Arizona Child with Cancer Gets Support From Max Cure
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.