At just 4-months-old, the red inner lining of little Joshua Cranfill’s eyelid began pushing outward. It was thought to be an infection and first treated with antibiotics before surgeons removed what they believed to be an encapsulated infection. Anxiously awaiting release forms from the hospital following the surgery, Joshua and his parent’s were instead greeted by a team of doctors who delivered the diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma  – Joshua had cancer, he was only 6-months-old.

Joshua was on a chemotherapy regimen for nine months, but just four weeks after he completed treatment, the cancer was back. He was now one and a half and endured another nine months of chemotherapy as well as proton radiation – he was one of MD Anderson’s youngest patients to receive the relatively new treatment. 

Joshua enjoyed three treatment free years until just recently at age 6, his mom noticed that a lymph node in front of his left ear was swollen. Unbelievably, the cancer was back for a third time. His treatment plan is still being finalized, but it appears as though Joshua will undergo six rounds of chemotherapy as well as additional radiation.

Despite having to face cancer for the third time in his short life, Joshua an inspiration to everyone reminding them to live each day to the fullest. Even when he was in treatment, Joshua was known as the “rock star” and at the age of 2 could often be found throwing the football in the hallway with nurses and doctors. His parents agree that his upbeat attitude and pleasant disposition made it easier on everyone to get through even the toughest of days. They envision a day when their hero will be rid of his cancer once and for all and can inspire others with his story of beating cancer not once, not twice – but three times!

Quote from hero:
“Mommy, I just want them to fix me.”

Information provided by the Cranfill Family
October 2012

Sadly Joshua passed away on 6/3/13.