Justin was born on July 7, 2016 and is our second child and only son.

On November 1, 2017 at only 15 months old, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma (12 cm tumor found behind his bladder). Justin completed a 43-week treatment plan, which included several cycles of chemo and 28 rounds of proton therapy radiation.

He handled treatment like a champ and had an overall great response. It came as a complete shock to us all (doctors included) when he relapsed right at the end of treatment in September 2018. The new cells were too aggressive and growing on treated areas. The tumor was also located in an area that made surgery without major complications and guaranteed remission almost impossible.

After a few attempts at different chemo and many medical consultations around the country, we were running out of options. The tumor was fast growing and vicious, beginning to protrude from Justin’s tiny body. Managing his pain was becoming increasingly difficult for hospice and he had to return to the hospital.

He was referred to as “Superhuman” by the medical team, as no one had witnessed a child his size on such high levels of pain meds. His will to live was extraordinary.

Justin’s battle ended on February 5, 2019. He was 2 1/2 years old. His tumor was donated with the hope of bringing us closer to ending the nightmare of childhood cancer. His tumor was so aggressive in nature that has and continues to be studied closely by the national tumor review board.