How EASTON's Bravery Helped Him Fight Cancer

When Easton was born, his parents Kahlee and Cody noticed a little lump near his tailbone but every time they asked his pediatrician about it, they were assured it was nothing.  But as Easton grew, he developed a series of symptoms which made them decide to run several tests on him to confirm if it was something serious.

It was on March 2017 when Easton was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer.  Doctors found a 9.5 tumor in his tailbone/pelvis region which had spread to surrounding muscle tissue and both lungs.

Still in shock, the family decided to take the fight to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  After doing further tests, it was revealed that the little boy has Sacrococcygeal Teratoma.  It is a type of tumor which develops before birth and grows from a baby’s tailbone.  It is the most common tumor found in newborns, occurring in 1 out of every 35,000 to 40,000 live births.

Easton went through 6 cycles of harsh chemotherapy and numerous invasive surgeries including removal of the tumor in the pelvis region, left lung thoracotomy and removal of the tailbone.  In September of 2017, his parents thought that Easton had won the fight for good and went home after being at St. Jude about 7 months.

A week after being home, Easton had a seizure.  New scans showed a rapid growing brain tumor that needed emergency removal.  After the brain tumor removal, Easton completed two more rounds of harsh chemotherapy where many side effects occurred, including damage to the bladder and hearing that required Easton to need hearing aids.

The cancer came back, and the family was truly puzzled by the news.  Scans showed new spots on the lungs, liver spleen and brain.  Easton had a second brain tumor removal on December 2017.  Unfortunately, the blood work showed active cancer in Easton’s body and at this point, it was not sure yet where exactly the cancer was.  The family was hoping new scans could help determine that.

Easton finished radiation on January 2018 and got new scans on Jan 11.  Doctors decided to do two rounds of high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant after all scans.  It was known to be a “last resort” type treatment but his parents strongly believed it was needed to heal their child this time.  This extensive treatment lasted two months while being on a very strict transplant floor of the hospital.  The treatment was a success!

Presently, Easton is in remission and doing awesome.  He is currently working on potty training, sign language, and colors and shapes.  He will be back to St. Jude this May for a follow-up scans and check-up. 

Easton’s fight is totally in full swing.  The family has seen the finish line a few times and fortunately, they are standing strong while becoming even tighter as a family.  They are truly grateful for all the support they’re receiving.  

Funds raised through our Childhood Cancer Campaign  have helped to raise needed funds to help with new medical  breakthroughs that were critical to helping Easton and other young  patients.