I'm Riding For

Noah Fertenbaugh

My sweet grandson, Noah was diagnosed in February 2024 at age 4 with Stage 4 Wilm's tumor. As soon as he was diagnosed he endured a long and complicated surgery to remove a large tumor along with one kidney and a small sliver of his diaphragm. Following surgery a tumor was discovered in his liver. He completed weeks of radiation and continues to receive chemotherapy. His fifth birthday is approaching this September. We pray that his treatment will be successful and we will some day be able to look back on this time and say "remember when...." Noah is a warrior. We continue to be amazed at how much energy and strength he continues to possess given all that he has been through and all that lies ahead for him. No child should have to experience the extensive procedures and hospital stays that Noah and others just like him are facing at this moment. No family should have to endure the sadness, added stress and tremendous pain that comes with a cancer diagnosis. In addition to riding in Noah's honor, I am riding in memory of my cousin Jody's son, Danny and her grand daughter Lily. Anyone who has been there knows what a devastating and heavy feeling one feels when they first hear that dreadful "C" word in relation to their child. Cancer touches too many lives without regard for race, religion, nationality, age, gender, etc. We will continue to hold each other up, stand strong and fight for a cure. My heartfelt prayers to all that have been or are currently in the grips of this medical and emotional nightmare with their child at this moment. Joyce Shellem