SURVIVOR, DREW PERSCHON, CHICAGO, USA

Gorgeous Drew
Drew and his mommy Kate at diagnosis

What a great story this is of great hope and inpsiration - meet Drew and crew! We "met" this amazing family through our on line international neuroblastoma group, and continue to follow Drew's fantastic journey.

Background Story
Drew was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma on November 6, 2007 at 22 months old. Neuroblastoma is a highly aggressive cancer that affects 6 in 1,000,000 kids. About 700 kids per year are diagnosed in the United States. Drew has endured five rounds of chemotherapy, surgery on April 2, 2008 to resect the originally 9 cm. (shrunk to 2 cm) tumor in his abdomen, and is currently (and forever) in remission.

On April 10, 2008, his MIBG scan revealed NO visible spots. Drew is cancer- free. He spent the summer of 2008 in Chicago undergoing a grueling triple- tandem stem cell transplant. He was so brave and amazed everyone by sailing through with as little trouble as possible.

Drew began his radiation therapy on August 13, 2008 and ended on Wednesday, September 10, 2008. He began his13-cis retinoic acid therapy the first week of October 2008, and is currently on round 8 of potentially 12 rounds of this drug.

On April 2, 2009, Drew celebrated one year in remission.

Drew is in the best possible hands at Children's Memorial Hospital here in Chicago. His oncologists are the kindest of hearts and the most brilliant of minds, Dr. Elaine Morgan and Dr. Jeff Andolina. His surgeon is Dr. Marleta Reynolds. His oncology nurse is Jacquie Toia. His transplant doctor is the amazingly gifted Dr. Jennifer Schneiderman. This team (that includes many other dedicated doctors and nurses) was hand-picked by Dr. Morgan and will stop at NOTHING to cure our son.

We can't say enough about the outpouring of support you have all given us. We are truly blessed by all of you, and we absolutely encourage you to continue your support. It is helping our spirits and hearts tremendously.

Thank you for visiting this site. We have enjoyed posting many happy messages here. We can't wait to post the happiest news (besides being cancer free)- that Drew is DONE WITH TREATMENT! www.caringbridge/visit/drewperschon

Drew was feautured on an internationally televised programme last year called Stand up to Cancer, and his parents and family continue to be involved with all possible functions to raise awareness and funds to find the cure for neuroblastoma.

Drew and Crew, we continue to stand with you in prayer agreeing on Drew's total and permanent healing and look forward to seeing your boys grow up and reading all their adventures! Keep up the amazing work!

God Bless and love and thank you for your continued support for Deqlan to!