Jason is a 14-year-old boy who was recently diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that spread to his spine, hip, jaw and lungs. The sarcoma was discovered during a visit to the Hunterdon Medical center Emergency room. Jason had been complaining of back pain that several doctors dismissed as an orthopedic issue due to his athletic nature. A CT scan showed a mass in his pelvic region. The doctors had him transported from HMC to Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick where they quickly began many tests. He developed a large blood clot in his leg due to the size and location of his tumor and spent April being treated for that as well. Jason also developed a clot in his bladder from his biopsy which required added surgery to remove. Jason has been treated at RWJ in New Brunswick since early April and is currently receiving both chemotherapy and Radiation.
Jason has two siblings, his 7-year-old brother, Axel, and 1 year old sister, Bailey. He is an avid athlete who plays basketball, baseball and soccer. Jason also enjoys weightlifting and has been working out alongside his mom since a young age. He also enjoys hanging out with his friends and playing video games. He aspires to be a collegiate athlete. Jason also expresses his excitement for getting his driver’s permit constantly and has been visiting local dealerships with the hope of one day getting a pickup truck.
Jason has made great progress with his treatment thus far. His sarcoma has shrunk significantly since starting treatment and the scans have showed the chemotherapy is doing its job on the other areas affected by the disease as well. The blood clot in his leg is now resolved as well.
Jason’s mother has had to take leave from both her full-time and part-time jobs to care for Jason as he requires continued testing and treatment.
We are incredibly grateful to have been selected to be recipients of the Shannon Daley Memorial Fund. The way that the Daley family has taken such a significant loss and created a charity that makes such a positive impact on the community is truly incredible. We take great comfort knowing that there are good people out there who are helping families like ours While our family is facing the most difficult challenge of our lives.
Jason still has a long road ahead of him. He will require 60 weeks total for his treatment. He receives chemotherapy weekly with an inpatient stay every 3 weeks during which time he stays overnight at RWJ with his mother. The current plan for Jason is to finish radiation with that focusing on the tumor and hip and finish his treatment by radiating any existing spots.
