MEET OUR KIDS

Fall 2003

RJ's Story

Dear Friends:

This month marks the first anniversary of a life-changing event. On October 16, 2002, a tumor was discovered in our son RJ’s chest. It was cancer. He was 6 years old.

As parents of a child with cancer, every day is new and uncharted territory. When RJ was diagnosed, our family experienced the full gamut of emotions – disbelief, anger, fear, and acceptance – in less than 24 hours. We have been supported every step of the way by The Tomorrow Fund, an organization I had heard of for the first time, ironically, just three months before RJ’s diagnosis. I didn’t realize then just how much The Tomorrow Fund does. They have helped us to cope with the fears and the realities, and to adjust to the “new normal” of our daily lives. Their emotional support is amazing and their financial assistance fills the many gaps that inevitably arise.

The first part of the year was the most strenuous for us. RJ was hospitalized numerous times for treatment. His stays at “Hotel Hasbro” lasted from 5 to 13 days. He has been poked, examined, x-rayed, scanned, endured painful shots, medicine that made him nauseous, transfusions, radiation, etc. – all without uttering a single protest. He is so brave and has demonstrated extraordinary inner strength. He has given our whole family courage to face this ordeal.

Fortunately, the most difficult phases of treatment are finished. RJ still receives weekly chemotherapy, which will continue until the end of 2004, but the drugs are not as debilitating as they once were. In the past few months we have seen an amazing and most welcome change in him. He has regained the weight he lost, his color is good, his energy level is back to normal, and his hair has even grown back! As you can see from the attached photo, RJ looks great now and he is feeling terrific.

Throughout RJ’s treatment, we have been blessed with a wonderful network of family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, and The Tomorrow Fund. To everyone who has touched our lives this past year, our thanks is long overdue. We know that with your help, we can cope with this arduous journey. And we know in our hearts that we will be survivors.

Rick, Sandy, Marissa & RJ

We’ve been helping children with cancer for 20 years!

There is a child with cancer in every city and town in RI and nearby MA who is being helped by The Tomorrow Fund.

Last year, children with cancer spent more than 2,500 nights in Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

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