Early Checkups Can Make a Difference
When you hear the words “childhood cancer,” your world stops. You hold your breath. You feel fear, confusion, and heartbreak all at once. That’s what happened to our family in July 2011 when we learned that my grandson Romello had stage 4 neuroblastoma. Our lives changed in an instant. But through the tears and long nights, we also discovered lessons that would stay with us forever. Cancer stole a lot from us, but it also taught us what matters most.
Before Romello was diagnosed, he had been feeling sick and losing weight. At first, we thought it was a stomach bug or maybe a bad cold. His mom did her best to care for him, but when he couldn’t keep food down, we knew it was something more. A trip to the doctor led to X-rays and tests. That’s when we heard the words no family wants to hear: stage 4 cancer.
Looking back, I can’t help but wonder if things would have been different with earlier testing. We didn’t know the signs. We didn’t know that childhood cancer can sometimes appear in the form of small changes like poor appetite or sudden fatigue. Now we do.
One of the biggest lessons we learned is how important it is to trust your instincts and seek answers early. If something doesn’t feel right with your child, don’t wait. Ask questions. Push for tests. It could save precious time.
Family Becomes Your Foundation
Cancer does not just affect the person diagnosed. It changes the entire family. For us, it pulled everyone closer. Romello had three homes, his mother’s, his father’s, and mine. No matter where he was staying, he was surrounded by love.
We all worked together to give Romello comfort and support. His mom and dad took turns being with him. I stepped in as his caregiver when they needed rest. His siblings and cousins were always ready to lift his spirits. We learned how to lean on one another, not just in the good moments, but in the hardest ones too.
Even my oldest son, who serves in the military, made sure to take leave when Romello needed him most. Those visits gave Romello something to look forward to and reminded him that he was never alone in this fight.
Caregiving Requires Heart and Patience
Caring for a child with cancer is exhausting, both physically and emotionally. There were days Romello could not eat. There were times he was in too much pain to move. I had to help him with basic tasks like getting dressed or using the bathroom. It was difficult, but I did it with love.
Being a caregiver taught me patience. It showed me how to focus on what a child needs, even when my own heart was breaking. I learned how to stay strong for Romello, even when I wanted to cry. And when I needed to step away and take a breath, other family members were there to help. Caregiving is not something you can do alone. You need people you can count on, and we were blessed to have that.
Love Lives in the Small Moments
Romello’s favorite things were simple pancakes in the morning, SpongeBob on the TV, hot fries with a glass of milk, and cuddling with his kitten Sophia. These little things made him happy. They also became the memories I now treasure most.
We didn’t need grand vacations or big surprises. A quiet day at home with his brothers, a trip to Pizza Hut, or a game night was enough. Cancer taught us to slow down and appreciate what we had, right there in front of us.
Sometimes, I would just sit next to Romello while he slept or watched TV. We didn’t always talk. We didn’t need to. Being present was enough. Those are the moments that now fill my heart.
Faith and Community Matter
Our faith played a big part in how we handled Romello’s illness. We prayed every day. Our church family supported us, visited Romello, and prayed with us. When he was baptized and became a member of the church, it gave him a sense of peace. That comfort extended to all of us.
We also received support from friends and extended family. They called, checked in, and offered help. That love reminded us that we weren’t facing this alone. In hard times, your community becomes your strength.
The Hardest Lesson of All
In June 2018, Romello passed away. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing our family has ever done. But we carry him with us every day. We learned that life is fragile. Time is short. And every moment with the people you love is worth holding onto.
Childhood cancer took our Romello, but it also showed us what love looks like when it’s pushed to its limits. It taught us to be present, to be kind, and to never take the little things for granted.
If Romello’s journey has touched your heart, share this blog and pick up a copy of Romello’s Battle With Neuroblastoma, now available on Amazon. Let his story help another family going through their own fight.