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Sadly Garrett lost his battle with cancer, you can view his amazing self-written obituary here.
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Four-year-old Garrett, was diagnosed with Alveolar Fusion Negative Rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) on September 21, 2017. ARMS is a rare form of cancer that is attacking Garrett's temporal bone, cranial nerve, and inner ear. He was originally diagnosed as Stage 3, however, was moved to Stage 4 after week 4 of his original treatment plan as a review of the original scans showed the cancer had metastasized to the bones within his legs, hip, and arm. He is currently in week 18 of his 54-week chemotherapy treatment plan at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City. Due to the volume of radiation he will need his family will travel to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota during weeks 20 - 26 to receive proton radiation. While in Rochester, Garrett will continue to receive weekly chemotherapy. Upon completion of proton radiation, he will return to Iowa City to finish weeks 27 - 54 of chemotherapy. There is potential for multiple surgeries including: tumor removal (if the original tumor shrinks enough to remove), reconstruction of his skull and inner ear, as well as potential nerve grafting to try to correct his facial paralysis. At this time, it is not known where those surgeries will take place. The cancer is a lifelong battle and Garrett will not only need to fight the cancer itself, but also the lasting side effects of the cancer treatment. His family is settling into their ‘new normal’ which includes weekly trips to Iowa City and Mayo for treatment, many hospital stays, creating an environment that allows Garrett to receive home schooling until he begins kindergarten, juggling work responsibilities, and ensuring both of their children have the love and attention they need. They have good days and not so good days, but remain hopeful. Garrett has shown massive resilience and amazes them every day with his ability to adapt to this new life and stay the sweet, sensitive, and funny little boy we know.
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