Determined to beat childhood cancer
Cortney Trammell, wife, mother of two and high school counselor, found herself battling for the life of her son when he was just 10 days old. Now, Trammel battles for the lives of many other children who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Trammel was the guest speaker at the Kiwanis Club last Thursday, July 11. She shared her story, going back four years when her son, McCrae, was born and shortly after, diagnosed with stage-III pediatric neuroblastoma cancer.
“The doctor told us to flip a coin because he had a 50/50 chance of living,” she said. “They did not know the power of our Lord. (Now), every time the doctor sees (McCrae) he says ‘There is a healing power.’”
McCrae is just like any other 4-year-old boy with an exception, he is a survivor.
“This year McCrae will start pre-kindergarten,” Trammel said.
Trammell and her family are very active with the Caleb Larson Foundation Cowboyin’ for the Kids. It was initially created in 2008 as a memorial for Caleb Larson who was diagnosed with stage-IV neuroblastoma childhood cancer at the age of three. Six months to the day of his diagnosis at age 4, he died.
“His mother and I were good friends since we were in first and second grade,” Trammell said. “She went on to (college) and I followed her two years later. While I stayed to finish college my friend got married and moved on. We lost contact for a little while.”
The Cowboyin’ for the Kids Foundation was created by friends and family to raise money to further research and clinical trials for childhood cancer. In 2014, the foundation became a 501c3 public charity whose mission is to end childhood cancer.
For the rest of the story, see the Saturday, July 20 edition of The Graham Leader.