Fight for Finn

Finn Sawyer Schafran is an avocado-loving, energetic, and intelligent little three-year-old who loves playing with friends, reading books, and watching Curious George. Like his name sakes Huck Finn & Tom Sawyer he craves adventure, laughs often, and loves the outdoors.

In August of 2016, Finn was diagnosed with a tumor in his bladder/prostate, which turned out to be a rare cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. Though rare and aggressive, doctors were hopeful that the standard of care protocol would effectively treat the tumor. After 43 weeks of chemotherapy, coupled with 28 days of radiation, Finn finished his primary treatment. Unfortunately, a mere three weeks after the end of treatment, Finn’s initial symptoms came back. Subsequent tests showed that Finn’s treatment was not successful, and the cancer was back with a vengeance.

In September of 2017, Finn underwent a major surgery to remove his bladder and prostate. Though a successful surgery, Finn still had a roughly 85% chance of relapse if an additional chemotherapy regimen was not taken. Since November of 2017 Finn has been taking a standard 35 week long relapse chemotherapy regimen, which (in theory) targets any cellular-level cancer cells in his body.

Tragically, three weeks ago and while still on chemotherapy, a routine scan revealed a new tumor in his abdomen. While very concerned due to the bleak statistical cure and long-term-survivability rates of rhabdo relapses, doctors have thus far been unable to find a treatment option that offers a realistic hope of successful treatment.

Dan and BrandiLee, Finn’s parents, continue to seek out additional medical opinions and perspectives in hopes of finding a hopeful treatment. In addition, they continue to use an integrated approach, implementing select alternative treatment options in hopes of treating Finn’s cancer and supporting the overall health of his body, which has already been through so much.

The costs of this journey are significant, and many of us feel a deep love and sense of helplessness for our dear family/friends. We want to come alongside Dan and BrandiLee in this journey to support them and, in a small way, tangibly participate in Finn’s treatment. Please consider joining with us and the many Finn’s Fans in loving and supporting this beautiful family in their time of need.

You can read Dan & BrandiLee’s blog to follow Finn’s story in more detail.