In February 2020 Jonathan, lovingly called Pucho, was diagnosed with ATRT brain cancer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In order to save Jonathan's life the entire family temporarily relocated to Philly for immediate surgery and ongoing treatment. Throughout 2020, Jonathan endured 5 rounds of chemotherapy, 3 stem cell transplants and proton radiation. Because of the pandemic, he was limited in who could visit, including his immediate family members.

After finally being cleared to return home to Florida, Jonathan was diagnosed with necrosis of the brain and experienced a rapid decline in his mobility, motor skills and speech. Though the team at Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital in Orlando provided Jonathan with the necessary treatment to stop the necrosis, Jonathan still had to work hard to regain his mobility and continues to improve daily.

Jonathan is now cancer free and brings joy to every room he enters. Jonathan loves the original Incredible Hulk, Stevie Wonder, Christmas music and gardening. He is a little boy with an old soul.

So why did Jonathan's treatment cause a decline in his development? Well, because little kids like Jonathan, with any type of cancer are receiving the same exact cancer treatment as adults. Pediatric cancer research currently receives ONLY 4% of funding and many of the treatments are severely dated. Yes, we want to eradicate the cancer, but also ensure that the treatments available will provide kids with quality of life.

These children deserve better, but it is only possible through properly funding research.

For this reason, I ride 400 miles this month.

Your donations make a HUGE difference in these little lives. We are beyond grateful for any amount you're able to give.

Sincerely,

Brenda, Annie, Jonathan and ALL their family (it's a big one) 😉

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