Diagnosed with cancer at only 5 weeks old, Joel began treatments immediately at Cooks Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth Texas. Joel underwent a tumor removal surgery at only 6 months old. The tumor was located on the lower part of his spine, which caused permanent paralysis of both Joel’s legs below the knees. Joel’s parents were told by doctors that their baby would never walk, run, or jump. Joel now does all of these things and so much more. Joel plays baseball and is able to walk, run, and jump with the best of them. Joel is an inspiration to his friends, family, and everyone he comes in contact with.

 Bob Syrbe, Joel’s little league coach (pictured above with Joel) and a cancer survivor himself, is especially touched by Joel, saying, “Joel sets a standard for children with physical limitations by his determination and hard work. His success on the baseball field serves as inspiration and motivation to his coaches, teammates, and parents."

Although Joel was just a baby, he fought back and ultimately won the physical battle with cancer. Joel has been cancer free and off treatment since August of 1998, however he amazingly remembers some of the traumatic experiences of having cancer and surgery at such a young age. Now he faces the emotional and mental challenges of “being different” than other boys his age. Joel tries to do everything other kids do regardless of his physical limitations. Although the cancer is physically gone from Joel’s body, the impact will be forever in Joel’s mind.

Joel’s mother Joyce has been involved with Children’s Chance in an effort to give back to others who are experiencing the trauma of having a child with cancer. Cancer is definitely a disease that affects the entire family and Joyce says, “As a mother of a cancer survivor, I know the importance of the programs Children’s Chance offers. Most folks forget after the first month of diagnosis that your life is still in turmoil. Children’s Chance offers help and support for the other aspects like counseling, teen support groups, gas money, and emotional/social support from other families experiencing the same devastation. Children’s Chance is a light in a dark tunnel.”

Joel Romero has most likely been through more in his life than most of us will ever experience. And for that, Joel is truly a Children’s Chance Champion!

Read Matthew's story.
Read Amber's story.
Read Ruthie's story.
Read Gabriel's story.
Read Annastin's story.
Read Brittany's story.
Read the Ferguson family's story.
Read Madelyn's story.

 

To submit your family's story about your own experience with pediatric cancer to be featured in the Meet the Families section, please email to: samanthahiggins@bellsouth.net  (include pictures if you like) or call the office at (803) 254-5996!