My Grandson Liam

My grandson, Liam, was a sweet, loving, funny, and caring little boy. He was always happy and positive, with a smile that radiated sunshine. He was especially happy about becoming a big brother to his little brother, Lucas.

Liam had been having difficulty swallowing, and we noticed that there was something wrong with his gait. His father took him to the ER to be checked out just to make sure everything was fine and was told what no parent wants to hear, an MRI showed that there was a mass in his brain and further testing was needed. 

On July 8, 2021, just six days after Liam’s 4th birthday, he was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). His parents were then given the facts and options for treatment. We had never heard of DIPG and could not wrap our heads around the possibility of losing our Liam.

DIPG is a rare form of brain cancer that generally strikes children between the ages of 4 and 11. The survival rate is less than 1%, the median survival rate from diagnosis is 9 months, and 90% of children will die within two years. It is also the leading cause of death among brain tumors that affect children. During the battle, DIPG is a beast that, as the tumor grows, will affect bodily functions such as sight, the ability to chew and swallow, walking, and even breathing.

Our family rallied together to provide any support needed while my daughter Vicky and Liam’s dad Joe focused on Liam and his treatment. Vicky and Joe both took a leave from work to be able to be there for Liam. Spending as much time with Liam was extremely important for our family because Liam loved family, and we all loved Liam.

The next few months were filled with visits for treatment, searching for a viable option after the end of another. Also, a constant watch on Liam to determine whether his abilities were being affected at that point.

But, even with radiation and clinical trials, Liam’s tumor progressed at a shocking rate. The tumor had metastasized to his spine. Liam fought DIPG bravely for five months before we lost him on Nov. 22, 2021. Since that day, not a day goes by that I do not miss him. I treasure all of the beautiful memories he left me.

Liam’s bravery and strength during his treatment and hospital stays have inspired our family to continue fighting for a cure by bringing awareness and raising funds for research. We pray and hope that one day there will be a cure and no family will have to endure the loss of a child.

We fight for Liam. We fight for his memory. #weareteamliam

TAGGED WITH: DIPG, CCAM, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.