At just two years old, Stryder was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that develops from immature nerve cells, and spreads to distant parts of the body.
When Stryder was diagnosed, he was just three months away from celebrating his 3rd Birthday. A time that was supposed to be exciting and celebratory turned into a moment of heartbreak, and what began as an ordinary childhood took a dramatic and heart-wrenching turn, turning his and his family’s world upside down. Despite the weight of his diagnosis and all that’s come with it, Stryder’s spirit has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Typically, neuroblastoma treatment spans about 18 months. However, being stage 4 and high risk, Stryder’s journey has been far longer, spanning over two and a half years and counting. Beginning with five rounds of induction chemotherapy, followed by a monumental 7.5-hour resection surgery, his treatment plan has been complex, reflecting the severity of his condition and the relentless fight he has been waging against. To further diminish the disease burden and prepare him for critical tandem stem cell transplants. While preparing for his stem cell transplants, Stryder underwent four additional rounds of immunotherapy and high-dose chemotherapy which completely wiped out his bone marrow. Following this pivotal moment, he received stem cells that were harvested after his second round of induction chemotherapy. The stem cells would, fortunately, help his counts recover and reset his bone marrow over time. Despite this progress, Stryder’s journey and intense treatments were far from over.
After receiving his two stem cell transplants, Stryder’s fight continued as he endured 12 rounds of radiation and 3 rounds of immunotherapy with isotretinoin, which his disease unfortunately did not respond to. Because of this, resilient Stryder underwent two more rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Despite many efforts and complex treatments, Stryder’s disease progressed and his family, with guidance from their medical team, decided that Stryder would undergo MIBG therapy, a type of treatment specific to neuroblastoma. Stryder completed two rounds of this therapy, with the second round including an additional drug called “vorinostat” to enhance the therapy’s efficacy. Following all these treatments, Stryder’s family received a glimmer of hope on December 20th, 2023 when Stryder was deemed stable, with only one remaining tumor that had not changed in size for quite some time.
Continuing his fight in January 2024, Stryder embarked on a new phase of his treatment and began his current clinical trial. This trial includes six rounds of oral etoposide combined with DFMO, a promising approach to manage his condition. Stryder completed his final cycle of etoposide on May 15, 2024, but will continue taking DFMO twice a day until January 2026. Despite the physical and emotional toll of his treatments, Stryder’s resilience has been inspiring to all who know him. This young warrior has persevered through so much, and on June 13th, 2024, after being deemed stable for 6 months, Stryder rang the bell at his local treatment Hospital while surrounded by love and joy, including support from his medical team and oncologist, Dr. Marcio. His smile and joy have never wavered, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, and his ability to maintain his spirit through such a harrowing journey is a testament to his strength and determination to fight. His story is one of immense courage and hope, and the profound impact of unwavering support and love.
“Even with all Stryder has endured he has never let it dull his shine or let it steal his joy or his smile and for that I am so incredibly proud of him.” ~ Warrior Mom, Shelby
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