W15H Bringing Faith and Hope to Young Boy
Hello September 14th, 2012
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Eleven-year-old Texas native Ethan Hallmark has been battling for his life since being diagnosed with stage-four neuroblastoma in 2010. Through the uncertainties, Ethan and his family have continued to grasp onto faith and hope for a brighter future. In Pittsburgh, at Sunday’s New York Jets game against the Steelers, Ethan’s dream will come true as he meets Jets quarterback Tim Tebow, who he admires for his strength and faith.
Ethan’s journey began with unexplained stomach pains caused by a massive tumor in his abdomen. Following a bone marrow transplant, five months of chemotherapy and six months of immunotherapy, Ethan finally went into remission. Sadly, this March Ethan relapsed and tumors began to grow rapidly, which brought on additional surgeries and treatments. While the journey has been a battle, Ethan and his family will be given the chance to step away from the realities associated with a life-threatening illness, and enjoy a chance to create lasting memories.
Through the Tim Tebow Foundation’s W15H program, in partnership with Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, Ethan will enjoy an unforgettable weekend, including spending quality time with Tebow during Sunday’s pre-game warm-ups, and immediately following the game.
Following his special trip, Ethan will return to Texas with a W15H gift package that includes exclusive W15H luggage, a Nike duffle bag, gift cards for both Nike and Jockey, Tim Tebow’s book, Through My Eyes, a Florida Gators 2008 National Championship book, a personalized bible and more.
“We don’t know what the future holds for Ethan or even what his next step in treatment will be, but we can be confident that God will win this battle one way or the other. Our family is amazed and humbled over the generosity and compassion extended to us by way of the Tim Tebow Foundation. It is truly a blessing for our son to not think about cancer this weekend,” said Rachel, Ethan’s mother.
The Tim Tebow Foundation’s W15H program continues to provide faith, hope and love to children, such as Ethan, who are faced with their darkest hours. While their futures may never be certain, the compassion they receive is a true beacon of hope.
