Cruz

April 2025:

On Christmas Eve, at just four months old, Cruz began experiencing eye deviation, relentless vomiting, and major fatigue. Little did his family know that he was suffering from severe hydrocephalus. After rushing him to their local children's hospital, a CT scan confirmed their worst nightmare: Cruz had a large mass growing in his cerebellum. They were later told he has AT/RT (TYR subtype).

Cruz was rushed into surgery to have an EVD drain inserted. He later had surgery to remove the tumor (95% resection) and a shunt.

Cruz is now undergoing the ACNS0333 protocol. He has completed two rounds of induction chemo and is about to begin high-dose chemo and stem cell rescue. The family hopes to travel to Florida for Proton Radiation Therapy once chemo is completed.

"We are petrified, but we are hopeful," says his family. "Connecting with other AT/RT families has been incredibly helpful as we navigate this journey."

August 27, 2025 Update: Cruz's 1st Birthday:

Cruz has finished ACNS0333 and is about to begin maintenance chemo for a handful of months to give his body time to heal physically and cognitively. He'll be heading to Jacksonville, FL, early next year for proton radiation. 

He has done so well throughout treatment! Despite a seizure and severe mucositis during his induction rounds, he smashed it and often blew the medical professionals away.

This past year has been a year of soaring highs and heartbreaking lows. A year overflowing with the purest love, yet marked by moments of unimaginable pain. A year of exhaustion, but also of a determination they never knew they had.

His family shares, "We wish this year could have been different—gentler, kinder, easier. But we would walk through every storm again just to hold you in our arms, to watch your smile light up a room, to call you ours. Happy 1st Birthday, our sweet Cruz. You are our miracle, our teacher, and our joy."

August 27, 2026 Update: Cruz's 2nd Birthday:

Cruz finished treatment in March 2026, and while life after treatment has come with a long list of ongoing side effects and challenges, he continues to be the happiest, cheekiest little guy.

At the moment, he is working incredibly hard through intensive rehabilitation therapy. His family is so proud of every new skill, every little win, and just how hard he continues to work every day.

Very soon, Cruz will take on his biggest role yet - big brother. His baby brother is due in October 2026, and everyone cannot wait to watch their relationship grow.

Reflecting on his milestone, his family shares, "We can’t quite believe our little Cruz is turning 2, a milestone we were never promised, and one we will never, ever take for granted. Two years of Cruz. Two years of loving him more than we ever knew possible. Happy birthday, beautiful boy. 💙"

If you wish to follow Cruz's story, you can do at @cruzfightsatrt.