Five-year-old Yan is a charmer with a big personality who loves football and is always finding new “girlfriends” wherever he goes.
 
He was only a six-month-old baby when he was diagnosed with Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (brain tumors). Almost all of his life has been spent in treatment for his cancer.
 
Yan has undergone two and a half years of intensive chemotherapy and continues to receive more. In addition to his chemo, he also had a resection of one of his three tumors and has needed VP and lumbar shunts to relieve an excess amount of fluid causing pressure on his brain. Since August 2012, Yan has had surgery six times. He also developed a new tumor and remains in treatment.
 
Yan dreams of growing up, being able to play sports, becoming a football player and growing as tall as his best friend Nick, whom he calls his "big bro.” Yan hopes to someday meet his favorite Red Sox players, Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz, and his favorite football players Tom Brady and “Gronk” (Rob Gronkowski).
 
Yan’s Mom considers her son a hero because he teaches everyone not to give up and live everyday to its fullest. He is a true inspiration to everyone he meets.
 
Quote from sibling: “Because you are our hero Yan, together we fight!” – Jennifer, Yan’s sister
 
 
Information provided by Yansen Perez, Yan’s mom
August 2013