This is my amazing cousin Ethan and the "Dragon Lady" at Build-A-Bear last November. When he was younger I had fire engine red hair and would tease him so much, so I naturally became Dragon Lady. Don't worry, we are the best of friends now that he teases me back! He'll still call me Dragon Lady once in a while though to remember the good old days.
He had just a little tummy ache a week or so before Halloween. It didn't get better so when they went to the doctor he suggested a cat scan, and they found the tumor in his body.
He was 5 years old when this picture was taken, just a few weeks after he was diagnosed with stage IV Neuroblastoma.
He knew what was going on and how serious it was. His parents have been so good in teaching him about the church and his savior. He was scared but at the same time so brave with this new battle he would have to face.
This is him after the big surgery! The 2 tubes are for his antibiotics and blood samples, so he's not constantly being poked with needles. Shantielle and Jerome (his parents) call him their "Little Fighter". He is so brave and smart. I remember when he was 3 years old or around that age, speaking Portuguese that he learned from his Dad. His brain is a gigantic sponge! He remembers everything... Just like his cousin Ale ;) One of the biggest things he has missed while he has been sick is school. He was taken out of kindergarten almost immediately after he was diagnosed to prevent catching any other sicknesses and germs in general.
There have been so many amazing people throughout Ethan's journey to help him and his family. They were given a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney Land. While at Disney Land they received fast passes for every ride because everyone there loved Ethan so much! They had a blast. Ethan is goofing off like his normal self. Him and his family got to have a few days of normal life again. They didn't have to be in any hospital or talk to any doctors. It was truly a blessing for Ethan and his family. I don't think his brother and sister minded the trip either!
This is Ethan and his brother Bowen. I love this little day walker. :) haha. He's one of the many joys in my life and definitely in Ethan's! In the hospital none of his cousins or siblings could visit him, and he would miss his brother so much. It's something that I can't explain, hearing Ethan say "I just want to see my brother" as his mom said. I am so proud of her for staying strong and keeping their family together.
I truly love this family more than I can explain. They are so strong and have so much faith in the lord and the gospel. I know that Ethan is going to win this fight. We all love him too much to say good bye this soon. 
Plus he still has many more fights left with the Dragon Lady to come!
These were given to Ethan and autographed by Randy Couture himself! Go Ethan! Now you have celebrities giving you free stuff. Are you sure you're not faking it to get out of school? I love you buddy.
Come in Bald Eagle? Do you copy? Ethan taking a helicopter ride over St. George! He loved the headset and being able to hear his voice through the microphone. He was singing and talking the whole time while enjoying this once in a lifetime experience.
I know this blog was incredibly long, but I wanted you to know his story. I love Ethan so much, and I'm trying to get as much help and support from everyone I know. There are "Team Ethan" bracelets that are 5 dollars each that you can buy here http://ethansteam.webs.com/. All of the donations are 100% for Ethan. Any little bit helps and I know that I will be proud wearing mine when it gets here supporting my family and this 6 year old boy with his fight. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Just by reading I know you are supporting this cause.
I love you Ethan.
For the readers: (all 3 of you haha) I promise next time I will right more light hearted. :)
