Calvin Young

To begin, we would like to extend our deepest thanks to you - our incredible family, friends, and community for your support, regardless of its form. You mean the world to us and we are truly grateful to feel loved and supported during this difficult time.

Ten days ago, the phone rang, and I received the call every mother wishes never to receive. It's incredible how one short phone call can turn your entire world upside down. Following a visit to our Orthopedic Dr. for an MRI we expected to be a hip-flexor injury, One Oak Medical in Wayne contacted us to make us aware that the results showed a "concerning" mass in his pelvic area. The mass was substantial enough that One Oak contacted an Oncologist in Hackensack and arranged for us to get an "immediate appointment." At this point, we began looking into treatment options and facilities, calling anyone with experience dealing with a cancer diagnosis. When the dust settled, our research led us to Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan, which provided the best option for beginning our fight. We do not know the challenges and sacrifices we will make to help rid my son Calvin's body of cancerous tumors.

Calvin is not like most kids in that his commitment to his health, sports, nutrition, and physical progress/development were the top priorities of his life. This year alone, he played and was captain for the Bergenfield Bears Jr. Football Team and was the team captain for Bergenfield Jr. Wrestling Rec Team, placing 7th in the New Jersey State Championships. He also participated on the Bitetto Trained Wrestling Club National Dual Team, competing across the United States. When the diagnosis came in, Calvin's first concern was leaving his friends and teammates without their leader and captain. His spring schedule far exceeded any kid we know of because he played Bergenfield Rec Baseball and is on the travel team. He continued club wrestling for BTWC on their National Dual Team while running track for Bergenfield RWB Middle School. He has been consistent in his strength training on the weights and even played percussion in the middle school band.

Until that phone rang, going hitless or striking out was Calvin's definition of a bad day, but circumstances have changed dramatically.

Cal's schedule will remain busy. However, for the next 12 months, Cal's program will be filled with doctor visits and a never-ending list of tests. In the last ten days alone, we've traveled into Manhattan's Sloan Kettering on 67th St. five times. The tolls, gas, and parking fees are OUTRAGEOUS! We've been to multiple radiation centers for CT scans, (PET) positron emissions testing, Ultrasound, X-rays, Cystoscopy, Mediastinoscopy, Upper Endoscopy, Biopsy/Cytology, Nuclear Medicine tests, Laparoscopy, Biomarker, and genetics testing. In addition, he has had to have gallons of blood drawn, bone marrow extraction, three trips to the fertility clinic, and his chemotherapy port installed for his treatments, which begin the week of June 4th.

The number of missed days at work from staying by Calvin's side during his fight will be more than the average of about five days per year I've missed over the last 23 years as a teacher in Bergenfield. My health insurance & benefits will cover most, but not all, of the medical expenses. There will be deductibles and copays, along with the hidden costs, such as fertility clinic collections, sample storage for the rest of his life (after chemo, natural pregnancy is highly unlikely), bio-genetic testing, George Washington Bridge tolls, NYC parking fees, etc. It's beyond overwhelming.

We are eternally grateful to all the fantastic friends, family members, local Bergenfield Bears townies, acquaintances, and even some we considered rivals before the diagnosis for their sentiments, offers of assistance, acknowledgments, meals, etc. The real fight and the bulk load of the costs are still in front of us. Any support to help join #CalsArmy would GREATLY assist in helping him have the best of care and the opportunity to get over the hump and defeat his new nemesis…Cancer. If you feel so inclined, please feel free to forward this campaign. I thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart!

Calvin will be undergoing all of his treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC. MSK’s vision is to be the world’s leading authority on cancer. MSK’s mission is ENDING CANCER FOR LIFE. Please help support Calvin in his mission to BEAT Cancer.

Any funds left over beyond these costs will be saved until Calvin can make a decision of his own about how to “Pay it Forward” to other children who are going through a similar situation.