Our Burke the Brave is in his second childhood cancer battle. He beat Stage IV high risk neuroblastoma when he was just three years old. We had almost reached the 10 year mark for being cancer free, when in February of this year, 2025, a tumor developed on his nose. At first, it was a tiny bump and we attributed it to being 13 and going through puberty, but it quickly grew and became evident that we needed to have it checked by our oncologist. After a biopsy, MRI, CT and PET scan, Burke was diagnosed with Stage I intermediate rhabdomyosarcoma. Since this is a completely different type of cancer, the oncologist is treating it as that with protocol being 43 weeks of chemo, surgery to remove the tumor, and proton therapy followed by 6 months of maintenance chemotherapy since he is a high risk patient. The surgery to remove the tumor went well and the surgeon was able to get negative margins so we are thrilled with the outcome. Over the month of July Burke received 20 rounds of proton therapy at the Emory Proton Center. He was a champ the entire process, wearing his mask with ease. The side effects were really tough the weeks following proton and he is finally beginning to heal. We are entering into week 25 and Burke is a rock star. In addition to battling cancer, Burke decided he wanted to go back to school full time, so he is in the 8th grade and really working hard. It’s a tough year preparing for high school and he is doing a great job.
Burke is our hero and he is fighting this illness once again with grace and perseverance. He is determined to beat this! We could not get through this without the never ending support and love from our family and friends. Thank you to everyone who is on this journey with us.
Love, Meghan, Ryan, Karaline and Eila
