At 2 years old, Sean was diagnosed with a soft tissue cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma in his left leg on December 11, 2000. According to his father Bill, “our family was devastated.” Ten days after his diagnosis, Sean began aggressive treatment for this rare form of childhood cancer at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. After four rounds of chemotherapy in the hospital, Sean’s doctors told the family that it was necessary to amputate his leg at the hip. Sean recovered well after surgery, and continued his aggressive treatment for eight more rounds of chemotherapy in the hospital. Sean amazed his family with his adaptability and courage. He showed no evidence of disease for 18 months, and according to his dad, “we celebrated every moment with our brave little boy.” 

On March 20, 2003, Sean’s family received heartbreaking news that Sean developed a secondary cancer -- a form of Leukemia. The only option for a possible cure would be a bone marrow transplant. Sean received a Bone Marrow Transplant on June 12, 2003; his very special brother, Patrick, was the donor. Sean was later diagnosed with LiFramumi Syndrome, a genetic condition which appears to be the cause of his cancer. 

Today, Sean is a healthy and happy 16 year-old! He is a very active boy who loves playing soccer, sled hockey, riding his bike, and playing with his brother and friends. He enjoys being a 10th grader at LaSalle College High School, and his favorite classes are science related. Sean’s family continues to pray that Sean will have a long, healthy and happy life!

Information provided by Bill Mahoney, Sean’s Dad
Updated: June 2015