Shango
At age 8, Shango loved playing football, basketball and other active outdoor sports. You could frequently find him running and playing on the local playground, both teased and doted on by his two older sisters. With a name meaning “peaceful warrior” in the African tradition, he was looking forward to many triumphs.
Shango was in 2nd grade when he was diagnosed with a pineoblastoma. He underwent surgery, followed by weeks of radiation. He received chemotherapy through a central line placed into his chest. A shunt drained fluid from his brain. Shango’s treatment caused nausea, hair loss and weight loss, and he spent months in physical and occupational therapy to relearn many basic tasks.
The peaceful warrior can claim many battles won. Now in 5th grade, Shango is playing basketball again and participating in activities sponsored by a local agency for children with illnesses. A personal trainer is helping him gain weight, and he’s beginning growth hormone treatment. No longer needed, his shunt has been removed. Doctors monitor his mild hearing loss closely.
Shango has befriended other children with brain tumors, and raises funds to fight the disease. He is clearly a warrior with a big heart.
