Big Philip continues to work on his doctoral dissertation to complete his Ed.D in Higher Education Administration. We've had quite a lot of challenges over the past two years that have contributed to the slow but steady pace he is taking to complete his degree. When he needs a diversion from editing, he enjoys wood working and our garage is noticeably more crowded with the tools to prove it. Renie continues her advocacy, patient engagement, and fundraising work with the Children's Tumor Foundation and we are preparing to host the third annual Alabama NF Walk on October 16, 2016. There are several newly diagnosed or newly introduced NF families that will be there and we look forward to sharing our message of hope with them for a cure in our lifetime.
Specifically with Little Philip, he continues to be enrolled in the AZD6244 MEK trial through the National Institutes of Health. His success in this trial has been well documented, along with many other pediatric patients enrolled in the trial. This drug has been the answer to many prayers for us. At the one year mark since enrolling, Philip's tumor is now 36% smaller. We rarely hear children ask Philip what is wrong with his neck anymore. The drug does make Philip fatigued and that can be difficult for an eleven year old boy with peers that are active in sports and the outdoors. He is learning to cope but is more susceptible to typical childhood germs and has already had a few days out of school due to a fever virus and a stomach bug. He takes this in stride and continues to amaze us with his resiliency. We work hard to build trust with him to be honest and open with us about any pain or concerns, physical or emotional, and at age eleven, this is can be a tough thing for a little guy. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as he has faced more in his eleven years of life than most of his peers. Again, he amazes us and keeps us motivated to fight for a cure.
