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Andrew, Age 12 - Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma (Muscle Cancer)
While getting out the pool one afternoon after swim lessons, Andrew injured his left leg, which swelled up instantaneously. For one month, Andrew’s mother took him to various pediatricians and orthopedists but he continued to be diagnosed with a fracture. It was not until Andrew saw a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital that his mother received the correct diagnosis: stage 4 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare muscle cancer that had spread to his groin, abdomen, spine, and lungs. Over the next year, Andrew underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment. During the summer of 2016, Andrew also had a stem cell transplant. Thankfully, as of September 2016, he is in remission. Throughout his difficult inpatient and outpatient treatments, Andrew remained positive and made it a point to stay as active as physically possible. He participated in the hospital’s Change Bandits coin-collection program, and would even “charge” nurses a quarter for taking his vitals! An avid gamer, Andrew also became involved with the Extra Life fundraising movement for video and board game enthusiasts. Andrew recently went back to school, is thrilled to be reunited with his friends, and still collects change as a member of our Change Bandits posse!
To make a donation during the live Radiothon, the community can call (888) 499-5437 or make a secure, online donation at www.whud.com. Online donations are also being accepted prior to and during the event at events.westchestermedicalcenter.com/mfchradiothon. Also, community members interested in supporting Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital are welcome to visit the hospital’s lobby during the Radiothon. Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital is located on the Valhalla, New York campus of WMCHealth at 100 Woods Road.
