This week, the Sunset Heights Elementary School community is using its annual FundWalk to raise money for first-grade student Ethan Smith, who is battling cancer. Here is a synopsis of Ethan’s situation, as provided by the school:

This past November, seven year old Ethan was diagnosed with a recurrence of neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.  When first diagnosed at age three, Ethan underwent chemotherapy, surgery, a stem cell transplant, and radiation.  He enjoyed three years of being NED (No Evidence of Disease), the equivalent of being cancer free.  This fall Ethan had several rounds of chemo, but it did not work as well as his doctors had hoped.  So, in February Ethan became the first patient in a New England hospital to undergo MIBG therapy (liquid radiation).  He will undergo testing in April to determine the effectiveness of the MIBG therapy and the next steps in his treatment plan.

The school is trying to help offset the cost to Ethan’s medical bills through donations as part of this week’s walk. Anyone interested in donating can do so through the school’s PTO. For more information, contact the school at 594-4387.

Tags: PTO, sunset heights