Introducing our newest Southside Hero, Randy Schmitz. Randy is bravely battling stage 4 brain cancer for the second time. A decade ago, he faced the same diagnosis after experiencing a seizure while on vacation. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor and enjoyed ten years of being cancer-free, during which he pursued his career as a special education teacher, married his soulmate, Amanda, and became a proud father to two amazing children, Autumn and Landon. Unfortunately, regular MRI screenings revealed [...]

Introducing our newest Southside Hero and dear friend, Nicole Torgerson. She is a loving wife to Harry and a proud mom to Addison, Grace, Nolan, and Payton. On top of that, she is a superhero in her own right, working as a nurse in a hematology/oncology clinic. Many of our pediatric families know and love her. It is a career she is passionate about and eagerly anticipates returning to. After dedicating her time to helping others in their battles, it [...]

In May 2019, Tonia was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer. Just last month, Christmas Without Cancer celebrated her sixth year of courageously fighting this battle. Her family and friends held their annual party in her honor; a tradition they've invited us to every year since 2020. This year was particularly special, as Tonia had spent 9 days in the ICU fighting for her life because of dangerously low potassium levels. She has triumphed over that challenge, just as [...]

In July 2024, Daisy received a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer. After undergoing MRIs, CT scans, and a bone scan, she was relieved to learn that the cancer had not spread. She immediately began her treatment with 12 rounds of Taxol in September, completing them by December. Following that, she started 4 rounds of AC in December, with her final session taking place in February. Throughout her treatment, she used cold caps, picking up dry ice the night before each [...]

We first encountered Paul and his family shortly after he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2023. He promptly started intensive treatment to curb the progression of the disease, and our team has been by his side ever since. Family and friends named their journey “Rally 4 Reynolds,” and they certainly live up to the name! In organizing our 10th annual 5K, we had the joy of honoring Paul. A total of 170 participants joined their team, walking alongside the [...]

Ben entered the world at just 24 weeks, weighing under 1 pound (14 ounces). He spent 8 months in the NICU and finally came home a week before Christmas in 2022.  He was discharged on oxygen and G-Tube feedings.  Ben was under the care of several specialists, including a pulmonologist, an ENT, a retinal specialist, and a developmental pediatrician. He was also benefiting from the support of five early intervention therapists, covering physical, occupational, speech, developmental, and nutritional therapies.  He [...]