Last November, Marley Swanson who was 4 years old at the time, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Medulloblastoma- a brain cancer. The tumor sits on the Pons area of the brainstem, which therefore, is inoperable. The location of the tumor affects all of his functions-breathing, speaking, walking, eye movements, his ability to sit upright, etc. He has gone through 7 weeks of intensive chemotherapy and radiation at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. He had a month off to rest and is currently receiving maintenance chemo which is done on a 28 day cycle. He has bloodwork every other day and has had both blood and platelet transfusions almost every other day. During his initial treatment it was discovered that Marley also had two brain bleeds. This is due to the swelling and shrinking in the brain caused by the chemo and radiation. The treatment for the brain bleeds are high doses of steroids. The Dr's have been trying to ween him off of the steroids to no avail. He had a set back two weeks ago and was placed in quarantine due to an infection, most likely from a transfusion. Thankfully, he is no longer in quarantine.

As Diana describes it, "it is the worst type of cancer, in the worse place possible, which is being treated with the strongest chemo possible." That's so much for a sweet 5 year old to endure.

His Mom, Diana Swanson has been living at the Ronald McDonald house in Buffalo since December. She can no longer work as she does not want to leave his side. His Dad, Brad Swanson is also there on the weekends. Every moment they can spend with Marley is a blessing.

Won't you please help this family? If you aren't able to donate, please pray for them and add them to your prayer lists. Please share this page.

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