Parents of 1-Year-Old Cancer Patient Share Their Story for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

The parents of one-year-old William Modery from Maine recently shared their family's story in time for Childhood Cancer Awareness month.

Reports indicate that William is suffering from 'neuroblastoma,' a very rare type of cancerous tumor that affects children more often than not.

The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reported that about 800 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.

As earlier mentioned, this month is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and the child's parents have decided to share their story to raise awareness and inspire people as they face the rare condition amid the COVID-19 crisis.

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William's First Birthday

William's mom, Miranda Kelly, shared how happy they were when they found out she was pregnant. She said, "I've really always wanted to be a mom."

It was last summer when Kelly and Drake Modery became parents to William. The boy's mom described their son's birth year as amazing.

This summer, as William celebrated his first birthday, his parents, especially his mom, admitted not wanting to cut his hair at all.

She didn't want him to have his first-ever haircut, and Kelly shared because she "just absolutely loved his curls." However, the reason she continued is one that not any parent needs.

Stage 4 'Neuroblastoma'

William's dad said it was tremendously overwhelming. Their son was diagnosed with "stage 4" neuroblastoma and is now undergoing eight months of treatment.

And, in all these months, the little boy has had eight rounds of chemotherapy. The boy's father shared his won is talking his condition "like a camp" that he is not allowing the situation "bother him one bit."

Before William lost his hair, his parents have it shaved, and his dad shaved his hair, as well. As time passed, the boy's parents first noticed something was not right when he was nine months old.

Specifically, Dake and Miranda discovered that their child's eyes were yellow. More so, they noticed, too, that William was exhausted.

His eyes, Kelly recalled, "Were worse and more bruised." Sooner or later, after meeting with two different doctors for consultation, they got the diagnosis.

The doctors found tumors behind William's eyes. They discovered, too, that there are more in the child's "lungs, chest wall, and bone marrow."

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Sacrificing Work for their Child's Safety

The family resides in Millinocket, and William's care in Bangor is one hour away from home. He needs to go to the hospital a couple of times each week. There are even times when he needs to stay there overnight.

These are all happening amid the pandemic. The boy's parents were careful before, but even more so now, with the virus that has affected more than 32 million people worldwide. The two said they could not risk anything. Specifically, they said, "We cannot risk him getting sick."

To guarantee their son's safety, both Modery and Kelly made a difficult decision, and that's to stop working and stay by the little boy's side.

Despite their child's situation, William's parents still feel thankful for all the support and help that keep coming. Even the community has gotten involved to help.

Kelly said, "It is just crazy how many people" have united to show them support. She added, "Thank you will never be enough.

More Tests Ahead

It is still early in their journey, though, and William's family has a long road ahead. Modery said that lots of tests, blood work, as well as rounds of chemotherapy and scans, and are still to be done.

And even if they know it's still early in this journey, the couple said William has an optimistic prediction. It is in their son's favor "that he is going to get better."

For now, the family is taking it one step at a time, not to mention, sharing William's story with all parents advising them to "listen to your gut."

In their case, Kelly shared, she knew something was going on, and if she did not push it, William's condition could have been worse.

GoFundMe is supporting William's treatment. In connection with this, a virtual auction will be held next month.

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