We don't know how strong we are until we are forced to bring our hidden strengths forward. In times of tragedy people do amazing things. The human capacity for survival and renewal is awesome.
~Isabel Allende
Greetings, Parents,
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I have been fortunate to experience the "Pleasantdale Village" over the course of the past several weeks.
As some of you may know, my youngest son Noah had a cancerous tumor removed from his adrenal gland one year ago. He handled the surgery like a champ and was back at school about a week after the surgery. The post-surgical protocol required Noah to have full body, bone, and chest scans and blood work every three months. About two weeks ago, my wife and I took Noah to Lurie Children's Hospital for his nine-month scans. Unfortunately, these scans revealed another tumor growing in the same place the previous tumor had grown.
On Thursday this week, Noah had a three centimeter tumor removed and is now resting comfortably. Because this is a recurrence of a previous cancer, our doctors are taking a very aggressive treatment approach. In about two weeks, Noah will begin his first of eight rounds of chemotherapy. The hope is that this treatment will eradicate the cancer from his body and allow him to grow into a strong young man. His chemo cycle is one treatment every 21 days, so we we are in for a long road ahead.
The support from the Pleasantdale community has been nothing short of amazing, and it is that support that will carry Noah and the rest of our family through the treatment process. When faced with a difficult situation such as this, you can't help but count your blessings. I put being a part of the Pleasantdale community at the top of that list.
Best,
Dave Palzet
Superintendent | Pleasantdale School District 107
|
