Life is something that is so unpredictable.
This really struck true when my friend Krissy's son was diagnosed with a Wilm's tumor in late 2013. Wilms is a kidney tumor that primarily affects children 5 years and younger. When Liam's cancer was found he was already stage 4 and the cancer had spread from his kidney to his lungs.
Most of that year and 2014 was spent fighting this disease and had the Reddy's traveling back and forth from Key West to St.Josephs childrens hospital in Tampa, FL. With countless rounds of Chemo and the removal of a kidney, nodes and appendix, Liam was declared cancer-free in October of 2014. Through the thick and thin of it all the Reddy's displayed the definition of strength and courage. Liam is a trooper and always has a smile on his face. It's crazy how an innocent child can be dealt a bad hand in life and never complain.
Just last week we received news that threw a wrench in Liam's recovery, his cancer had returned. With the obvious grief and helplessness that Krissy, Stephen and their family and friends felt, it's just the start to a battle that we all know Liam will come out on top of. Liam has currently undergone a surgery for his lung. They removed two small tumors and a piece of scar tissue. Following recovery of this surgery a plan will be decided on how to attack the growth where his kidney had previously been removed.
As any friend or family member, we constantly ask how can we make it better? What can we do? How can we help or make the pain go away? There is never much one person can do other than provide support and positive thinking. The Reddy2Fight Foundation provides another option. The Reddy2Fight Foundation in a non-profit organization inspired by Liam Reddy. Tina Manguikian created the foundation last year after following Liam's battle and feeling the constant desire to encourage him through his various treatments.
Reddy2Fight gifts children fighting cancer with toy baskets to keep them busy during the poking, prodding and confinement of a hospital bed. I'm not a parent but I can only imagine one of the most encouraging things is to see your child happy. That is something that Reddy2Fight offers. The toy baskets help to comfort the child while at the same time comforting the parents. If you wish to read more or donate directly to the Reddy2Fight Foundation you are able to click the link at the top of the Breathing Happy site.
Reddy2Fight's mission is to inspire, love, encourage and support children and their families during their fight against cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Reddy2Fight is still considered a baby and there can never be enough talk in order to broadcast their name and mission. Sami and I will be spreading the word across the states this summer on our 'Reddy to take the U.S.' tour and slapping the below stickers everywhere, keep your eyes open! Feel free to share this story and let your family and friends know about this amazing foundation.
If you would like to follow Liam's journey, you're welcome to follow Reddy2Fight on Facebook, as well as, ready all continued updates posted on Breathing Happy.
Love you little man! Keep Fighting.