Team Unite | Meet The Teams

WES' ARMY
Wes' story: "Wes was born in Newport News, VA two weeks early on December 21, 2005. He is a fun-loving, intelligent, and compassionate young boy with the faith like no other. He enjoys soldiers, star wars, and anything involving animals/bugs. He became a big brother on March 13, 2011. He enjoys playing with his two chihuahuas (Marley and Mixie). Up until June 24, 2011 Wes was an extremly healthy boy, hardly even having as much as an ear infection. Shortly after graduating preschool in May 2011 he began to feel abdominal pain and his appetite grew smaller and smaller. After being told it was constipation, we took him in to his pediatrician two weeks later. An x-ray revealed a mass of some kind in his left abdomen, and we were soon sent to CHKD in Norfolk, VA. There we were informed our five year old son had a large mass in his left side that had been pushing on all of his inside organs causing him to feel full. They named it stage 3 high risk neuroblastoma. Soft tissue was found on one of his lymph nodes later bumping him to the low end of stage 4."

TEAM JACOB
Jacob's story: "Jacob was diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma when he was 6 months old. He went through 6 months of chemo and still has active tumors. He is being treated by Dr. Carol Shields. I found out about this website through a friend."

THROUGH TACEY'S EYES
Tacey's story: "Tacey was diagnosed at 7 months old. When she was 9 months old, her left eye was removed. One month before her 7th birthday, her right eye had to be removed. One week later, Tacey rode her first horse. Soon after that, she became a national spokesperson for Wrangler's cancer awareness campaign as the first ever Miss Tough Enough To Wear Pink Rodeo Queen. We travel all over the US and parts of Canada spreading awareness of cancer and children with disabilities."

HADLEY'S HOPE
Hadley's story: "Hadley loved people, babies, her family and always being on the go. She was beautiful inside and out, never letting anything get her down. Defeat was not part of her vocabulary. She found joy in the every day things we take for granted and taught us how to live and love. She is so missed."

GRACE THE ACE
Graysen's story: "Graysen is a 6 year old active little girl. Cancer slowed her down a bit, but she never gave up hope of resuming normal activities. Graysen persevered through her illness like a hero. She is the bravest 6 year old I have encountered and I don't say that because I am her mother. Graysen spreads hope through her smiles, through courage, and through the innocence of being a child."

ALEXANDER'S QUEST
Alexander's story: "December 18, 2009 was when our world crashed. Now I've had events in my life that I thought were crashes but they turned out to be speed bumps, very small speed bumps. This was the day that our son as diagnosed with a brain tumour. Of course the doctors did not call it that, they called it a "lesion". Then they called it a "mass", I guess they were taking baby steps. Now here comes the truth, it's a tumour. Not that we didn't already know, a room full of Doctors and med students gives it away. How about we start from the beginning. "

TEAM ABBEY R
Abbey's story: "Abbey had a seizure on 12-26-04, within a weeks time we found out she had a thalamic tumor which is considered by most doctors to be inoperable due to the location (mid brain). Abbey was put on medication to stop the seizures and she was completely asymptomatic. We were to wait and watch to see if her tumor would grow and then begin steps to save her life if the tumor were to change. We found out in April of 2006 that Abbeys tumor had begun to grow. After many calls, tests unanswered calls and questions and lack of care from A.I. DuPont Children's Hospital we chose to move on to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia at the end of June. We ...."

TEAM GAGE
Gage's story: "That morning we woke up and Gage was acting not like himself, kinda crappy with a low-grade fever, which I attributed to teething; so I gave him some Tylenol and off to Ikea we went. After arriving at the store and stopping to grab a bite to eat at the yummy cafe, but Gage was still out of it didn’t want anything to eat or drink, he did nap a lot; that alone should have told me something was up. By the time we left Ikea, I just was not happy with the way Gage was looking and acting so I decided to stop by my work, which just happens to be in the same medical office building (MOB) his pediatrician is. My logic being if there is something wrong they will give him ..."

TEAM KASSI
Kassi's story: "Kassandra is currently in chemotherapy for rhabdomyosarcoma. We noticed a small hard spot on her belly in September 2010 and three weeks later it had grown to fill her entire stomach area. She hasn't been able to eat or keep down fluids. Her first chemo session was Halloween 2010. This is her story and we just hope it will have a happy ending. =) ..."

TEAM MATTHEW M
Matthew's story: "After eight years of being told that we would never be able to have children of our own, it came as a huge surprise when Nora became pregnant. On March 10, 2004 we were blessed with the birth of our son, Matthew Alexander Perez. Along with the joy of receiving this new member to our family, we received much heartbreaking news. Matthew was delivered via emergency cesarean section at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie, NY. He suffered pulmonary hypertension and was intubated immediately. Matthew was transferred that evening to the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY. Matthew ..."

TEAM VICTORIA K
Victoria's story: "Victoria is a beautiful and strong-willed little girl. She's a definite fighter and is always wearing a smile ... through the pokes, procedures, and surgeries. I heard about Team Unite through some other families with little ones fighting this battle, but I stumbled upon the website while searching for information for a paper I'm writing ... Arrival at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Jan 7th, 2009. Surgery to remove Wilms Tumor, right kidney and right adrenal gland on Jan 14th 2009. Radiation Jan 27th-Feb 3rd 2009. Chemo (DD-4A treatment regimen) started on Jan 27th and is ongoing...Last chemo was July 14th. Port removal surgery ..."

SURVIVING WITH GAVIN JON
Gavin's story: "Gavin Jon was born with a rare cancer called Infantile Fibrosarcoma. We found out when he was just 3 weeks old that he would be in the fight for his life. By the time he was 7 months old weighing in at just a little over 9 lbs he was declared in remission. Due to where the tumor was (in his right arm by his elbow) he still has a lot of limitations as to what he can do. But that has never stopped him. He is very determined to do things his way. He is such a fighter and an inspiration to us all. He just celebrated his 4th year in REMISSION!"

TEAM SETH
Seth's story: "I'm Grace Lubon, mother of Seth Kyne Nathan Lubon, 3 years old from Philippines. Last June 25 he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hepatoblastoma. He just finished his 3rd course of chemo and next week is his alpha feto protein test and ct scan. Hope the result will be positive. Please include us in your prayers ..."

TEAM JACK
Jackson's story: "Jack was diagnosed on July 23rd 2010 after several weeks of morning vomiting but no other signs. he had a 2 inch tumor overtaking his brain and was able to have most all of it removed on July 26th - he is now in radiation and chemotherapy treatment at the University of Michigan and learning how to rework things while getting stronger in PT/OT and speech therapy. Jack is a 6 year old boy who is in desperate need of your prayers. Jack's world was turned upside down on July 23, 2010. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor near his brain stem. This was not welcome news to his parents who days prior were watching their son swinging from the rope in their yard or ..."

ANNA'S ARMY
Anna's story: "Anna was diagnosed with Stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in March 2009 at the age of two. She completed aggressive treatment, which included surgery, radiation, and 7 different chemotherapies in April 2010. The summer of 2010 we all throroughly enjoyed having her healthy and off treatment. On Sept.3, 2010, it was discoverd that her cancer had come back. She will be getting less aggressive chemotherapies now in the hopes of holding the tumors at bay. Anna is a beautiful girl who loves to dance, go to preschool, and play with her brothers. She captures the hearts of all who know her!"

BRAC'S PACK
Braxton's story: "Brac was diagnosed in November 2009 with ALL, he simply had a series of low grade temps that made us a little nervous. He is schedule for treatment until Jan 2013. We heard of Team Unite through one of our hospital friends. Vinny, has been an inspiration to us all. Brac has always been a bill of health. Full of energy, but in October of 2009 after having the flu, he just didn't seem to want to get better. After a consistent fever for 3 days and a change in his usually active demeanor I know that he needed to go to the doctor. They did a simple finger stick at the office, ran the results 3 times and the results all came back abnormal, Dr. Entwhistle sent us to HP ..."

NEVER QUIT
Colton's story: "Colton was diagnosed in September of 2009 with Stage 4 liver cancer. He never responded to any chemo but he remained a fighter until the very end. He didn't give up, his body did. He left a lasting impression on everyone who came into contact with him if it was even only a few minutes. I found out about team unite through a few friends who share similar stories."

TEAM AUSTON
Auston's story: " On January 21, 2010, I took Auston to his pediatrician about some knots in his neck-obiviously swollen lymph nodes. From here, our journey began. Auston was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, T-Cell. We were immediately admitted to Children's Hospital Special Care Unit. We spent a week there getting chemo and various other procedures. Our life has changed in a major way. We are slowly adapting to life with a child with cancer. Please remember us and all of the other sick children daily in your prayers! I found Team Unite while on Facebook! We are really excited to be a part of another cancer fighting team!"

KARING FOR KEEGAN
Keegan's story: "Keegan is a strong willed little dude. He inspires me EVERYDAY to be a better person. He was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma at 7 1/2 months old and is now 11 months old, preparing to start round 5 of chemotherapy at Riley Hospital for Chidlren in Indy. Stem cell transplant is in our near future and really hope for the best. I found your site through the Pediatric Brain Tumor Wall of Courage. Keegan's brain tumor, like most Medulloblastomas, was found growing in the 4th ventricle of his brain putting pressure on his brain stem and cerebellum thus causing the vomiting and his systems beginning to shut down."

STINKY SOCKS BOY
Ethan's story: "Ethan was diagnosed with Stage IV Wilms tumor on 30 April 2009. He completed treatment on 21 April 2010 and was declared NED 21 May 2010. He has reintegrated into the schooling system and is doing very well. In March last year, Ethan started getting unexplained fevers. He's always been more susceptible to fevers than any of our other children. Often we were told that there appeared to be no real reason for them and that we should just give him the usual Panado syrup to bring down the fever. This time was different though. Between mid March and end April, we were constantly at the doctor with Ethan because of fevers. One Thursday ..."

Blake TEAM BLAKE
Blake's story: "Blake was diagnosed with AT/RT in Feb 08. He had a brain tumor the size of a grapefruit. The tumor was removed, and he began high dose chemo and then had 6 weeks of radiation. He was nearing the end of treatment when another tumor was discovered on his brain stem. He had radiation for that tumor, then immediately went on his Make a Wish trip to Give Kids the World and Disney. He had an amazing time, we could hardly keep up with him! Shortly after that, 2 more brain tumors were discovered, and the cancer had spread throughout his spine. We chose IV Vitamin C treatment over chemo, and Blake was able to run and be a kid, rather than be sick from the chemo. He had 6 weeks of cancer treatment "free" life, before succumbing to the disease. He passed away April 27, 2009 at home in our arms. We miss him dearly every day."

FIGHT 4 JAXON
Jaxon's story: "Jaxon was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic hepatoblastoma in July 2007. The cancer had spread to both of his lungs. After 12 rounds of chemo Jaxon was able to get his first liver transplant on February 5, 2008 which ended up with primary non-function, and never worked properly. Jaxon received his second liver transplant on February 22, 2008. He spent the biggest part of 2008 in the hospital. Jaxon is now dealing with the side effects of treatment including stage 4 chronic kidney disease from the chemotherapy, profound hearing loss, learning issues and foot drop. Jaxon was able to start kindergarten this fall and we are moving on and enjoying all the small moments. I learned about Team Unite from 46 mommas!!"

ALEX'S WARRIORS
Alex's story: "Our Warrior Alex went home to be with Jesus after battling AML for 14 months at St Jude. It is our promise to him to "continue the fight he so bravely fought" by bringing more awareness to childhood cancer and the need for increased funding for research. I learned about Team Unite from other postings on Facebook. Thank you for all you are doing!! Our 2 yr old son Alex was diagnosed with M7 AML, which is a rare form of leukemia and is very difficult to treat. He is a fighter, and we are trusting and believing Jesus for a complete healing! Alex was diagnosed Thursday, July 3, 2008 with M7 AML, which is a very rare form of leukemia. On Tuesday, July ..."

PRINCESS DIANA
Diana's story: "Diana is a very special little girl who has a smile that will light up a room. Diana has Hydrocephalous, CP, and Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid Cancer is very rare in young children and even rarer to have spread to other parts of the body. In September of 2008, Diana went through 15 weeks of being in the hospital and 15 surgeries to cure an infection she got in her GI tract. She lost 1/2 of her large intestine, had shunt revisions, shunt replacements, and had to have numerous xrays and scans. In May of 2009, we found enlarged lymph nodes and an enlarged thyroid in her neck. Thyroid Cancer was diagnosed in July of 2009. Her thyroid and numerous lymph nodes were removed. Radio-active Iodine treatment was done in September of 2009. More lymph nodes were removed in December of 2009. A second round or Radio-active Iodine treatment was done in January of 2010. Diana currently is having bloodwork done to monitor her thyroid levels. She is going into her fourth month of having good results. We found out about Team Unite from the Family of Aleigha Sweet. She has been a part of Team Unite for several years."

CARING 4 KIDS WITH CANCER
Erik's story: "Erik was dx'ed at 17 months old with medulloblastoma. He had surgery then 14 months of chemotherapy. Erik finished is treatment on May 17th 1994. Erik faces many long term affects from his treatment. He graduated from Hunterdon Central High School this past June. We are very proud of all his achievement and strength. It was November 17, 1992 when we heard the words “Your baby has cancer” This was the beginning of Erik’s Journey. Erik had brain surgery to remove most of the tumor in his brain. We were told that this type of cancer was very treatable in older kids but the odds were against an infant surviving! Erik ..."

TEAM MADDIE B
Maddie's story: "Madison is very funny and energetic child. She loves life, family, friends, learning new things, drawing and playing. She brings sunshine on even the dullest of days. Even after diagnosis, she always had a smile on her face. You could find her dancing and singing, even while hooked up receiving chemo! I learned about Team Unite through 46 mommas! Our journey began on December 21, 2008. Madison broke her arm after she fell in church. We took her to the E.R. for x-rays. They told us we needed to see an Orthopedic surgeon. That is how we began going to Children's Hospital. Our first visit was on Dec. 24. Christmas Eve! We had more ..."

CELL BY CELL
Keeghan's story: "Keeghan was an amazing little man who wanted nothing more than to grow up and find a cure for cancer. Instead, he was diagnosed with it at age 10 and then died at 12. His spirit, and his desire to find a cure, lives on in so many people however. We are Keeghan's Warriors, and we will continue to fight for a cure - even if we have to do it Cell by Cell. In 2006 Keeghan was diagnosed with a grade three anaplastic astrocytoma. After two major brain surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy Keeghan continued his fight for more than two years. On August 31, 2008 the tumor, which had returned even more aggressive than before, had just become too big. While ..."

THE RHABDO SLAYERS
Cliff's story: "Cliff's journey began on December 24, 1993.Our first born arrived in this world at 11:17 pm at 8 lbs. 6 ounces. He is the most wonderful Christmas present we have ever received. Cliff is a very creative, loving, and determined young man. Some people search a lifetime for their life’s passion. Cliff has known since he was 10 months old, that he loved music and wanted to play guitar. It all began when my brother, Uncle Jamie, handed Cliff his guitar; from then on Cliff was determined that he would have his own. We bought Cliff his first Acoustic when he was in kindergarten. He would sit for hours listening to his dad’s cds and try to figure out the notes. He ..."

X-MAN'S CANCER CRUSHERS
Xavier's story: "Xavier turned three years old on July 24, 2010. On Nov. 3, 2008 he was diagnosed with stage 3 Rhabdomyosarcoma in his bladder. He went through 43 weeks of chemo and 30 days of radiation. He finished chemo in Sept. of 2009 and we were officially give the word that he was in remission on Jan. 23, 2010. Xavier had been constipated for 2wks, there was blood in his urine when I changed his pamper several times & I had taken him to his Doctor a few different times & ran tests & did urine cultures & couldnt find anything wrong with him. I remember the last trip to the Doctor which was on Nov. 29 I told her that I knew ..."

TEAM CAMERON P
Cameron's story: "I found out about Team Unite from a friend's facebook. Our son has been battling Neuroblastoma since he was 2 months. He just recently turned one. He has been so brave and happy through his fight. He will be receiving his 8th round of chemotherapy next week and we hope it is his last. His entire journey is on his CaringBridge website ... We took our son Cameron in to see his doctor because he had been having feeding problems pretty much since the day he was born. We had tried everything from changing his formula to putting him on reflux medication because nothing seemed to be working. His doctor also wanted him to go in ... "

AUSTIN'S ARMY OF ANGELS
Austin's story: "Austin was diagnosed May 28th, 2009 with stage 4 Neuroblastoma ... and we are now done with treatment and waiting on the final word to see if we are in remission!!!! I heard about this website from a friend named Dawn Burgess. Austin woke up on April 20th and didn't want to move his elbow so i took him to the ER in Grayling where we spent six hours with tests and what not, then we were sent to Devos because we were told that he either had an infection or a tumor in his elbow. After he had surgery to drain his arm we went home. Mike and I came back down one week later to get his check up and we were told that he was doing well ... "

TEAM PRINCESS ASHLYN
Ashlyn's story: "In Sept. '07 Ashlyn was taken into the doctor for a rash on her body. We found out it was petechiae and after some lab tests and a bone marrow she was dx with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). After 6 months of intense inpatient chemotherapy she went home in remission on April 1, 2008. On June 12, 2009 during a monthly clinic visit we were struck with another blow. Counts came back low and after another bone marrow Ashlyn was dx with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It took 6 months to get her back into remission. Ashlyn is currently in maintenance treatment until February 2012."

NICK'S NINJAS
Nicholas's story: "Nicholas was an amazing, funny, and talented child. He was caring, and loved his family and friends. He was courageous, and fought a long, brave battle. He is missed very much! ... Our lives changed on Friday, May 29th, 2009. Nicholas’ Dad John took him to his pediatrician for a check up. He had been acting different from our usual Nicholas. About a month before the visit Nicholas was complaining about seeing double. He would say, "Dad, you have three eyes". We thought that he needed glasses. Then, to add to that, his balance and coordination was off. He would also suddenly get sick without feeling nausea. He just wasn't right. Nick's doctor did the ..."

TEAM MAX H
Max's story: "Max Hanson is an awesome kid from Seattle! He's 9 years old and loves sports of any kind, doing art projects (especially drawing), playing with his little brother Beck and big sister Robin and just being a kid! Max was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma (brain tumor) in February of 2004. He had a successful surgery at Children's hospital and has completed six weeks of chemo and radiation treatment and is well on his way to completing maintenance chemo therapy (finished in the end of October). Max's surgery has given him some challenges, especially when it comes to doing the sports he loves so much. His balance was affected as well as his right side ..."

TEAM JUSTIN
Justin's story: "Justin, commonly known as "The Bobbinog" was born on 18th March 2009, a healthy baby boy weighing 2.89kg and measuring 42cm in length. At 14 weeks old, I took him to the doctor, as his tummy was very hard and swollen, and had been like that for a few weeks, but it was getting bigger and harder and looked like it could burst. Shock ... Horror ... He was diagnosed with a tumour of sorts in his abdomen on 25th June 2009. It was confirmed to be a Liver Tumour. A great big one at that. The medical term given was a Hepatoblastoma. The question was where to from here??? Its a scary situation to find yourself in, as you have no idea what is coming next. Everyone associates cancer with death. But we moved forward and found this not to be true."

TEAM ALYSSA R
Alyssa's story: "Alyssa was born on Nov. 15, 2006. And dx. at 9 mo. old with a brain tumor ( anaplastic ependymoma stage III). She has had three craniotomies (five days after her first craniotomy she had a major GI bleed, spent 7 weeks in PICU), and has had 3 stomach surgeries, and countless procedures. It was over 2 months before they could start chemo, she was so sick with the GI issues. She had chemo 2 days before her first birthday; 5 weeks later she was showing signs of recurrence which an MRI comfirmed. She had her second craniotomy with GTR Jan. 2, 2008, followed by 31 days of IMRT. She was in the hospital for seven and 1/2 months. We came home on March 14th 2008, Alyssa was 16 months old. She still has her feeding tube, but she is cancer free now for 2 yrs., 5 months, and continues to improve. She has some delays, but she is a happy loving little girl who is our world."

TEAM KONNER
Konner's story: "Hi. My name is Konner Dean. I am 2 months old and was born on Feb. 13 2010. I was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma on Tuesday April 13, 2010. It is a common type of cancer in children 3 years of age and below. I have a loving family which consists of my parents, 2 older brothers and lots of extended family. I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I will be strong every step of the way. I am a fighter!! I am a "Lil' Tough Guy" and I WILL kick cancer in the Butt! Konner has undergone a surgery to remove tumor in his spine and has had 2 Chemo treatments. He is classified as stage 2 intermediate risk with a look at a great outcome. Please pray for our little man!"

JACOB, ALWAYS IN OUR HEART
Jacob's story: " Hi, my son's name is Jacob Dillon Samaniego, born to the parents Tony & Melisa Samaniego on October 7th, 2002. He was 3 yrs old when he started having constant fevers that would just keep coming and at times spiking at 103 to 104. He just felt so yucky. He was misdiagnosed with an ear infection, strep throat, and a viral infection. Then the Dr. did some basic blood tests and it tested positive for Mono and being anemic. I thought, we finally have an answer. But the fever came back again about a day later, spiking to 104. Finally, more extensive, bloodwork, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) in July 2006."

TEAM AUDRIANNA
Audrianna's story: " Audrianna just turned 4 and she has stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma and was diagnosed on April 8th 2009.She has had a very rough road to travel so far, very extensive chemo, surgery, 2 stem cell transplants, 4 weeks of radiation, then they found new cancer and now she is going through 6 more months of chemo with the hopes of getting the cancer to go into remission.We heard about Team Unite from Aimee's Army! ... "

TEAM MIGHTY-MIKEY
Mikey's story: " Michael is an active 4 year old diagnosed in September 2008 with low grade brain & spine tumors. To date no one has been able to identify the tumors that are all over Mike's spine & brain. He has been on 16 months of chemo... the first 3 of which caused central neuro-toxicity & peripheral neuropathy. Michael is the younger brother of Katie and the older brother of Timmy. He loves Sesame Street and Disney. He is sweet, loving and extremely stubborn! :) He is a fighter! ... "

TEAM PAIGE L
Paige's story: " Paige is a 5 year old survivor of brain cancer. She was diagnosed in July 07, two weeks before her 3rd birthday. She endured 6 rounds of chemo, three of them being high dose with ASCR at Duke Medical center and went on to do proton beam radiation at Mass General in Boston. Even through all of her treatments, she has always been a happy and upbeat child. She is amazing. ..."

TEAM ALYSSA B
Alyssa's story: " My daughter Alyssa was diagnosed at the age of 5 with AML. For 18 months she fought this horrible disease with amazing strength, determination and courage. She is my hero and inspiration, and an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to be dazzled by her beautiful smile and endless charm. Our baby girl took her wings on Oct 11, 2007 at the age of 6. I love and miss you to Heaven and back my beautiful Princess. Love your mommy forever xoxoxoxox ..."

PRAY4NOLAN
Nolan's story: Nolan was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma on October 8, 2009. He had surgery to remove the tumor on October 13, 2009. They were able to remove most of the tumor and he had two lesions on his spine. Nolan had 30 days of radiation and chemo and he is finishing up his 6 months of inpatient chemo. When he is done he will take an maintenance oral chemo for 6 months. So far Nolan is responding really well to the treatment and enjoys watching spongebob and riding his bike in his spare time! Nolan also loves raising awareness for pediatric brain tumors by telling everyone his story ..."

TEAM DANI
Dani's story: "Dani was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor called medulloblastoma at the age of 9, last May 7 2009. She had a few incidents of vomitting and headache for the past couple of months and persistent migraine-like headache during the few days leading to her diagnosis. Her pediatrician ordered an MRI and we found a racquet-ball size tumor attached to the cerebellum at the lower back part of her brain. She was admitted at Children's Hospital in Dallas on May 7 and then she had brain surgery on May 11, which lasted for about 5 hours. The tumor was fully resected and further MRI and spinal tap test shows that thankfully the tumor did not spread to any other parts of ..."

MIGHTY KEAGEN
Keagen's story: "My little man Keagen was diagnosed with High risk stage 4 Neuroblastoma at the age of 21 months after presenting with a large belly. He went through 6 rounds of chemotherapy, many surgeries, and complications. He passed away from complications during his stem cell transplant. He is dearly missed, and leaves behind a twin sister, and two older brothers. He is our Mighty Keagen, and we will keep fighting where he left off ..."

JULIE'S JOURNEY
Julie's story: "Julie-Layton Bryan is 6 yo. In 2008 she was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in the left eye. She received 4 intraarterial chemotherapy treatments. Her scans were clean 3/3/09 thru 2/2/2010 . On 2/2/2010 we found out her eye is hemorrhaging, and the tumor is not viewable. The fight for her eye continues. On Saturday November 8th, 2008, she participated in a local pageant to crown this year's winner. We had noticed recently (the last two weeks) some straying of her left eye and it was obvious in pictures from the pageant. On Monday we called our eye doctor in Montgomery. He had an opening on Tuesday, which was a school holiday so I was off ..."

COURAGE AND FAITH
Jaylon's story: "Jaylon was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on December 3, 2008 at the age of 8 years old. He has been in remission since January 6, 2009. On Sunday November 23, 2008 Jaylon developed a slight fever that would seem typical of what kids usually experience during the flu season. Then on Thanksgiving morning Jay complained that his leg was hurting so much that he couldn't walk without limping. Our first reaction was that his pain was due to an injury he may have received playing baseball or just horsing around. The pain persisted well into the weekend and it worsen to the point where it was too painful for him to stand or walk on his own ..."

TEAM BUDDAH
Collin's story: "Collin is a "strong-willed" little monster out of Ft. Bragg, NC. He was diagnosed with ALL a few days after his second birthday. He is currently in remission and is a real fighter. So many people ask me what made me think anything was wrong. But as a mother you just know when something isn't right with your child! I always tell people that my kids mouths smell different when they are getting sick. Aside from mothers intuition there are a lot of things when I think about it hard enough...he had ear infections that just weren't going away even with the all powerful Rocefin (which he is now allergic to he has had so much of the stuff)! He was covered in bruises to ..."

TEAM BELIEVE
Triston's story: "My son was was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on February 2, 2006. He has been in remission for 3 years and is doing great! Triston is your average normal everyday 10 year old boy or at least he is to us. That is if you consider that he eats, sleeps, and breaths motocross. Feb 2, 2006 this all changed for us. What we thought was growing pains turned out to be a monster called cancer. AKA Osteosarcoma..."

TEAM KARLIE S
Karlie's story: "On September 8th, 2006 we found out that Karlie had hydrocephalus and an abnormality at the base of the skull according to the CAT scan done that day. Karlie was then transfered to St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN. On September 10th, 2006 Karlie had a VP shunt placed to drain the fluid. She did great. On September 12th, 2006 Karlie was able to come home and doing great active little girl. On September 13th, 2006 Karlie started Physical Therapy 3 times a week. For Head control On October 24th, 2006 Karlie went to see her neurologist and every thing was good and got the okay to lay on her right side. On October 29th, 2006 Karlie was once again sitting in the ..."

KENDALL'S COURAGE
Kendall's story: "Kendall was diagnosed on November 9,2007. She is 5 years old. The tumor was surgically removed November 12,2007. In July 2008, she had a routine MRI and the the tumor had returned. She started chemo on August 13,2008 and will finish her 18 month long journey of chemo on Feb 22,2010. Kendall is an inspiration to us all, with all she has been through, she knows how to live life to the fullest and make a lasting impression on everyone she meets ... When Kendall was born on July 14,2004 she was a full term baby, came right on her due date, and suprised us all weighing in at 9lbs 2oz. At about 3 weeks she broke out in a rash all over her body, which we ..."

TEAM NICHOLAS M
Nicholas's story: "Nicholas was born on August 5, 1997. What a beautiful baby he was. Always smiling and happy. He had a bout with infant asthma, but outgrew it by the time he was 2. As a baby and toddler he was an easy going little guy, so full of life and love. He's 11 now and still full of life and energy. His heart is huge and full of love. He's his mommy's little boy, the baby of three. Two weeks after his 11th birthday, he had a MRI scan done due to headahes, excessive sleepiness, ringing in the ears and outbursts. His new psychiatrist sent him because of all of the concerns we have had for a long time. He had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and put on a ..."

Please pray for these warriors and angels whose family and friends make up TEAM UNITE.

Those in battle to achieve remission and our precious warriors who are now our angels of inspiration! Please take a moment to send your prayers for strength to these special people who have joined forces to make a difference for the children of our country. Thank you so much for doing what you do! God bless TEAM UNITE!