Superman!

Kaiden’s parents called him Superman for so many reasons, not the least of which was his strength in the face of a terrible disease.  Kaiden was found to have metastatic medulloblastoma in February 2004.  He came to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute two months later and quickly took over 9-North where many of our neuro-oncology patients are admitted.  The Superman symbol painted on the window of his room was visible from the streets around Children’s Hospital and was a beacon of hope for this brave little boy. 

Kaiden’s disease was very, very severe when he was admitted to Children’s Hospital, and we were all concerned that he may not survive the beginning stages of his treatment.  Amazingly, Kaiden came back from a very serious episode, much like Superman rising up from a fall.  He grew stronger and stronger, and ultimately was ready for us to begin treating him again with chemotherapy.  He endured multiple trips to the operating room and well over six months in the hospital.  Nonetheless, he never gave up, and his parents never lost hope.  Kaiden had an air of calmness about him that made caring for him a joy, and his big brown eyes looked so deeply into those treating him that for a minute you’d swear that the really did have x-ray vision.

Kaiden lost his battle with cancer on October 27, 2004 at the age of 16 months, but in that short time he touched hundreds of lives.  His parents have continued to raise awareness about childhood brain tumors through their own foundation and through their involvement in the Miles 4 Miracles Walk and the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.

Please click here to make a donation today in honor of Kaiden’s life and his fight with medulloblastoma.  Your donation will support programs in pediatric neuro-oncology at the Jimmy Fund Clinic and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.