Meet ASK kid Callahan

“How can I help you, Mommy?” asks four year old Callahan.  Like all pre-schoolers, Callahan loves helping his mom, wrestling with his two big brothers, and playing outside with his trucks.  No one would ever know that Callahan is a two-year survivor of Ependymoma, a rare brain tumor typically found at the base of the brain.
 
When Callahan began vomiting and holding the back of his head, his parents knew something was wrong. “We initially thought it was the stomach bug, but then Callahan started sleeping for more than 24 hours at a time,” explains his mom, Stacey.  “Our pediatrician ordered an MRI and the tumor was found immediately.  Three days later, he had his first brain surgery to remove the tumor.  It was the scariest day of my life.”

Now, after two brain surgeries and six weeks of radiation, Callahan’s last MRI is clear and he is in remission.  The ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation continues to be a “huge part” of the family’s survivorship. 
 
Stacey says the events with other families going through a childhood cancer diagnosis help provide normalcy in the midst of chaos.  “It’s wonderful for the kids to have one another in clinic and be able to make crafts, play games, watch TV and just be with other children who truly understand what they’re feeling.  Without even speaking a word, the physicians and staff let us know that we are not alone in this journey.”
 
One of Callahan’s most prized possessions is a necklace he made in the ASK Clinic while waiting for treatment.  It has a prominent place in his mom’s jewelry box to keep it safe.  “Callahan continues to be sweet, and resilient and so full of life.  He is a true gift every day and we can look toward the future,” continues Stacey.  “We could never say thank you enough to all of the people of ASK for being one of our greatest blessings.” ​

Callahan at the ASK Kourageous Kids Party, September 2018

Callahan and his mom, Stacey, poise with his portrait, September 2018