Shannon and Jeff Staino welcomed a beautiful and healthy little boy Brett into the world on December 23, 2006. Brett was born full of love, life and so much character. Now, several years later, Brett has fought the battle of a lifetime.

On March 28, 2008, Brett's parents noticed some spotting in his diaper, and the pediatrician sent them for an utlrasound. After several more tests, Brett was diagnosed with Stage 3 Wilms' Tumor and needed to begin treatment right away.

He completed 28 weeks of chemotherapy, transfusions as needed, six radiation treatments, surgery to remove his right kidney and several infected lymph nodes and surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery brought with it another complication that caused Brett to be on a feeding tube for over a month and non-fat foods for another month following.

Brett and his family have spent nearly three full months in Children’s Hospital. Their expenses have been piling up due to travel, missed work and medical bills.  At such a young age, Brett still managed to be his playful self, building more and more of a personality every day.  He’s a favorite with the staff at CHOP, as well as the Voorhees clinic where he receives his monthly monitoring.  With a long road ahead, Brett continued with testing and monitoring until age 8. With all the continued love and support of family and friends, he will always be their little angel.

Today, Brett is a young man, about to graduate from his senior year of high school. He will continue to be monitored for long-term effects until he's 21. While Brett looks to the future as he continues his college search, he never forgets where he's been. Brett loves to spread awareness and raise funds for childhood cancer research. He's even donated samples to CHOP to help further research.  

Please feel free to follow Brett’s progress through his webpage at www.carepages.com; register for free, then visit his page at LittleAngelBrett

Information provided by Brett’s mom, Shannon
01/09
Updated April 2025