Neal was diagnosed three days after he graduated from kindergarten in June of 1991 with a Hypothalmic Astrocytoma (brain tumor). He underwent an eight hour surgery four days later which was followed by a six week regiment of radiation therapy. Neal began the first grade in September of that year on a part time basis. When he was unable to attend classes, Neal would be tutored at home by his teacher and also the school principal. Neal’s condition worsened in the late fall and he was re-admitted into Boston Children’s Hospital in mid December with a rapidly deteriorating Neurological status. Tests taken on December 19 indicated that the tumor was spreading. Neal was released from the hospital the following evening just five days before Christmas. As we prepared for discharge home, Neal’s oncologist left us with the message to “ Love Neal” for as long as we could. Hospice care began the following morning at home.
The beginning of 1992 was an extremely difficult time for our family. We had many home visits from relatives, friends, and neighbors but it was truly a very dark and sad time in our home. Somehow through it all, days lead to weeks of waiting and watching, waiting for the inevitable loss of our dear son. But, as January lead to February, Neal began to show signs of improvement. It was at this point that we contacted Neal’s oncologist at Dana-Farber and a MRI was scheduled for the morning of March 5th, 1992.
Before we left our house on the morning of March 5th not knowing what the MRI would reveal, Neal told his mother “ Love is Magic “. The MRI taken later that morning confirmed that the original tumor sight had a significant decrease in size. The Radiologist who read the scan asked Neal’s Oncologist what form of medicine had been used in treating the tumor. The Oncologist replied that Neal’s family has treated him with Love. Hospice care was discontinued and our family started on a new path in life’s journey.
Sadly on October 14, 2018 Neal Jr. lost the battle he so courageously fought. Neal's legacy continues to inspire his message "Love is Magic".
The beginning of 1992 was an extremely difficult time for our family. We had many home visits from relatives, friends, and neighbors but it was truly a very dark and sad time in our home. Somehow through it all, days lead to weeks of waiting and watching, waiting for the inevitable loss of our dear son. But, as January lead to February, Neal began to show signs of improvement. It was at this point that we contacted Neal’s oncologist at Dana-Farber and a MRI was scheduled for the morning of March 5th, 1992.
Before we left our house on the morning of March 5th not knowing what the MRI would reveal, Neal told his mother “ Love is Magic “. The MRI taken later that morning confirmed that the original tumor sight had a significant decrease in size. The Radiologist who read the scan asked Neal’s Oncologist what form of medicine had been used in treating the tumor. The Oncologist replied that Neal’s family has treated him with Love. Hospice care was discontinued and our family started on a new path in life’s journey.
Sadly on October 14, 2018 Neal Jr. lost the battle he so courageously fought. Neal's legacy continues to inspire his message "Love is Magic".
