To kick off the start of September, and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to honor our HOC Hero of the Week, Chris West.
Chris is a 14-year-old who has a probable relapse after fighting stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma last year.
Last year, Chris began complaining of arm pain and after many doctor visits, was told he had stage 4 Hogdkins Lymphoma. In June, 2011, Chris had a port put in and started chemotherapy.
Chris was diagnosed during the last week of school in 2011. Even though he spent his whole summer in treatment, he always had a smile on his face. He kept that positive outlook the entire time.
Chris finished his chemo in October and finished radiation in December, 2011. This past April, he was able to go on a Make-A-Wish trip, and celebrated his “End of Chemo” party in July, 2012. He also got his friends together to fundraise for charities focusing on helping cancer patients.
Chris had to be home schooled last year due to treatments, and was looking forward to going back to school this year. However, after going for routine scans, only two days after his 14th birthday, Chris was told he had a probable relapse. On what was supposed to be his first day back to school with friends, Chris had a surgeon consultation, and has his biopsy scheduled for September 10th.
Despite a relapse and returning to treatment and radiation looming over his head, Chris has kept his positive attitude. He is scared and nervous, but focused on school work.
Please join us in praying for Chris and his family as they face cancer once again. You can “like” his facebook page! Help him get to 1,000 likes before he goes for his biopsy appointment on September 10th.
Chris, your selflessness coordinating fundraisers for charities to help others with cancer and your positive outlook are truly inspiring. We are proud to name you our HOC Hero of the Week!
Check out Chris’s facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/prayersforchriswest
If you know a child or teen who is battling or has battled cancer and you want to nominate them for our next HOC Hero of the Week, tell us about your hero and include photos and any links to their pages so we can support them! Fill out the nomination form here: http://hatsoffforcancer.org/nominate-hero.
Hats Off For Cancer 