NJ boy battling cancer helps to raise money for other pediatric patients
WYCKOFF, New Jersey (WABC) -- 6-year-old Tommy may be shy, but he is a fighter. He was diagnosed with brain cancer last February. His most recent brain surgery, his 7th, was two weeks ago.
"I call him my little miracle child. He's super human. Amazing healer. Seven brain surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation - still runs around the house wrestling with big brother," says Tommy's mother, Christine Fitzpatrick.
By looking at him, you would never know how much he suffers.
"He's been braver and more resilient than most adults. He's my hero," says Tommy's father, Andrew Fitzpatrick.
So why a celebration? The Fitzpatrick family raised $50,000 for pediatric cancer research, and they wanted a chance to thank their community.
"Unbelievable. Heartwarming. Overwhelming. Shows how great everybody is - they rallied around us and Tommy," Christine said.
It all began with #TommyStrong t-shirts for the family to help get them through months at the hospital. Then, friends and strangers wanted one, too in solidarity. So the Fitzpatrick family decided to turn a kind gesture into a fundraiser. They personally paid for hundreds and hundreds of t-shirts, sold them and 100 percent raised - $50,000 went to the Children's Cancer Institute at Hackensack Medical Center.
"It's really unusual to see patients step up like this. Very difficult going through diagnosis of cancer, but to be able to think about other people while going through such a difficult time and raise money is something special," says Pediatric Neuro-Oncologist Dr. Derek Hanson.
Tommy, the youngest of three is now back at school. His family does not know what tomorrow will bring, but they do know they are not alone in their battle against brain cancer.
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