MJ's parents Nofo and Junior Tokelau are old friends of ours from back in the day. We keep in touch every now and again, and we see each other every now and again.. but fewer and far in between as of late. MJ is 4 years old, and is truly a special, one of a kind, and humble child. MJ was diagnosed with Ewings Cancer on June 10, 2009. Later on that week they discovered it was actually Rhabdoid Sarcoma. A rhabdoid tumor is a rare and highly malignant tumor of childhood. These tumors occur in young children, mean age at diagnosis of 3.5 years, with a range of 2 to 13 years. There are no reported cases in adults. Rhabdoid tumors occur equally in males and females.
I heard every now and again about MJ through family, emails and facebook.. although I didn't know what type of cancer he had. All I knew was that he did have cancer, and that was about it. I asked around a little bit more and found out that he's been in and out of Primary Childrens hospital in Salt Lake City for surgery, blood transfusions and checkups. Nofo frequently posts pictures of MJ on Facebook and keeps us up to speed that way on how MJ's doing. I'll be honest, its extremely hard to look at such an angelic face and not want to feel the pain for him. All the while, you cant help but think of your own kids and what you wouldn't do for them if ever it would happen to you.
A little background on Orem 9th Ward. Self proclaimed (lol) they are best ward. Bishop and Sister Selu of Orem 9th Ward are MJ's grandparents and they love him (as does the ward) very dearly. Nofo and Junior also went to Orem 9th Ward before they moved up to West Valley. Shout out to Orem 9th Ward.. you guys rock! They are currently putting together a fundraiser for MJ. I'll put up a post on that a little later.
I had asked Nofo if MJ wouldn't mind doing a photo shoot. I didn't know what kind of schedule they had.. but they were all for it! We hooked up on Saturday September 4th 2009 at Star Mill in American Fork, UT. I had never shot there so it would be a first for the both of us. We spent about an hour there in AF.. we had a blast. MJ is such a handsome young man. It was an easy shoot because he is so photogenic! We took pictures ALL over the property and we had so much fun!! Even better, he wants to do it again :) Anytime!
The last part of my post is devoted to MJ and his parents. I had asked MJ and his mommy about his fight against Rhabdoid Cancer and this was his response:
"On June 10 2009 a week before my baby sister was born I was diagnosed with CANCER! I had a biopsy on the tumor that was growing out of my right ear to find out with cancer I have. Doctors first said I had EWINGS CANCER but a week later, it was finalized to be Rhabdoid Sarcoma which is another rare cancer and prognosis is not good. From then on I check in the hospital every 3 weeks for chemotherapy and I have to do it for 7 months! With this type of cancer the chemo sometimes will work and sometimes not so it's a 50/50 chance but my parents had no choice but to start chemo or else the CANCER will take me! So I continue to do my chemo in 4 weeks on Septt 22 I will have another MRI to see if the chemo is working!"
Last but not least... a note from MJ's mommy and daddy:
"MJ you are mommy and daddy's hero! Seeing you go through so much in your young life and go through so many proceduress and surgeries and needle pokes and therapy and so many visits to the hospital and admits and you NEVER complain. You do your best and try to keep a smile on your face and continue to say Please and Thank You. I know we cannot change what the Lord has planned for you MJ but we're gonna continue to enjoy YOU and your presence, your laugh, your hugs and kisses, and your strong spirit. Mama and Daddy loves you MJ!"
Here are a some shots from that day. We love you MJ. You are my hero!
1 comments:
tears...tears...tears.....so beautifully said!! thank you myrn...you are truely talented and cherish your friendship! we luv you...mj's family
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