Thumbs Up For Dec: Fighting Childhood Cancer

Standing Strong with Declan: Join the #ThumbsUpforDec Movement

Meet sweet Declan Lyons, an energetic and loving 3-year-old boy, and twin brother to JB. Declan's days are filled with joy as he plays with trucks, cars, and his favorite sand and Play-Doh. He loves Disney movies, often quoting lines from classics like Cars and Toy Story. Outdoors, he's a bundle of energy, racing his toy fire truck through the neighborhood and reveling in the magic of playgrounds. You can often find him cheering on his big sister Mallory and older brother Kellen at hockey rinks and soccer fields.

Recently, the Lyons family's world turned upside down when weeks of headaches led to an MRI, revealing a tumor the size of a golf ball in Declan's cerebellum, the lower back of his brain. This brave young boy just underwent an arduous 9-hour surgery to remove the tumor, only to discover that it was indeed cancerous. Now, Declan and his loving family are faced with an unimaginable journey to battle childhood cancer.

As we await the specific diagnosis of the cancer Declan is bravely confronting, we are certain that the path ahead won't be easy. Currently, Declan's loved ones are holding their breath as he recovers from surgery, hoping to learn the extent of any mobility impacts he may face. They've been told to prepare for a year's worth of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, medications, frequent hospital visits, and inpatient stays.

The financial strain on the Lyons family is substantial. With medical bills piling up, the challenge of feeding a family of six, transportation costs, parking fees, and the need to maintain a sense of normalcy for their three other children who are active in sports and dance, the burden is simply overwhelming. Both Bobby and Sarah will potentially need to take unpaid leave from work to support Declan during his treatments.

Despite this formidable obstacle in their path, the Lyons family is determined to fight and navigate this brutal and unjust journey. They are not alone, as we stand beside them, ready to offer our unwavering support.

Your contributions will make a significant difference in Declan's battle against cancer. Every donation, no matter the size, will help alleviate the financial burden and allow the family to focus on what matters most – Declan's health, well-being, and full recovery.

Thank you for your love, support, and enduring compassion during this challenging time. Together, we can help Declan face this battle with strength and determination. Please share this campaign using #ThumbsUpForDec & #DeclanStrong to spread the word and garner even more support for a family we all love so deeply.

To follow Declan's journey, please visit https://caringbridge.org/visit/thumbsupfordec

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sarah's Friends (& UML Soccer Teammates),

(Kristin, Darcy, Kelly, Caitie, Beth, Ange, Marielle, & Carly)