In the winter of 2011, Declan experienced repeated headaches and vomiting. On Valentine's Day 2011, after multiple scans, numerous tests, and his first brain surgery, Declan was diagnosed with primary CNS (Central Nervous System) rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancer.

His family's world stopped for only a moment – long enough to take a deep breath, ask questions, get multiple 'second' opinions, and then work together with Declan and his care givers at AI duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, to plan out how they could best help Declan fight his disease. He was only 3 years old.

Declan’s tumors were diffuse, as if a dirty bomb had exploded, leaving shrapnel all along his spine, wrapped tight at his brain stem and lumbar spine. Surgery was impossible, and the amount of high dose radiation to his CNS recommended in some second opinions could have – would have – rendered Declan senseless. "We were not willing to give up any more of this sweet boy than what cancer was already taking," said Megan, Declan's mom.

They opted for an aggressive chemotherapy protocol. "While the day-to-day routine of living with pediatric cancer might cripple most of us adults, it’s different for children," said Megan. "Declan just wanted to play every day! He lived every day." He made games out of getting his height and weight checked at each clinic visit. He made jokes and held his tubes up for his nurse as she, wrapped in head-to-toe protective gear, administered his toxic chemotherapy. Three brain surgeries, three port replacement surgeries, and months spent living in the hospital away from his two younger brothers was just part of Declan's challenge.

He tolerated more than 30 weeks of his treatment plan, all while smiling, laughing, playing, and spreading his infectious joy all around him. When talking about how even heroes have bad days, Declan's response was "not me!" Even when, eleven months after the initial diagnosis, the cancer was found to have passed into his brain, Declan's main concern was that his parents had forgotten to sign him up for soccer class – which they did that afternoon! 

"Declan continued to fight with a passion far greater than we could have ever imagined," said Bill, Declan's dad.

Declan’s dream was to turn 5 so he could ride the school bus. He fought hard for, and earned, his angel wings on February 27, 2012, four months before his 5th birthday.

"Every day is agony without him here in our arms," Megan said. "But as his parents, brothers, family, and friends, we continue to stand in awe of our hero. It is amazing how much a parent can learn from their child about grace and perseverance, and how much Declan's infectious positive attitude has changed the lives of so many. Through his courage, contagious smile, uplifting personality, and his amazing outlook on life, Declan inspired, and continues to inspire, those who knew him and those who simply knew of him."

Hero Declan’s quote: “There are three things I can call stupid: Stupid cancer! Stupid medicine (YUCK)! Stupid shots!"

Read about the Declan Roberts Full of Goodness Fund for Rhabdomyosarcoma Research and donate to the fund.

Written by Megan and Bill R., Declan’s parents
Updated June 2025

Read more about Declan’s SuperSib Brendan.