In 2011, at just seven weeks old, Wesley James Grossmick was taken to the pediatrician's office for what seemed to be a cold, but his pediatrician was concerned about the way he was breathing. Out of precaution and due to his young age, Wesley was sent for x-rays that revealed a mass between the newborn’s heart and spinal cord that was eventually diagnosed as neuroblastoma.

Wesley initially had surgery to remove the mass, but sadly, it grew back. Next, he underwent several rounds of chemotherapy, but they proved ineffective as well. An MRI in the coming weeks would determine the next course of action – all of this happening before Wesley’s first birthday. At 2 years old Wes was diagnosed with Opsiclonus Myoclonus Syndrome after experiencing some unusual neurological symptoms. Wes suddenly lost the ability to stay balanced and walk, started randomly shaking and his eyes were moving around and shaking. Soon after the diagnosis Wes underwent his 2nd surgery to remove the neuroblastoma. Wes currently receives regular treatment for the OMS diagnosis to keep the neurological symptoms under control.

Wesley’s family continues to be hopeful and dreams of a day when their sweet, happy blue eyed boy who loves his stuffed Snoopy dog and playing outside with his older brother Ryan– can stop receiving treatment and simply be a healthy little boy. Seeing all that little Wes can endure provides them with perspective and a persistence to never give up.

Information provided by Alicia Mason, Wesley’s Mommy
November 2014.