Tanner’s Story: A Battle of Misdiagnosis, Courage, and Hope
For 10-year-old Tanner, a love for basketball and an active lifestyle were what defined his childhood — until everything changed. What seemed like a simple case of chest pain, possibly asthma, quickly spiraled into a nightmare that no child or family should ever have to face.
Initially brushed off as asthma, Tanner’s symptoms were dismissed. But when his pain persisted, doctors began to consider something far more serious. What followed was a misdiagnosis that would haunt this little boy’s life: two types of blood cancer. For days, Tanner underwent aggressive chemotherapy treatments he didn’t even need. His body became violently ill, his hair fell out, and his life as a child was forced into a painful halt.
As the days turned into weeks, Tanner’s family, torn between hope and uncertainty, fought alongside him. Each new diagnosis, each treatment, added to the confusion and frustration. The questions piled up: How could this happen? Why didn’t they catch it sooner? Could they have done something differently? These questions continue to echo in their minds as they stand by Tanner’s side, struggling to navigate a medical maze that has thrown their world upside down.
But amid the confusion, there was a glimmer of hope. Tanner was finally diagnosed with something different — a rare bone marrow disease called Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). This was the real reason behind his pain and the constant health issues. The aggressive treatments he had undergone were unnecessary, but they had left their mark, making his road to recovery more complicated.
Now, Tanner faces even more daunting challenges. In the coming days, he will undergo aggressive treatment once again, including a bone marrow transplant from a donor who may offer him the chance to grow up as he always dreamed. A chance to play basketball again, to laugh freely, and to live without the constant threat of illness hanging over him.
But Tanner’s story is not just one of medical misfortune. It is a story of courage, resilience, and faith. His family, who has spent countless sleepless nights driving from one hospital to another, never stops fighting for him. They refuse to accept easy answers and continue to seek out the best possible care. Their message is clear: if something feels wrong, don’t stop asking questions. Don’t settle for what you’re told, even when it’s difficult. Trust your instincts, because sometimes the road to the right diagnosis is long and filled with uncertainty.
Tanner’s story also serves as a powerful reminder to all parents: listen to your children, advocate for them, and never ignore the signs of something wrong. While misdiagnosis and mistakes are part of the medical process, it’s essential to keep pushing for the truth when things don’t feel right. Tanner’s family urges others to follow their example and trust their gut — because sometimes, that trust is the difference between life and death.
Throughout this unimaginable journey, Tanner’s family has remained steadfast in their faith and determination. They continue to share their experience through their Facebook page, “Tough Like Tanner,” providing updates and raising awareness about MDS and the power of perseverance. The page has become a beacon of hope and strength, offering support to others facing similar challenges while shining a light on Tanner’s bravery.
Despite everything he has been through, Tanner continues to be an inspiration to everyone around him. He has endured more than any child should, and yet, his spirit remains unbroken. His courage in the face of such hardship is a testament to the strength he carries inside, a strength that has lifted not just his family but everyone who follows his journey.
As Tanner prepares for the next phase of his treatment, his family asks for prayers, strength, and encouragement. They hope and pray for a successful bone marrow transplant and for Tanner to be given the opportunity to grow up the way he deserves. They hope that one day, Tanner will look back at this chapter and see how far he’s come, not just in terms of medical recovery, but in the way he’s fought with all his heart to be a kid again.
So, as Tanner faces this next chapter in his fight, let’s all come together to lift him up in prayer and support. Share your strength with him, send him your love, and let him know that he is not alone in this battle. Let’s help Tanner be tough, just like his story says — tough enough to win the fight, tough enough to return to his love for basketball, and tough enough to be the kid he’s always been at heart.
Please continue to follow his journey on “Tough Like Tanner,” and remember that every prayer, every kind word, and every ounce of encouragement will help him along the way. Let’s all come together to give Tanner the strength he needs to overcome the challenges ahead, and most importantly, the hope that brighter days are just around the corner.
Abigail’s Story: A Little Girl’s Big Fight Against Medulloblastoma
When most children are just beginning school, learning to ride bikes, and celebrating birthdays with balloons and cake, Abigail was learning a much harsher lesson about life. In September 2023, at only 4 years old, she was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma — a fast-growing brain tumor. The timing made the news even more heartbreaking: her diagnosis came the day before her sister’s 10th birthday.
From that moment, childhood for Abigail looked very different. Instead of playgrounds and playdates, she faced hospital rooms, treatments, and procedures that would test the limits of even the bravest adult. Doctors quickly put together an aggressive plan: surgery to remove the tumor, the insertion of a central line, six rounds of high-dose chemotherapy paired with a bone marrow transplant, and even ovary cryo-preservation to protect her future fertility. During treatment, she also needed an NG tube to ensure she received the nutrition her body so desperately required.
It was a grueling journey. There were days when her energy was gone, when her small body was weary from endless medications and procedures. But Abigail showed a resilience far beyond her years. Even in her weakest moments, her determination shone through, inspiring not only her family but also every nurse and doctor who walked beside her.
Finally, after months of relentless treatment, April 2024 brought a moment her family had been praying for: Abigail completed her plan. And on July 30, 2024, she rang the bell — a symbol of victory that echoed with every ounce of strength she had poured into her fight. That sound wasn’t just for her; it was for her parents, her sister, her care team, and everyone who had hoped and prayed for this day.
Today, Abigail is showing no evidence of disease. Those words — so simple, yet so powerful — mean that for now, she has beaten back the cancer that tried to steal her childhood.
The battle, however, has left its mark. As a result of her treatments, Abigail now has hearing loss and wears hearing aids. But her family says this hasn’t slowed her down one bit. She continues to surprise them daily with her laughter, courage, and unbreakable spirit. For Abigail, the hearing aids are not a symbol of limitation — they’re a reminder of everything she has overcome.
Her story is a testament to the incredible bravery of children fighting cancer and the relentless love of families who walk through the storm alongside them. It is also a reminder of why awareness matters. Childhood cancer doesn’t pause for birthdays, milestones, or ordinary joys, but through campaigns like Go Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, stories like Abigail’s shine a light on the importance of research, support, and hope.
At just 6 years old, Abigail has faced more than most people will in a lifetime. Yet she continues to smile, to play, to love, and to inspire. Her family describes her with three words: strength, courage, and determination. And anyone who hears her story would agree.
Abigail’s golden spirit is exactly why we honor children like her this September. Because even in the face of unimaginable hardship, she has proven that hope is stronger than fear, and that the sound of a little girl ringing a bell can echo louder than cancer itself.
