Mom Walks in UMass Medicine Cancer Walk for her Son

In August, 2012, five-year-old Christan Campero was diagnosed with T-cell ALL leukemia.

His mom, Tricia, created a Facebook page called Christian's Courage to keep friends and family updated, sharing with them that Christian reached remission just 15 days after starting chemotherapy (which he started 24 hours after diagnosis).

The boy is still bravely battling the disease.

Now, her mom has chosen to take part in the UMass Medicine Cancer Walk in an effort to raise money for ongoing research and clinical trials.

"While Christian still has years of treatment ahead of him, we want to begin to give back to the wonderful hospital that has helped our boy and has given us hope that one day he will be cured."

With a goal of $1,000, Tricia has already raised more than $650 for the cause.

As she states on her fundraising page, "The UMass Medicine Cancer Center of Excellence provides patient- and family-centered care in an environment of compassion and respect. Physicians are working together with scientists to bring the most advanced cancer research, clinical trials and latest treatments to every diagnosis. This translates into increased quality of care and improvement in patient outcomes. The monies I raise will be used to increase the scope and progress of this ground-breaking clinical trials program. Our philanthropic support to the Cancer Center will provide patients more effective treatments with less side effects."

Tricia told Patch that she owes UMass Cancer Center "everything for helping to save my son."

Go here to make a donation. Every little bit helps.  

There is also a fund set up at United Bank in Shrewsbury to assist with Christian's mounting medical bills.