MEET OUR KIDS

Andrew Myette

1999

Cancer knocked on our door six years ago Halloween. Andrew, then four years old, was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called Retinoblastoma. I can remember the day our ophthalmologist broke the news to us as if it were yesterday. She turned from her swivel chair to face us with an expression that could have melted steel. “I’m afraid Andrew might have a tumor,” she said. “He needs to be seen by a specialist today!” So began our roller coaster ride that took us on an incredible journey we did not wish to embark upon.

Retinoblastoma is a cancer that starts in the eye and ultimately spreads to the brain if not arrested in time. Andrew’s tumor could not be contained and doctors therefore removed his eye.

We take our fragile lives for granted. Until now cancer was a disease that “some other family had.” Andrew was the epitome of good health, at least by all physical appearance. He was vibrant and mischievous with boundless energy upon waking from sleep until his head touched the pillow after bedtime prayers. That would change in months to come. He would be introduced to doctors, hospitals, surgery and chemotherapy.

Like being thrust into the world at birth, Andrew would now be driven into a deadly game of life and death. He would depend entirely on his parent’s guidance to get him through this horrible disease.

We as his parents would have to depend and trust advice given to us from his doctors. Doctors would depend upon what they had learned in school, from colleagues and from historical medical data accumulated at the clinics where cancer patients were being treated. Fortunately for us the results have been remarkable for our son.

It is often said that when a loved one becomes ill family members should be thorough in their search for the best medical care available. It is also said that once found, care for the patient should be left in the hands of the physician. Our family found the “Tomorrow Fund Clinic” on the “Rhode Island Hospital” campus under the direction of Dr. Edwin Forman to fulfill those needs.

Andrew celebrated his tenth birthday in July. The excitement and energy he once possessed prior to his illness has returned. The hair he lost to chemotherapy has grown back with majestic strength and beauty. He is playing competitive soccer with exceptional enthusiasm and energy. He has made many friends and has brought to these friendships kindness and compassion from experiences with children he has encountered during his illness.

We try not to get emotional about it, but there is not a waking day that goes by without the thought of what happened to our little boy and the disease that plagued him. What lies ahead in his future and the future of children just beginning their battle with cancer is uncertain. We hope and pray a cure is on the horizon.

Pierre and Katie Myette

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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