Support Remy's Fight Against Cancer

I’m reaching out on behalf of my niece, Dana, and her husband, Philip Riemer, who are living every parent’s worst nightmare. Just weeks ago, their 2-year-old son, Remy, was a happy, energetic little boy, running around the house playing with his toy cars and shooting hoops with his dad—his absolute favorite thing in the world. But in the blink of an eye, their world was turned upside down.

On Friday, August 23rd, Dana and Philip took Remy to the hospital after he woke up with what they thought was just a stomach ache. He kept pointing to his tummy and saying "owie," and although it seemed minor, they had a gut feeling something wasn’t right. That day, an MRI revealed an 11cm mass, the size of an orange, on his bladder. The shock and fear they felt were indescribable.

By Monday, Remy underwent a biopsy that confirmed their worst fears— the mass was confirmed to be rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. During the biopsy, doctors also took bone marrow samples and implanted a device into his chest to administer pain medication stronger than morphine. The days that followed were a whirlwind of scans and tests, as doctors tried to determine if the cancer had spread to other organs. Unfortunately, the tests were inconclusive; the mass is touching all of his organs, making it impossible to know for sure.

The only path forward now is a year-long course of chemotherapy and radiation. On Friday, August 30th, Remy began his first round of chemotherapy. The suddenness of this diagnosis has been overwhelming for Dana and Philip, who are trying to stay strong for Remy, all while preparing for the arrival of their second child in December.

We are reaching out to you for help. The financial burden of medical bills, travel expenses, and basic living costs has become overwhelming. Dana has dedicated nearly 10 years of her life as an ABA therapist helping special needs children navigate their challenges, and now she finds herself needing help during the most difficult time of her life.

The funds raised will go directly toward covering:

Medical Bills: Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket costs for chemotherapy, surgery, hospital stays, and necessary medications are substantial.

Travel Expenses: Remy’s treatment requires frequent travel to specialized medical centers, incurring costs for specialized medical transportation, lodging, and meals.

Living Expenses: With one parent needing to take time off work to care for Remy, these funds will help cover their basic living expenses, ensuring a stable environment for Remy and his unborn sibling, due in December 2024.

Future Needs: There may be unforeseen expenses as the journey continues, including additional care or therapies that Remy may need.

Your support, whether through a donation or sharing Remy’s story, will make an immense difference. In addition to financial support, we’ve created an Amazon wishlist for Remy’s chemo necessities and toys to help keep his spirits up during this tough journey.

Remy's Chemotherapy Necessities

Any contributions, whether through donations or items from the wishlist, would mean the world to us. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for standing with us during this unimaginable time.

About Remy:

Remy is the heart and soul of our family. At just 2 years old, he is a bright and joyful little boy who has a passion for life that is contagious. He loves playing with his toy cars, pretending to drive them around the house, and has a special fascination with sharks—his room is filled with shark-themed toys and books. But above all, Remy’s greatest love is basketball. His face lights up every time he sees a basketball, and some of his happiest moments are spent shooting hoops with his dad in the backyard.

Remy has always been full of energy, running around the house with an infectious smile that could brighten anyone’s day. He’s the kind of child who finds joy in the simplest things—a toy car, a walk in the park, or a cuddle with his parents. His laughter fills the room, and his playful spirit has always brought so much happiness to those around him.

In the short time since his diagnosis, Remy has shown incredible strength and resilience. Despite the pain and fear that come with his treatments, he continues to smile and find moments of joy, whether it’s playing with a toy or watching his favorite shows. His bravery in the face of such a daunting challenge is nothing short of inspiring.

Remy’s love for life and his fearless spirit give us hope as we navigate this difficult journey. We are determined to do everything we can to give him the best chance at recovery, so that he can continue to enjoy the things he loves and bring light into the lives of everyone who knows him.