Meet the Beard family, ALSF's Childhood Cancer Hero family representing the many kids affected by cancer in Oklahoma this year. 

McKoy and his twin brother, Sawyer, are best friends and love to play with superheroes and Ninja Turtles. The boys are lucky to have lots of fun siblings, including 3 older sisters and a stepbrother and sister. McKoy was only 2 when a bulge appeared on his right side. Within two days it had grown, so his family doctor ordered some tests. As soon as the doctor saw the MRI he sent the family to Oklahoma University Children’s Medical Center where McKoy was diagnosed with a type of childhood cancer, Wilms’ tumor. McKoy’s mom Machelle wrote, “The word CANCER hit us like a ton of bricks.”

The Beard family are fighting till McKoy and all the other kids with cancer are cured. They're holding a lemonade stand in Drumright, OK during Alex's Lemonade Days. Read more about McKoy, a childhood cancer hero.

The family answered some questions for us about themselves and the state they are proud to represent.

Members of the family:
Shawn, Machelle, Brittany (18), Brendan (18), Ryane (17), Bryar (13), Quinn (9), Sawyer (3) and McKoy (3)

Name of your childhood cancer hero:
McKoy

Type of cancer your childhood cancer hero was diagnosed with?
Wilms tumor

What is his or her current status?
In treatment

What are some of your favorite activities to do as a family?
Horseback riding, bowling, skating, playing board games

Are you lifelong residents of your state?
Yes

If friends were coming to visit your state, what’s one spot or attraction you’d tell them not to miss?
Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial

What food is your state known for? Do you like it?
Bar-b-que

What makes your state special to you?
The people

Read about our other Hero Family State Reps and learn more about Alex's Lemonade Days