Our Athlete’s Program, is a sponsorship program that allows us to come alongside young cancer fighting athletes that have a sport or activity they love, that drives them every day and gives them hope. In the past, we’ve sponsored a snow boarder, dancers, horseback riders, a soccer player, a tennis player, a baseball player, gymnasts, and more!
In spring 2022, we had a unique request come across our organization that led us to asking for your help in raising funds for a Go Kart for a special 8 year old boy.
Well, many of you showed up BIG in helping us, and we wanted to share an update on Pedro, his Go Kart, which was delivered right before Christmas, and how your support is making a life-giving difference!
Here’s the full update from his mom, Laetitia.
“Our 8 year old son, Pedro, was diagnosed on his brother’s fifth birthday with Ewing’s Sarcoma. He was healthy and full of life, and his diagnosis came as a shock to us. I immediately began researching, and integrative medicine became a big element in our toolbox. Through this, I came in touch with Season and KICKcancER.
Since Pedro was a toddler, he has been car and racing obsessed. Other boys might go through dinosaur, truck, or animal phases, but Pedro has only ever cared about racing cars. If his stomach hurt, he wouldn’t tell me “my belly hurts”. Instead, would say, “my engine hurts”. He has always seen the world through car colored glasses.
His cancer was in his femur, and on top of 14 cycles of the harshest chemotherapy around, treatment involved either amputation or limb salvage surgery, which naturally doesn’t come without risks or limitations. After much discussion, we chose limb salvage surgery as our path forward, as this would allow Pedro to still drive. It didn’t feel fair to take his dreams off the table when that was all he’d ever wanted. So, it was with a heavy heart that we sent our sweet, perfect boy into a 10 hour surgery to have 19 cm of his leg removed and replaced with a titanium implant, as well as a knee replacement. Thankfully, the surgeon was able to achieve clear margins, and Pedro woke up in good spirits and recovered faster than anyone excepted.
Soon after Pedro’s big surgery, we found out about KICKcancER’s Athlete’s Program. We knew that this was just what Pedro needed. With great generosity and never ending commitment, Season and her team tirelessly raised funds to get Pedro a Go Kart of his own. The Go Kart was delivered right before Christmas, and we were able to make Pedro’s dreams come true on Christmas morning…a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Having a Go Kart has given Pedro his confidence back. It has also helped him tremendously in his recovery. His limb salvage surgery was over a year ago, and he’s still unable to walk without assistance. Despite physical therapy 5+ days a week, he’s been struggling to regain mobility after his surgery. And socially, it’s not easy either. However, despite being unable to walk, THIS KID CAN RACE! This has given Pedro confidence, courage, and perseverance.
As a boy, his peers play sports and climb and can be rather competitive. And even though things aren’t easy and don’t feel fair, we try to give Pedro the mental tools he needs to feel confident with the cards he’s been dealt. Racing has given Pedro something exciting of his own, and he feels proud of his sport.
Pedro will even be competing in the state championships this year! Each and every time he gets into his Go Kart, I find myself covered in goosebumps. There’s nothing like watching my boy filled with life and excitement, doing what he loves most. He may not be able to walk, but HE CAN FLY.
We are eternally thankful to KICKcancER for making this possible for our son. The confidence and zest for life that he feels when he’s in his Go Kart is worth more than gold. I know this plays an integral part in his healing and recovery, and we are so grateful. Thank you again!!”
Pretty wonderful, right?!
Again, thank YOU for helping to make this happen! We can’t do this without you, and your support IS changing lives, giving hope and making ripples of impact. And if you’re interested in making a donation for future KICKcancER Athletes, click here to make a donation directly to our program.