Early in the pregnancy with Matthew, a routine ultrasound discovered that he had a kidney condition called hydronephrosis. For three years, the condition was monitored through routine ultrasounds. One August day, routine became concern when something was observed on Matthew's liver by an ultrasound technician. Matthew had no observable symptoms, yet six weeks later, the incidental finding was confirmed to be a cancerous tumor and Matthew was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma.

It was shocking and devastating to receive the diagnosis, especially because liver cancer is so rare in young children. The first few days after receiving the diagnosis were terrifying because he had to undergo further testing to determine whether the cancer had spread. Fortunately, Matthew’s scans showed that the cancer was contained in his liver.

Over the next few days, we met with the doctors, specialists, and the support staff that would become Matthew's team. Led by Dr. Heung Bae Kim (Boston Children’s Hospital) and Dr. Allison O’Neill (Dana Farber Cancer Institute) we made a plan of action to fight Matthew’s cancer.

Two weeks after his diagnosis, Matthew underwent a liver resection to remove the tumor. Post surgery, Matthew started two rounds of chemotherapy, lasting six weeks. We return to Dana-Farber every 3 months to monitor Matthew’s blood work. We are grateful to report that Matthew has remained cancer-free for almost 10 years!

We can’t begin to express our gratitude to Dana-Farber and its donors for all they have done for our family! The Pan Mass Challenge donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. This August, I ride to honor the battle my son, Matthew, endured in the Fall/Winter of 2012-2013.

Thank you,

Paul, Matthew, & John