Harlan

Harlan was diagnosed with ATRT in January 2024 at 6 months of age. He underwent surgery, during which approximately 95% of the tumor was resected. Following the surgery, he experienced a few seizures, some weakness on his right side, and difficulty eating, but he recovered well from all of these symptoms.

Harlan began induction chemotherapy in February 2024. He tolerated the two induction rounds very well, surprising all the staff working with him. He was initially scheduled for another surgery after these rounds, but the remaining tumor was so minimal that the risk of surgery was deemed not worth trying to locate the small bit left.

He then proceeded to Consolidation with stem cell rescue, beginning the final round of chemo in June 2024. By the end of June, he had finished chemotherapy and began radiation.

Unfortunately, in early April 2025, his routine scan revealed he had relapsed with metastatic disease. He has since started on the MEMMAT protocol and is tolerating it really well. His occupational therapists (OT) and physical therapists (PT) are always so impressed with him doing new things every time they visit, despite him going through active treatment. His most recent routine scan since his relapse showed stable disease and a decrease of malignant cells in his CSF.

His family shares, “We are doing all we can to keep him happy and as healthy as possible. He continues to beat all odds and remains such a shining light in this world. He loves all the staff, nurses, doctors, NPs, and patients at the clinic. He brings so much joy to a place that can be full of negativity. We are so thankful God has given us more time with him and led us down this path to treatment. Harlan shows us each moment how to look to God and be so thankful for the joy he brings us. God shines so much through Harlan, and we are so proud of him. We are so thankful to celebrate his second birthday!”

Update on Harlan's Journey: July 13th, 2026 - Harlan's 3rd Birthday!

Harlan has been thriving and so happy these last few months. It has been such a joy for his family to see him understanding more, full of life, and bringing so much light to everyone around him.

This past April, Harlan and his family were able to go on a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World. "It was so magical and such a special experience," his family shared.

Unfortunately, Harlan's recent scans continue to show progression of his relapse. Yet, he continues to show everyone just how special and resilient he is, and his family remains anchored in their faith, knowing that God has him through this entire battle. They are actively pursuing treatments to help slow the progression while keeping his daily quality of life as high and comfortable as possible.

Through it all, Harlan has some incredibly exciting news: he is going to be a big brother in just a few weeks! His family knows what a fantastic big brother he is going to be and cannot wait to see him shower his new baby sibling with love and kisses.