On May 15, 2002 my life and that of my family changed forever with the news that my 3 year old son had a brain tumor.  Luke was diagnosed with a hypothalamic optic chiasmic pilocytic astrocytoma.  Although considered a slow growing tumor, Luke's tumor' was described by his neurosurgeon as "enormous" and in a precarious location as severity in the brain is "all about real estate".

Our journey began with the surgeries, testing, and chemotherapy.  We have been fortunate to come into contact with lots of resources and meet hundreds of people who have been willing to help us along our journey, albeit in the form of a card of well wishes or dropping off a dinner at our door.

Over the last year, our life's path has become more focused in terms of the truly important things in life.  We have focused a lot of attention on learning all we can about Luke's condition and working to the best of our ability to help him fight this terrible disease. 

I realized we needed a sounding board, a way to relate with other families for questions, comments, sympathy, discussion, referrals, support.  This need that was not being addressed wholly in our area and it was from this need that this Support Group was formed.  Fortunately there was a group of professionals working to provide services to the cancer community (P.O.W.E.R. - Pediatric Oncology Wellness Education Resources) which had also hoped to support such a venture and I was fortunate to find them, and so the group was born.

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley is fortunate to have not only professionals involved in the formation and day-to-day activities of this group but more importantly, all the dedicated moms, dads and children who have all endured this journey and continue to be an inspiration to families and friends and the community.  We hope that no one ever has to embark on this journey, but the reality and statistics are not as optimistic.

Our hope is to help make this journey a little bit easier for those that come after us and to help support each other along the way.

I have come to rely on this group and I strongly believe in its mission and purpose.  Personally, Luke continues to fight his battle; he continues to live every day with complications -- but he remains my strength, my hope, my power and for him I dedicate this group, and with all my being I will keep fighting for him and for all of us until we have won!

 In Strength -

Nicole J. Ronco

April 2003