In October 2012, a young football player sustained an injury to his neck. His C1 and C2 bones were affected, and he endured one month of physical therapy. Although he completed one month of physical therapy, he still complained of pain in his neck, and his right arm started becoming numb. On Dec. 4, 2012, he went to Wenatchee Valley Clinic for help, and he got an MRI and CT scan to find out the source of his pain. He wasn’t expecting the results, which revealed a tumor wrapped around his spine. That night, he was transported to Seattle Children’s Hospital by ambulance to begin treatment.

This young athlete, Macquire Van Lith was only 12 years old when his life changed forever. He received treatment for nine months, which were arguably the hardest nine months of his and his family’s lives.

“I think it just seemed so unreal,” his mother, Carrie Van Lith, said. “I just couldn’t believe it.” When Macguire, who is known by his family and friends as Mac, went to Seattle Children’s, he went through a surgery to take the pressure off his neck. On Dec. 7, 2012, Mac was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, which is a relatively uncommon cancer and accounts for only about one percent of childhood cancers.

Mac had chemotherapy every other week and had to be admitted to the hospital every time to get it. He would have to stay there either two days or five days every other week. While Mac was in the hospital, his mother was always by his side. His younger brother, Eli Van Lith, was still going to school and his father, Tommy Van Lith, had to stay behind to work. Toward the end of his treatment, Tommy would come on the weekends and stay or night or two so Carrie could have a break.

The Van Lith family was completely in awe of all the support from the Wenatchee Valley Community. Their extended family, who were completely grief stricken, tried to remain positive as well. Mac was even the Janice Franz Talent Show beneficiary in 2013, and many people who the family had never met were supporting them.

Mac has been through one year and one month with no evidence of disease, or NED. His mother has words of wisdom for everyone.

“It’s more common than people think,” she said. “It could happen to anyone. Pay attention to your kids, make sure to see your doctor if they start complaining about pain.”