Like most teenage boys, Braydon Felix is passionate about sports, and he loves his dog, a Pitbull named Bailey. At 14 years old, he is also fascinated with science and art, and he hopes to take welding classes someday.
But just five years ago, his life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a high-risk cancer that affects the nervous system. A large mass the size of an orange that stemmed off an adrenal gland in his abdomen was causing extreme pain in his back.
The initial diagnosis was growing pains. Neuroblastoma is typically diagnosed in infants and young children, so doctors did not think to rule it out. But the pain persisted, and Braydon began to lose weight. After seeing three pediatricians, an emergency room doctor ordered a CT scan which revealed the large mass, and the teen was scheduled for emergency surgery.
Lori Young, Braydon’s mother, recalls giving him a pep talk just 10 days after surgery.
“We talked about the need to fight to the finish, and that became our motto,” Young, a Queen Creek resident, said. “We took that attitude with every challenge that Braydon faced, including intense chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant and multiple hospital visits.”
Support from nonprofit made a difference
Shortly after Braydon’s initial surgery, the hospital caseworker delivered an air mattress with sheets, gas and food cards, and other items to help Young cope with the overwhelming situation she was facing as a single parent.
But this was not a one-time delivery. The nonprofit Children’s Cancer Network (CCN) soon became a much-needed, consistent source of support, which evolved to include Halloween and Christmas parties, summer camps and other social activities for Braydon and his siblings.
Patti Luttrell, executive director and co-founder of Children’s Cancer Network, said childhood cancer affects every aspect of a family's life. Based in Chandler, Luttrell and her husband, Stephen, CCN board president, co-founded the nonprofit 20 years ago as their son, Jeff, battled Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
“We know firsthand how terrifying and stressful a child’s cancer diagnosis is to the entire family,” she said. “Our goal is to support children and families throughout their cancer journey with programs and services designed to provide financial assistance, promote education, encourage healthy lifestyles and create an awareness of issues they face related to childhood cancer.”
Raising awareness of a growing need for support
Childhood cancer is not one disease - there are more than 12 major types of pediatric cancers and over 100 subtypes. A recent report from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute revealed that childhood cancer diagnoses in the United States have been trending up for more than a decade.
“The good news is that survivorship has also increased, but that also translates to a dire need for more long-term care and support resources,” said Luttrell, adding that a childhood cancer diagnosis can be devastating to the entire family.
“One in four families lose more than 40% of their annual household income as a result of childhood cancer treatment-related work disruption, while one in three families face other work disruptions such as having to quit work or change jobs,” she said.
Young, who is also a cancer survivor, said she is grateful for the support her family received from Children’s Cancer Network.
“We’ve made some wonderful friends through Children’s Cancer Network, and we hope Braydon serves as an inspiration to children who are currently receiving treatment,” she said. “We know what it’s like to go through some difficult days. My hope is that when other families see Braydon surviving and thriving, they have hope for what can be possible.”
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. CCN is selling raffle tickets throughout the month for a chance to win a 2023 Toyota Camry. Each $25 ticket will purchase a $25 gas card for a childhood cancer family in need. To learn more about Children’s Cancer Network, or to purchase a raffle ticket, visit childrenscancernetwork.org.
