Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
TODDLER BEATS CANCER, GIVES BACK TO HOSPITAL
BERWYN » While 2½-year-old Tommy Lake and his family are successfully battling cancer, at the same time, they are supporting the Cancer Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where he was treated.
As part of “Team Tommy Lake,” the Berwyn Lake family, composed of dad Joe, twin sons Tommy and Joey, mom Jessica and daughter Genevieve, will be spreading awareness and raising funds throughout September to help fight pediatric cancer.
Last May, then-15-month-old Tommy was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma after a pediatrician found hardness in his belly. Tommy endured five rounds of intense and aggressive chemotherapy over the course of six months and had major abdominal surgery to remove a tumor in his liver.
Thankfully, he went into remission on October 22, now has a full head of hair and much of his strength back.
Jessica Lake said the treatments were “very harsh, but kids are super resilient.”
The toddler didn’t understand the concept of the need for a feeding tube and kept removing it, and lost hair and weight.
“He was tough and bounced back,” said the mother.
Now Tommy is just a few ounces shy of his twin brother’s weight and height.
Jessica Lake was greatly inspired by the support of family and friends. Both parents are athletes.
“We almost didn’t have time to think about it,” she said. “There is only one way to the finish line.
“We had to go through this really rocky path to get there. We are so fortunate to be on the other side of this.”
Jessica Lake noted that only
a small fraction of government funding earmarked for cancer study and treatment goes to pediatric cancer.
“No kid should ever have to go through this,” she said. “We realize how lucky we are to have CHOP.”
An email from Dr. Stephen Hunger, Chief of the Division of Oncology and Director of the Center for Childhood Cancer Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia reads:
“Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death from disease in children under the age of 15. While researchers at CHOP and many other pediatric cancer centers are making great progress, more funding is crucial for creating a future without childhood cancer – especially for earlystage, cutting-edge work.
“This is even more important than ever this year as many foundations that support pediatric cancer research and training have been forced to cut back on their grants and support, and our patients and their families have increased needs for financial and emotional support.”
Team Tommy Lake will be participating in CHOP’s annual Parkway Run and Walk, which will be a virtual event this year due to social distancing guidelines,
Tommy and team will be taking on 6,546 miles during September in honor of 6,546 patients treated during the last decade at CHOP. Tommy will also serve as Parkway Run ambassador and represent thousands of children diagnosed with pediatric
cancer each year.
The proceeds from the Parkway Run & Walk support breakthrough pediatric cancer research and care, training future leaders in cancer care and research, and patient and family services and support. CHOP’s physician-scientists are developing new therapies and testing them in clinical trials that give patients access to the newest therapies under investigation – with the goal of revolutionizing pediatric cancer care.
Dr. Hunger is a huge supporter of the virtual Parkway event.
“It’s a great way to bring your household together to get active and involved for a good cause,” he said. “The Parkway Run & Walk will be different this year, but it remains a celebration of all kids who have been cared for at our Cancer Center.
“Cancer doesn’t stop for a pandemic, our patients and their families don’t stop fighting, and neither will we.”
Jessica Lake said the family and team want to do their part and find an end to pediatric cancer. TShirts for the walk read, “Because kids can’t fight cancer alone.”
For more information, or to donate, go to www.ParkwayRun.org