5th grader battles rare cancer for a second time
CHANDLER, Ariz. (KSAZ) -- A young boy in the East Valley is battling cancer, for a second time.
Kameron Sherman was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer, has been through a year-long round of Chemotherapy treatments.
"He's 10 years old," said Kameron's mother, Debbie Sherman. "He was first diagnosed when he was eight. He had his first chemotherapy on his 9th birthday."
Kameron's parents say they were initially told his treatment was successful, and he was cancer-free. Just four months later, however, there was a devastating turn of events.
The cancer has relapsed, and now, Kameron is undergoing another round of chemo.
"You expect, as a parent, to be able to teach your child how to drive, and watch them go to prom, and see them get married, but that's not always the case, and to not take those simple moments of life for granted," said Debbie.
Some parents choose to not tell their kids how sick they are, when they're diagnosed with cancer. Kameron, however, knows, and he still maintains his sense of humor, and is full of smiles.
How does he do it?
"Get a dog," said Kameron. "Get a dog. They make you feel better!"
Kameron, an avid animal and dog lover, said when he grows up, he wants to be a vet. As for what treatment options he has the second time around, Kameron's parents say there isn't a lot of research done on this type of cancer.
"For as much fundraising as you see on TV and the news, there's not a lot that goes onto childhood cancer research," said Debbie.
As for Kameron's odds, his parents admit they're not great. They don't like to talk numbers, turning instead to a higher power.
"There's really no question, God made Kameron to fight, and he's absolutely going to fight through this," said Kameron's father, Bryce Sherman.
Kameron's parents are sharing his fight during the month of September, which is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, in hopes of spreading awareness to this cause.
Gofundme for Kameron
https://www.gofundme.com/kamerons-medical-fund
Rhabdomyosarcoma Information from the American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/rhabdomyosarcoma/about/what-is-rhabdomyosarcoma.html
Rhabdomyosarcoma Information from the Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rhabdomyosarcoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20355393
The Beads of Courage Program