TEAM LOGAN

On May 5th, our whole family’s world stood still. It was the day we learned that my 7-year-old nephew, Logan, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Rhabdomyosarcoma (Rhabdo). Logan, my sister, Autumn, her husband, Steve, and their oldest son, Caden, have found themselves on a new journey that they would never have anticipated.

Logan was a month away from finishing first grade when he began having frequent headaches. At first, the headaches would subside with Tylenol and ibuprofen, and they assumed he was fighting off some sort of bug. However, the headaches quickly grew in intensity and could no longer be managed with pain medications. After a CT scan of his brain, his doctors detected a 1.5cm mass behind his nose. Their doctor ordered an MRI to have a closer look at what may be happening. However, Logan’s pain continued to escalate quickly and the family ended up in the emergency room. It was here that they learned that Logan’s tumor was closer to 4cm. He was immediately transferred to Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. During their 4 day stay, Logan had another MRI, CT scan, and biopsy of the tumor. They struggled to keep Logan comfortable while they awaited results. After what felt like forever, they were given the information that would change their lives forever.

Logan’s team of doctors have mapped out a 42 week cycle of chemotherapy and radiation. Due to the location and size of the tumor, surgery is unable to happen at this time. Doctors will continue to monitor in hopes that treatments will shrink the tumor and surgery can someday be a possibility. The family will be traveling once a week to Chicago where he will receive treatment. Every third week, Logan receives a treatment that requires an overnight stay so that he can be closely monitored. The family will be traveling to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital in New York for a second opinion, and awaiting a report from St. Jude Children’s hospital for a third opinion as well.

Logan has already undergone surgery to place a port and G-tube as well as completed three weeks of treatment. Autumn and Steve have spent countless hours researching the best remedies to make him the most comfortable they can. They have found facebook websites and linked in with families dealing with things very similar to what they are. For this we are forever grateful. Logan has some great days where he plays legos, video games, football, fishes and visits with family and friends. Other days, he is tired or not feeling well. It is an emotional rollercoaster as Logan and the family begin to accept this challenge they have been faced with.

Through all that Logan has been through he still manages to keep a smile on his face. That’s the kind of kid he is. He pushes through what he needs to because he knows it’s what he has to do to get better. He’s so strong and brave. Even though he has endured so much in such a short time, he still puts other people before himself. He is a goofball at times, and has an amazing sense of humor! He loves basketball, football, gaming, hanging with his brother, friends and family. He is the type of kid that brings sunshine to your day if you have the pleasure of knowing him. What we do know is that Logan is an amazing young boy full of strength and determination and he’s going to kick cancer’s butt!

Many people have reached out to our family asking how they can help. Autumn has had to leave her job in order to focus solely on the care and attention that Logan needs. Autumn, Steve, and Logan travel to Chicago once a week for treatments. They have medical expenses, gas expenses and living expenses. Helping relieve the family of financial pressures will allow them to be able to focus on Logan’s health and their family.

Autumn, Steve, Caden and Logan all greatly appreciate your help during this difficult time.

Our entire family thanks you all for the love, prayers, understanding, and support you have all shown.

You can follow their story here…

TEAMLOGAN