Meet Malcolm – Neuroblastoma Warrior
"We have been so blessed by... family, friends, and organizations like The NCCS" - Todd, Malcolm's dad
Four-year-old Malcolm loved playing with his six other siblings, cuddling and running around – even when he felt sick. But, Malcolm’s father, Todd, became increasingly concerned when his son uncharacteristically complained of an aching stomach, painful headaches and started running a fever. Scared for what these symptoms could mean, he took Malcolm to the ER where they performed scans on his stomach and head. The news that doctors found tumors in his head and abdomen was absolutely devastating. Malcolm was immediately rushed to a different hospital to confirm what his doctors found. There was no question about it – Malcolm had advanced stage 4 neuroblastoma.
He was thrust into countless cancer treatments to save his life – this little boy endured ten high-dose chemotherapy treatments, two rounds of radiation and surgery. When those treatments failed, his parents took him to Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York – specialists in his disease. There, he found some success in a specialized radiation treatment that targeted his specific cancer; however, his cancer was still ever-present.
His doctors then suggested a clinical trial that could possibly work. The major downfall of this treatment was that it would be excruciatingly painful for young Malcolm to endure. Malcolm and his family were desperate to save his life, so they decided to go ahead with the experimental treatment regardless of the side effects. He completely amazed his doctors after he withstood the first ten rounds like a warrior. And it worked. “The doctors themselves were floored at the effectiveness of the treatment for Malcolm – truly a miracle,” Todd explained.
Malcolm and his family live in Iowa – far away from his treatment center in New York. The NCCS was able to help with transportation assistance so that Malcolm could get the treatment he needed to survive. “We have been so blessed by family, friends, and organizations like NCCS that have supported our family in ways that matter well beyond the apparent value of the help” added Todd.