" life. Unfortunately, cancer had other plans. Only twelve days after his last immunotherapy treatment, our worst nightmares were once again confirmed- Julian relapsed and his cancer is back.

Scans show lesions on Julian's leg bones- the cancer has eaten away at the bones above his knees, causing holes in both femurs roughly the size of nickles. Luckily, his brain MRI, chest/abdominal/ pelvic CT's and MIBG scans are all clear except for his legs.

Eddie and I, along with his Oncology team, were all absolutely shocked since he has thus far shown excellent response to treatment. Neuroblastoma is a cruel and unpredictable beast, and telling Julian the cancer had returned was one of the most difficult conversations of our lives. Instead of being upset, or angry- Jules simply said "Well, I kicked cancer's ass once- I'll just have to do it again". So that's what we will do.

Our "home" hospital, St. Joseph's, has exhausted all treatment options and we were referred to the neuroblastoma team at Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan for treatment options. Jules has decided to pursue further treatment, which we have already begun. He has had 6 rounds of radiation to his femurs and on Thursday instead of going to his first day of Kindergarten, Julian will be admitted for chemotherapy. Some of the drugs are the same he previously received, but at five times the dosage. He will also continue with radiation and immunotherapy for at least the next 6 months.

When Julian was first diagnosed almost 2 years ago, we had some savings and fundraisers helped us get through the initial 18 month course of treatment. Eddie and I have both been working and we have been living paycheck to paycheck with help from my parents-- but with his new intensive treatment plan being based out of Manhattan, we both have to take leaves of absence from work once again to prioritize Julian's care and giving him the best chance we possibly can to live a long, healthy, happy life - while also balancing "normal" life with our other 2 children.

So please, if you are able, donate or share Julian's story. Every little bit helps and we never could have made it this far without the incredible generosity of family, friends, our community, and perfect strangers who have fallen in love with our blue eyed boy. All funds raised will be put towards gas, transportation, tolls, housing, parking, food, etc. while we are in treatment at Sloan , as well as bills, groceries and other everyday expenses for our family.

Thank you for reading, and just a reminder --

A Brinx never gives up,

Never surrenders.

Little victories,

One day at a time

FUCK YOU, CANCER!!

LETS GO JULES!!