Dylan was 3-1/2 years old when he suddenly became lethargic and complained of pain in his neck. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.) on March 21, 2006. A.L.L. is the most treatable form of childhood blood cancer, but Dylan was slow to respond to treatment. At a higher risk for relapse than the norm, due to his slow response, Dylan received an intense protocol, still under study, which meant more rounds of the most aggressive treatment. Dylan has been off treatment since July 2009 and remains in remission. One more year in remission and Dylan will finally be considered, cured of A.L.L.
Dylan will be 16 in September. Today he is thriving at 6 foot five inches tall, he is sought after for basketball, but his love for baseball keeps him busy on the field. If all goes according to his plan, he will be playing ball in college. His mother says he is gifted with persistence and positive thinking. Since he was little, Dylan has embraced every day as a gift, declaring, “This is the best day ever!”
His experience with cancer has made Dylan an amazing advocate for young people with the disease. He is a great Team Captain for Light the Night every year. Today, Dylan is doing much more than surviving what could have been a death sentence. He is living life and making a difference.