2021 Honored Patient: WESTYN
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The Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic is thrilled to recognize Westyn as an Honored Patient this year. Westyn (5) is the son of Tessa and Adam, and lives with his mother and brother Noah (9) in Washington, Iowa.
In addition to being a wonderful patient and outstanding young man, there is another important reason to honor Westyn this year. He was diagnosed with a Dicer 1 related tumor of his lung on February 27, 2019. This is a focus of our funded research programs and reminds us that there is still more critical work to be done to help save lives. Westyn underwent 36 weeks of chemotherapy after his initial diagnosis. He relapsed on January 11, 2021, and underwent an additional 24 weeks of chemotherapy. He has had two major surgeries to remove masses. Tough courses of treatment for a tough kid. |
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Looking ahead, Westyn will have follow-up scans every 3 months for the next two years. His primary oncologist is Dr. William Terry, and he has been treated at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in nearby Iowa City, Iowa.
“Our journey has been extremely difficult due to not having a clear diagnosis for Westyn,” said Tessa. “Dr. Terry calls him his little mystery fighter. No doctor has been able to figure out exactly what it is he has.”
She is appreciative of the great care they’ve received.
“Dr. Terry, the nurses and entire oncology team have become like a second family to us. They all know Westyn by name. They not only take excellent care of him, but they also take the time to play with him and all his toys too.”
Westyn loves skid loaders, tractors, and any other kind of heavy machinery. He enjoys playing with his older brother on his Nintendo Switch, swimming in his grandma’s pool, and riding his bike, which he just learned to ride. He loves animals and enjoys the swings and slides at the park. His favorite color is green.
He keeps his nurses on guard. Westyn has a prank pack of bubble gum that will snap their fingers or shoot water at them when they try to take a piece!
“Our journey has been extremely difficult due to not having a clear diagnosis for Westyn,” said Tessa. “Dr. Terry calls him his little mystery fighter. No doctor has been able to figure out exactly what it is he has.”
She is appreciative of the great care they’ve received.
“Dr. Terry, the nurses and entire oncology team have become like a second family to us. They all know Westyn by name. They not only take excellent care of him, but they also take the time to play with him and all his toys too.”
Westyn loves skid loaders, tractors, and any other kind of heavy machinery. He enjoys playing with his older brother on his Nintendo Switch, swimming in his grandma’s pool, and riding his bike, which he just learned to ride. He loves animals and enjoys the swings and slides at the park. His favorite color is green.
He keeps his nurses on guard. Westyn has a prank pack of bubble gum that will snap their fingers or shoot water at them when they try to take a piece!
“Westyn is a prime example why we NEED more funding for childhood cancer research,” said Tessa.
“If more was known or could be researched about Dicer 1 and genetic mutations, the better chance he has of his cancer not returning. More precise treatment and more chemotherapy options are needed.”
“Westyn is a prime example why we NEED more funding for childhood cancer research,” said Tessa. “If more was known or could be researched about Dicer 1 and genetic mutations, the better chance he has of his cancer not returning. More precise treatment and more chemotherapy options are needed.”