September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and in honor of that, we would like to introduce you to a brave little boy from Lawrenceville.
Stephen “Duane” Butler Junior is only 5-years-old, but he’s so full of life. In May of 2013 he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and after having what was said to be a simple surgery, his right kidney was removed. His family said that surgery turned out to be lifesaving and after it he was doing well in school and living life as a normal 4-years-old.
However, back in May he started to complain of unexpected leg pain and that’s when doctors found that the cancer had relapsed. The cancer has now spread to his spine, bones and it is stage 4. Duane has had 5 rounds of chemo and minor complications along the way, according to his family. He still has a long road ahead and needs all the prayers he can get!
Photographer Brandy Angel recently featured Duane on her website Be The Chage, as well as on her Facebook page. She takes pictures of both adults and children in need of something, whether it’s a kidney, someone searching for a relative or simply prayers.
“This little man was so full of smiles and LIFE. He just wanted to run around and have FUN,” said Angel on Facebook. “I just loved his spirit and his JOKES. His laughter was contagious for sure. I pray that after his transplant he can get back to being the super hero he was born to be. Running full force and saving the world!”
Duane is set for MIBG therapy and Stem cell therapy in a couple of weeks and that will have him in the hospital for one month at a time. This little boy can’t wait for the day that all the treatment is done and he is cancer free! He is receiving treatment at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
If you would like to contribute to Duane’s medical expenses or learn more about this tiny superhero, click here.
View the Team Heal Duane Facebook page here.
Photos courtesy of Brandy Angel Photography.