Anthony: Making a Difference One Walk at a Time

Eight-year-old Anthony is making a difference this September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by walking in honor of children like him who have been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Anthony’s journey with a pediatric brain tumor started when he was only 5 months old when he was diagnosed with a choroid plexus papilloma brain tumor. He was an extremely happy and smiley child. When his joyful personality suddenly changed, his parents knew something was wrong.

The change in his personality is what alerted his parents to the idea that he was suffering and his continued inability to smile forced his parents to become fierce advocates, which led to his diagnosis.

Eight years later, Anthony is now tumor-free and back to his happy, smiley self. Although there are difficult moments of survivorship, Anthony’s outlook on life carries his family through difficult times. He sincerely likes to help people and frequently engages in community activities that involve giving back to or helping those in need.

Anthony’s own struggles make him empathetic to others. He has been around a lot of doctors, nurses, therapists, and specialists who have molded him to have a unique compassion for others who need some extra cheer.

This month Anthony and his family are participating in our Starry Night Community’s 51–Mile Walk Challenge. Anthony has dedicated many of his walks to individuals at different points of their journey and those who have supported him along the way.

“White lanterns are for everyone who supported us like my doctors, therapist, and teachers, my mom and dad, and all of you,” said Anthony during one of his walks.

Through the month of September, he has taken every opportunity to get in mileage for the challenge. Even on busy days when he was at the hospital or preparing for a baseball game, he took the time to go on a walk.

Anthony had others join him for some of his miles, including his forever friend and supporter, his Kindergarten teacher. Over 22 miles in, she joined him for a walk on the beach.

Every day is not easy, but Anthony pushed through in order to raise awareness and funds for a cause close to his heart.

“I am out walking on this rainy day. Not going to lie, I really didn’t want to walk today, but today I am walking for the Eternal Stars. Our family lights blue lanterns for Starry Night because they’re shining down from heaven,” said Anthony.

Anthony has already reached his goal of raising $800 in honor of being diagnosed eight years ago, but he will continue to walk and fundraise throughout the remainder of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Join our Starry Night Community’s 51–Mile Challenge on Facebook to walk alongside children, teens and survivors like Anthony and connect with other pediatric brain tumor families.