Paxton L

Who Paxton Is:
Paxton is so much more than a brain cancer warrior; he has a much more nuanced identity. He is a remarkable, brave, and kind-hearted beyond measure little boy. He is a fighter, an odds-defier, loving, smart, and handsome. He is a kindergartener, a son, a brother, and a friend.

His Diagnosis:
On November 10, 2022, after a collapse at school, Paxton was given an unimaginable diagnosis that he had a softball-sized brain tumor. He immediately underwent a brain biopsy, had another surgery to install a central port line, and was placed in the ICU. We were given the results of the biopsy, that he had an aggressive and rare cancerous brain tumor. After a whirlwind of meetings with neurosurgeons and neuro-oncologists, and grim outcome warnings, we made the decision (truthfully, the only option to allow him to live) to immediately begin him on chemotherapy. Surgery to remove his type of tumor is and will not be a viable option.

He has endured 4 rounds of chemotherapy. This meant hospitalization for 3 days for every round. Each dose has been increasingly harder on his little body, as the poison which is making him better and killing the tumor cells, is also killing good cells and making him sick. His tumor has caused adrenal insufficiency. He has a litany of meds. Diarrhea, vomiting, and feeling sick are unfortunately side effects. He has been given red blood cell and platelet transfusions. He was able to enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s despite being in the hospital each of those days. He turned 6 years old in mid-January and was able to enjoy the day with his best friends and some family.

Spending the last year battling brain cancer with multiple hospital stays, countless treatments, and ongoing care has put a burden on him that no child should have to endure. He is such a brave fighter and has handled his trials with super strength, a sparkling personality, and even humor despite being terribly ill throughout the process. Our Paxi Pie is still letting his hilarious and charming personality shine and is heartwarming and delightful. Getting to see the doctors, nurses, technicians, cleaning crew and everyone he meets falls in love with this special and unique soul. He wins them over with his jokes, his fist bumps, his handshakes, his large heart, and never-ending love.

We do not know what the future brings, we are living one day at a time and enjoying and soaking in each moment. He is a remarkable soul and as strong as an ox. Thank you for being willing to show Paxton that life is full of hope, wonder, and joy. We are Paxton’s Warriors. No One Fights Alone!!!!