Aidan's Story

The Diagnosis

In March of 2009, we noticed that Aidan had been occasionally favoring his right leg. After watching him for a few days, we knew something wasn't right and took him to see his pediatrician.

After meeting with his pediatrician, getting an X-ray, an MRI, and a subsequent biopsy, we learned that Aidan had osteosarcoma, the most common, but still rare, form of childhood bone cancer. We were devastated, shocked, and emotionally shattered the moment we received the news.

The Journey

Aidan's treatment consisted of 19 rounds of traditional chemotherapy over the course of nine months at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. However, he still faced surgery to remove the tumor, and the recommended treatment could have irreparably changed his life. The orthopedic oncology surgeon in Kansas City recommended amputating Aidan's leg.

We hoped to avoid such a drastic procedure. Fortunately, we found a doctor in Tampa, Florida, who specialized in limb-salvage surgery. After reviewing Aidan's scans, he told us he could save Aidan's leg if we were willing to travel there to see him.

Three and a half months after diagnosis, our family traveled to Tampa for Aidan's limb-salvage surgery. The doctor removed the tumor, along with two-thirds of his femur, before performing a total knee replacement.

His procedures didn't stop with beating cancer. Aidan had to undergo several additional surgeries to continue correcting his leg. When he had his knee replacement surgery, the surgeon had to shut down his growth plate, so the only way for that leg to grow was through an expandable prosthesis. Forgoing the initial amputation meant Aidan would keep his leg, but it also required consistent procedures to ensure it maintained the proper length.

Even though this meant attending physical therapy at least once a week for well over nine years, it didn't stop Aidan from living as normal a lifestyle as possible and doing things that kids like to do. He always had a positive attitude and showed dignity and strength through everything.

The Impact

Both my husband and I worked full-time, and Aidan was going to need continuous full-time care. With support from Supporting Kids Foundation, I was able to take much-needed time off to be with him during treatments and when he just didn't feel well.

Their support made a difference in a very real way. It gave me the time to be there for Aidan when he needed me most.

Through the good and the bad, this support allowed us to spend quality time with our family, make memories, and be fully present in the moment. It helped us navigate the challenges together and reminded us not to take anything for granted.

Today

Aidan is 12 years cured! He graduated from the University of Arkansas in May 2026 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. He lives in Texas and works for a local television station as a reporter and producer.

Looking back on all that we went through, we are so grateful for the love, friendship, hope, and the financial, spiritual, and emotional support we received.

A Message to the People Who Donate

The difference your financial generosity made to us was much appreciated, as there are very few organizations, if any, that provide financial assistance to childhood cancer families.

Your contribution provided us time to be with our family without worrying about how we were going to stay afloat on one income. Through the good and the bad, this allowed us to support each other and navigate through challenges together.

Thank you for making a difference for families like ours. Your generosity means more than you may ever know.