Community Corner

Community Rallies for PVSD Student Battling Rare Cancer

Kevin's Hope is holding a benefit on Nov. 17 to help the Ross family pay $200,000 in medical bills for a rare cancer's experimental treatment.

 

Community members are banding together to help the family of Kevin Ross, a 15-year-old Perkiomen Valley High School student, pay for treatment of a rare cancer of the central nervous system that will cost upwards of $200,000.

Kevin's Hope will hold a benefit dinner on Nov. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Limerick Fire Hall, for $20 per adult and $10 per child.

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Kevin's Story
Doctors found three tumors pressing on Ross's spinal nerves two years ago, and he was diagnosed with Myxopapillary Ependemomas, rare cancerous tumors of the central nervous system, according to Rachael Charyna, who is helping to coordinate the benefit.

"Kevin was amazingly brave as he went through two risky spinal cord surgeries," said the Ross family on the Kevin's Hope website.

Find out what's happening in Perkiomen Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After the tumors were removed, the Ross family was told to "wait and see" if the tumors returned, and the next step would be chemotherapy.

While Ross enjoyed two years of clear MRIs, the tumors have just returned and Ross is being treated by the Burzynski Clinic in Houston, Texas.

The family reported that, as of Oct. 24, the treatment seemed to be showing some positive results, and Ross's last MRI showed some no growth or additional tumors since he started treatment.

The experimental treatment is not covered by insurance, and the Ross family is facing medical costs of $200,000.

How to Help
The invitation for the Nov. 17 event is attached in the photo section of this article.

Community members are also able to donate to the family by visiting the Kevin's Hope Website.


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