It was four-year old Matthew Bryan's 8th visit to a doctor in a matter of months. I kept repeating the same thing; "He sleeps more than he used to; he stops to rest while playing; he doesn't have much of an appetite or tolerance for things and in the evenings, he has a low-grade fever".

Every doctor we saw dismissed his symptoms as being "viral". After four months of this exasperating roller coaster ride, I knew I was right. Something was not right with my son and it was more than just a virus. I asked for blood work and even got a second opinion. But when Matthew's labs showed he was anemic with an increased platelet count, I was told to simply increase his diet in iron-rich foods and if the fever persist, we could return in 6-weeks.

The next week, Matthew lifted his arms to take off a shirt and I noticed that his right rib cage seemed to stick out farther than his left. The next day, I took him to a different pediatrician who confirmed that Matthew's liver was enlarged and he would need to be admitted to the children's hospital for further testing. Two days later we heard the words that no parent should ever have to hear, "Your son has cancer".

For two years, Matthew fought a good fight. He was courageous, resilient, and rarely complained as he endured numerous chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical procedures. We were only able to endure this nightmare with the love and support of our family, friends, church and organization's like Children's Chance. As Matthew's health costs mounted, Children's Chance was there to offer assistance with our bills and we will be forever grateful.

On August 25, 2002, Matthew Bryan lost his battle with cancer at the age of six. My hope is that every parent and/or guardian will be educated on the early warning signs of childhood cancer. I believe that an earlier diagnosis would have made a difference in Matthew's life and could help save your child's life too.

-Submitted by Janine Bryan, mother of Matthew Bryan
author of Hope for Hepoblastoma and Holding on to Matthew,
and strong advocate for promoting childhood cancer awareness and
the early warning signs for pediatric cancer.

Matthew will always be remembered as a superhero and a Children's Chance Champion!

Read Joel'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!

 (visit Janine Bryan's website by clicking here to find out more about her family's experience with pediatric cancer)
  

---