November 2013
Today, representatives of The Max Cure Foundation had the honor of spending some time with Maurice and his Mother, Amber, at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Maurice is a 9-year-old boy with Nf1 (a hereditary disease) and a Fibrillary Astrocytoma Brain Tumor. He was diagnosed in November, 2011 and has been in treatment since that time. Maurice has had two brain surgeries (surgical resection) and 30 treatments of radiation. He is on round two of chemotherapy and He currently comes to clinic twice every month for treatment.
Maurice loves football and his favorite team is the Pittsburgh Steelers. His told us all about playing flag football and how much he loves playing offence, because, and I quote “so we can score!” His face lights up when he talks about football and his PS3, and you can see the true innocence in his eyes which makes his battle so much more difficult to watch.
We talked with Maurice and his Mother, Amber, during his chemotherapy treatment. Amber informed us that Maurice receives two hours of fluids before his two hours of chemo, and then another two hours of fluids. He has to sit there all day, and even though the clinic at Phoenix Children’s Hospital is a beautiful place, there is not much that entertains a 9-year-old boy other than video games and playing outside! When we asked Maurice how he feels after his treatment, you could feel the pain in his silence as he hung his head and shrugged. Anyone could see that Maurice was trying so hard to be strong, but the harsh treatments are excruciating on his little body.
The struggles are far from over for Maurice, Amber and their family but they are strong, and we have no doubt they will continue to fight this disease.
Maurice’s Message
Maurice Invites You to Dunk Your Kicks!
Max Cure’s Erica Bailey spending some quality time with Buddy before his big interview.
The Max Cure Foundation would like to extend a Roaring Thank You to Health2Fit.com for coming out to Phoenix Children’s Hospital today and interviewing our newest Roar Beyond Barriers family! Buddy, his Mother, Delilah, and representatives of both Max Cure and Phoenix Children’s Hospital spent some quality time today sharing Buddy’s story which should air on November 16th at 11:00 on Channel 7.
At first Buddy was unhappy that he was not going to school and had to come to the clinic instead! All it took was a smile, and magically pulling an iPad out of my purse to bring Buddy’s true loving character to the surface. I was welcomed with a hug and smile that could melt anyone’s heart. Buddy is an amazing 5 year old boy with Medulloblastoma, which is a high grade brain tumor. Buddy was diagnosed in December of 2011 when he was only three years old. Despite a surgical resection and a high dose chemotherapy regimen, Buddy’s disease progressed. During his treatment, Buddy spent almost a full year as an inpatient at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Buddy is supported by his loving single Mother and his 10-year-old sister. He loves Ninja Turtles, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Dora the Explorer and the PBS channel. His favorite thing to do is go to school. He loves learning. Buddy is a kind child with so much love to offer this world!
Delilah and Buddy during their interview with Health2Fit.com
Delilah’s stories are both heart breaking and inspirational. She shared with us today that every five weeks she has to fight to get her son’s life saving medication paid for by AHCCCS as it is even a battle to get the medications she needs to fight for her son’s life. Delilah also shared with us, that for three months prior to Buddy’s diagnosis, she told the pediatrician there was something wrong with her son. He slept so long she didn’t think he would ever wake up. He was throwing up constantly even though he was not eating, he lost 13 pounds over that time frame. Buddy even lost his ability to walk and his Mother was told not to worry. Finally, when he complained about a headache she rushed him to Phoenix Children’s Hospital and he was in surgery hours later. The two of them spent nearly the next year inpatient, and Buddy literally had to fight for his life.
When Delilah talks about how she never left her son’s side except on the first of the month to pay bills and get groceries, you can see how exhausting this ordeal has been. You can hear the pain in her voice when she talks about the sleepless nights, listening to her son cry in pain, knowing there was nothing she can do. You can also see her strength and ambition to keep her son alive. Her dedication to his healing is apparent in every action she takes. Both Buddy and Delilah are an inspiration and we are fortunate to have met them!
Sneakers are being collected at Fix24 Scottsdale Chiropractic and all Arizona Audio Express locations through November 22nd and we will be announcing another collection location shortly.