On December 15, 2003, Bobby had his 6-month well-baby check-up. We thought he was a happy, healthy little baby, but we left the pediatrician’s office in complete shock after learning that Bobby might have cancer. We were sent immediately to a local hospital for an ultrasound. It was confirmed that Bobby did have cancer. That afternoon we brought Bobby to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). After several tests, Bobby was diagnosed with Stage III neuroblastoma; a tumor in his abdomen.

Bobby received his first round of chemotherapy at CHOP. He received three more rounds of chemotherapy at a CHOP clinic at Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenburg Campus. Throughout his treatments, Bobby remained in good spirits, still smiling and playing. Although he did have some side effects of chemo: hair loss, bruising, tiredness, he stayed relatively “healthy” during his treatments. In March of 2004, Bobby’s surgeon felt the chemotherapy had shrunk the tumor enough for him to remove it. On March 24, 2004 Bobby’s tumor was removed, and he was cancer-free!

Bobby is now 12 years old and 11 ½ years cancer-free! He has follow-up check-ups every year. He is a very active boy who loves playing sports. He is the quarterback for his Pennridge football team. He also enjoys fishing, playing baseball and basketball, and playing with his two brothers and younger sister. Bobby has a bright smile, a very kind heart and is a true blessing to us.

This was certainly a life-changing experience for our family. Through it all we were touched by so many thoughtful and generous people. We feel so blessed that our prayers were answered, and we can only hope that other children are fortunate have the same outcome as Bobby did. We are grateful to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for all the research they have funded for childhood cancer. Thanks to the research, we are proud to say that Bobby is a cancer survivor. We thank ALSF for what they continue to do for other families, and we look forward to holding our own Alex’s Lemonade Stand every year!

Information provided by: Tricia Croyle, Bobby’s Mom
Updated: September 2015