Andrew heads to New York for Immunotherapy Treatment for Neuroblastoma
Getting to treatment is never simple for Andrew. At home in upstate New York, he takes joy in snowboarding, playing video games, and sitting with his dog, Sebastian. But every few weeks, his life is disrupted by the need to travel five hours downstate to New York City. After a 200 mile trip, he heads to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to receive an immunotherapy treatment for neuroblastoma.
When Andrew was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, the family lived in California. Andrew was only 4 ½ years old, and was already facing a fight to save his life. Through their boundless love, his parents immediately decided to relocate to New York, so that Andrew would have access to the best care possible.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which is a leading research hospital on neuroblastoma and other brain cancers, became their home hospital. Today, Andrew is 13 and is the midst of a 3rd relapse. His mom, Debra, describes him as “comical, loving, and wise beyond his years”.
New York can be a difficult state to get around. Gas is expensive, and tolls can be as much as sixteen dollars. Sometimes, Andrew is able to fly directly to New York with his mom, Debra, thanks to another nonprofit that enlists small, private aircrafts to fly childhood cancer patients to treatment.
However, unpredictable weather and heavy snowfall have meant that they have to be prepared for their plans to change at the last moment. They have been forced to adapt to their circumstances, and all become extraordinarily flexible. Battling cancer requires not just strength, but immense patience.
That’s where Compass to Care has stepped in. As Andrew undergoes an innovative clinical trial of immunotherapy that will hopefully vanquish his disease for good, we have dedicated ourselves to making sure his travel to treatment is funded. Whether it takes trains, planes, cars, or taxis, the important thing is that Andrew is able to continue his fight.
“Almost five hours north of New York City, having the support of Compass to Care made travel much easier,” said Debra, “and the comfort Compass to Care provides relieves so much stress, knowing we alternative options and knowing everything will work out.
With Compass to Care relieving fear under extreme circumstances, we have been given the peace and energy to put our efforts into Andrew’s healing, and keep our family close and secure.”
The support you provide is crucial to helping kids travel to access immunotherapy and life-saving treatment. Thank you for your generosity of spirit during the holiday season.
To support more children, like Andrew, please consider making a donation to Compass to Care today!