Hi! Almost exactly one year ago (March 31st, 2014), I was diagnosed with Stage II Wilms' Tumor (nephroblastoma), a form of pediatric kidney cancer. I was 8 then, which is pretty old to be diagnosed with this type of tumor (which more usually appears before you are 5). Wilms' is anyway pretty rare (about 500 cases a year in the U.S.), but thanks to extensive research already done, the doctors knew exactly how to treat me.

The surgeons quickly removed the tumor (which we nicknamed the papaya due to its shape and size?!), along with my left kidney (it’s okay; you only need one!), and I underwent chemotherapy over six months or so. While I was sometimes able to go to school and do sports during my treatment, at other times I was very sick. A year later, though, my scans show No Evidence of Disease. Yippee!! I am back at school full-time, and I now have the energy to play my favorite sport of tennis as often as I like.

The last year wasn't easy (see More Photos, and hover over the photos for a description of where I'm at!). But my friends and teachers at Pound Ridge Elementary School (PRES) have helped me a lot – at school, or by sending me cards and gifts to help keep up my spirits. Now, PRES and I - along with my big brother and PRES alum Liam - want to help others like me by raising money for research into pediatric cancer.  

PRES is holding a coin drive April 13-24, but if you don't want to deal with coins - or are not local to PRES - you can still help the cause, and donate online via this page. Remember, $2,000 funds a week of research. THANK YOU!!!