Buzz Buddies

Meet the brave and inspirational kids whose lives have been made a little brighter thanks to our amazing Buzzees.  Share their stories with donors so they can understand how their gift is making life better for kids fighting cancer.

Buzz Buddy Name: 

Johnny 

Age: 4

Tell us about your journey with pediatric cancer: 

I was diagnosed September 15, 2015, at just 7 months old with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma! For the past 2 1/2 years, I have been fighting this disease.  I have had 30 plus rounds of Chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, multiple surgeries & specialized advanced treatments.  I am a warrior who wakes up every day ready to fight. I am a patient at Dana Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic & Boston Children’s Hospital.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program?

I love going down to the resource room and doing arts and crafts projects. I also like when the treasure chest comes around and I get to pick out a cool toy. Pizza night is awesome!

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

I love to play and sing songs on my iPad. I like to run around the park with my big sister. Popsicles and lollipops are my favorite.

Buzz Buddy Name: 

Finn 

Age: 3

Tell us about your journey with pediatric cancer: 

Finn was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma at 32 weeks old (Finn was born at 24 weeks).  During a routine eye exam, the doctor found a large tumor in Finn’s eye.  He started chemotherapy at just 40 weeks after failed laser treatments. Finn is going to be 3 and has been fighting ever since.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program?

Our first admission to the oncology floor was one of my scariest days. While I was sitting with Finn, I had a knock on our door.  It was a one mission volunteer asking if I had gotten a chance to have lunch.  Of course, I had not even thought about food.  She brought me a sandwich and a One Mission bag with a blanket that Finn sleeps with every night since he got it. It’s the softest blanket ever. It had hand sanitizer, hand cream, charger cords, parking passes and a handout that explained about One Mission. I was blown away.  At that time, I took a picture of Finn with his bag and sent it in a private message to One Mission to say thank you and that we love all they do.

Buzz Buddy Name: 

Mateo 

Age: 10

Tell us about your journey with pediatric cancer: 

I was diagnosed with b cell ALL leukemia on November 20, 2016. I was treated at Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana-Farber for six months. I was in and out of the hospital and getting chemo treatments. Unfortunately, I did not go into remission after the first month. This meant the best chance for me to beat my cancer was to get a stem cell transplant. After quickly finding a match in Germany, I had my transplant in March 2017. I have been doing well ever since. I had a few bumps along the way, including a complication called GVHD, but still remain cancer free and very happy. I just went back to school after a year of being confined to my home because my immune system was not strong enough to be out in public. I feel very grateful to all my doctors, nurses and the great friends I have met along the way, they have made this difficult time much easier.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program?

My favorite program One Mission was Dec My Room. I did it while I was on the transplant floor knowing I would be there for a while. Decorating my room really helped me feel more comfortable and I felt more at home. I also had lots of toys and books to choose from. It was an exciting time waiting for the decorations to arrive. Setting up my bed with my new Pokémon comforter and sheets felt great, and I still use the comforter at home. Having new toys to play with kept me from getting bored. I needed to stay in my room for most of my stay.  Having my Star Wars posters and decals all around really helped me forget about all the tubes and pills I had! My mom and brother’s favorite were definitely Taco Tuesday!

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

I love football, I played my first season before getting leukemia. I’m sure I had it while I was still playing. I was on the Brookline Patriots team. I can’t wait to get back on the field next season!

Buzz Buddy Name: 

Ava 

Age: 10

Tell us about your journey with pediatric cancer: 

It has been 2 years since I was diagnosed with Leukemia.  I am in remission, but must continue my treatment for another year.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program?

I have to choose two, because they’re both my favorite.  The first is Birthday Parties.  I had to celebrate my 7th birthday in Boston Children’s Hospital, but One Mission threw me a party and all of my friends and family were able to come and celebrate.  The second is Food Night.  Pasta Wednesday was my favorite, because I love pasta almost as much as I love cheese.

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

I love to wear hats with big flowers on them. I am doing so well with my treatment that I was able to join my soccer team after a year away. I am a chef. I love to cook for my family. My specials are scrambled eggs, chicken cutlets, meatballs, lasagna and Nutella & Fluff sandwiches.


Buzz Buddy Name:

Maxwell 

Age: 7

Tell us about your journey with pediatric cancer: 

Maxwell, who seems to only answer to Max is your typical 7 year old boy.  Living the dream, growing up in the heart of the Lakes Region.  His big decisions are do we visit friends and family, do we spend the day at our little beach on Lake Winnisquam, do we go snow shoeing at Prescott Farm, do we go to Gilford Library, do we go for a hike up Rattlesnake and visit the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center or do we ride our bikes on the WOW trail?   On June 24, 2016, (our third doctor visit since June 7) we learned that Max was sick, and our doctor sent us immediately to the ER at Boston Children’s Hospital for more testing.  It was around 10pm that it was confirmed, Max had Leukemia ALL Type B.  This was a gift from God, as this is the “best cancer” to get.  Yes, that is what we heard from the doctors for days to come.  Saturday morning started with a procedure in the OR which started the count down.  For the next 43 days Max stayed at “camp” Children’s Hospital in Boston receiving treatment.  Finally, Max came home Saturday evening August 6, 2016, then traveled back and forth to the Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana-Farber for two years to maintain his treatments.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program? 

The resource room on the 6th floor became a lifesaver.  We were constantly there to do arts and crafts, celebrate the Summer Olympics, watch a movie, or to simply ask for some toothpaste.  Also, Taco night and Pizza nights were an amazing hit.

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

Max has a big sister Olivia, who loves him to the moon and back; and a golden doodle dog, JG the dog.  He loves everything Fire Trucks, Paw Patrol, Fireman Sam, Rescue Bots, tree houses and playing with his sister and friends.

Buzz Buddy Name: 

Anthony

Age: 17

Tell us about your journey with pediatric cancer: 

On January 15, 2014, I was diagnosed with A.L.L. (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia).  I had just turned 12 in October.  I was in 6th grade.  I was admitted to Boston Children’s Hospital intensive care unit because my WBC and lab results were so abnormal, the doctors wanted to monitor me closely to make sure I didn’t have any secondary medical problems from the disease.  After a few days, I was then admitted to the 6th floor.  I continued to live in the hospital in the same room with my mom/dad staying with me until March.  I was also in and out during the month of May.  During this time, One Mission provided most of the things for me to do.  If it were not for One Mission, I would have little to do while sitting in a hospital bed with an IV attached to me.  On February 14, 2016, I finally finished my treatment which consisted of radiation, chemo, lumbar spinal tests and other medications.  I know just go to the hospital once a month to get checked.  I am in remission for now and go to the Jimmy Fund Clinic every four months.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program? 

My favorite One Mission program was Dec My Room.  It is when they have you fill out a form of your favorite colors and things.  Then one day when I was in the O.R. having a procedure, they remodeled my room and transformed it into all my favorite things.  This was so cool!  It didn’t even look like I was in the hospital.  I felt for the first time like I was in my room at home.

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

I have a twin brother and two other brothers.  I love to read and do art.  I was the artist of the month in February 2014 at Children’s Hospital while I was a patient.

Buzz Buddy Name:

Gabrielle (Gabby)

Age: 13

Tell us about your journey with cancer:

Gabby was diagnosed with AML on August 26, 2013. She had three rounds of chemo and then a life-saving bone marrow transplant on December 20, 2013. Gabby spent 5 months in-patient at Boston Children’s Hospital for her treatments and various surgeries. Gabby has been in remission for 5 years and is back to normal activities including school, sports, and hanging out with friends

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program? 

Gabby’s favorite One Mission Programs is the Child Life Specialists Heather and Abby. They always kept me busy with crafts, movies, and snacks. I would wait for them by the elevator every morning!

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

I still enjoy doing crafts, playing soccer and I love being with my family and friends. I want to be a pediatric oncology nurse.

Buzz Buddy Name:

Maddie 

Age: 15

Tell us about your journey with cancer:

Maddie was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma on November 26, 2013 at the
age of 10. She was treated at Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana-Farber’s
Jimmy Fund Clinic. She underwent 14 rounds of chemo and a major surgery
to remove a 2 inch tumor from her right tibia. She has been in remission since September 23, 2014.

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

Maddie loves to give back in every way possible to the kids that are sick like she was.

Buzz Buddy Name: 

Carlie 

Age: 18

Tell us about your journey with pediatric cancer: 

Carlie was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma on October 5, 2015. She had just started her freshman year of High School when her right shoulder started
hurting. They found she had a tumor on her right clavicle bone. In January 2016, her clavicle bone was removed and they determined the tumor was a 100% dead. Carlie kicked cancer’s butt and along the way, she and her family became a part of the One Mission family.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program? 

Carlie’s favorite One Mission Program was the Catered Meals program. Especially Taco Tuesday!

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

Carlie loves to sing, play piano, and is the oldest of 4 girls.

Buzz Buddy Name: 

Samuel 

Age: 10

Tell us about your journey with pediatric cancer: 

Samuel was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) just ten days after his 7th birthday. Samuel has completed one year of his two years of treatment and has endured multiple overnight stays in the hospital, spinals taps, spiked fevers, and regular chemotherapy.  He is Sam Strong.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program? 

Samuel’s favorite One Mission Program is Pasta Night! Samuel and his family said that these dinners gave them a much-needed break from Sam’s hospital room.

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

Samuel loves the WWE, especially John Cena! Samuel also loves being with his brother Maxwell, especially playing Wii together.

Buzz Buddy Name:

Gavin 

Age: 7

Tell us about your journey with cancer:

Gavin was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) just a month after turning three. He started chemotherapy right away and completed treatment in February 2017. He is still in remission and getting stronger every day! Gavin has faced some grueling side effects, but with tremendous support from amazing people and organizations, he has prevailed! Gavin goes to Hasbro Children’s Hospital for clinic visits and is in the first grade.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program?

Gavin absolutely loved One Mission’s Gronk’s Buddy Bowl! Gronk is Gavin’s favorite Patriot player and even named his dog after him.

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

Gavin loves to play with his friends at school, play basketball and football with his brother Tyler and create Lego Star Wars sets.


Buzz Buddy Name:

Steven “Jayden” 

Age: 16

Tell us about your journey with cancer:

Jayden was diagnosed at the age of 5 months with an inoperable brain tumor and has been in treatment at Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic since that young age. Jayden has never let being sick stop him. He is an energetic and rambunctious teenager.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program? 

Jayden’s favorite One Mission Program is The Buzz Off because of the relationships he has built with Buzzees that have helped him stay positive. Jayden would like all the Buzzees to know that he appreciates all their support.

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

Jayden loves The Buzz Off, playing basketball and running track for Southeastern Regional Vocational High School.

Buzz Buddy Name:

Paisley

Age: 3

Tell us about your journey with cancer:

My name is Paisley, I am 3 years old and have been battling B- Cell ALL (Leukemia) for 6 months. The first week following my diagnosis I developed sepsis and my dad passed away. That hasn’t stopped me from putting forward my best fight. I hit remission after my induction (after being in-patient for 44 days) and continue treatments weekly. I am still your average 3 year old at heart and look forward to a healthier future.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program? 

The Treasure Chest program would have to be our favorite One Mission program as it has warmed our hearts with happiness on many sad days!

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

I love princesses and dancing around. I wear big hair bows and headbands every time I leave the house. My favorite food is eggs and I eat more than 5 a day! My brother Logan is my best friend and we play army bases together all the time. I love to smile and laugh every chance I get!

Buzz Buddy Name:

Isaac

Age: 5

Tell us about your journey with cancer:

Isaac was diagnosed with ALL March 3rd, 2017 after a rash and trip to the pediatrician’s office. He finished treatment on April 25th. He loves Legos, swimming, and can’t wait to do all the things he’s missed out on since diagnosis. We couldn’t have gotten through this trauma without the wonderful doctors, nurses, and child life specialists. They are like a second family to us now.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program? 

The One Mission Resource Room was invaluable the times we were inpatient. We owe them everything.

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

Isaac loves to smile and once you’re his friend, you’re his friend for life. Isaac also plans on getting buzzed at the Buzz Off!

Buzz Buddy Name:

Elias

Age: 4

Tell us about your journey with cancer:

I was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor in February, 2019 after removing my left kidney. I’m all smiles through it all, even during the bloodwork. I hope that the medicine will help me and I’ll be done with chemo by Thanksgiving.

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program? 

It would have to be the meals. They are yummy and there is always something I like.

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

I love playing Mario and I’m super good too. My favorite show is Wild Kratts and my favorite animal is the Basillisk. I like to go rock climbing with my little sister. My mommy has another little brother coming for me this fall! I’m really excited because I love my sister, but I really wanted to have another brother.

Buzz Buddy Name:

Brody

Age: 5

Tell us about your journey with cancer:

Brody was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia on June 4th, 2017 when he was just 3 years old. Brody spent 30 days living in Boston Children’s Hospital as he underwent treatment. He will be in treatment for a total of 27 months and we have only one and a half months left in treatment (as of June 2nd)!

Do you have a favorite One Mission Program? 

During his stay, Brody loved to hangout with his 4 siblings in the One Mission Resource Room. It was like a living room where they could go to take a break from the hospital room and play games, make Legos, do art and get snacks and socialize with other patients and families. Plus, popcorn and mac and cheese in the resource room was a God send when I needed to lure Brody from our room in his wheelchair.

Is there anything special you would like the Buzzees to know about you?

Brody LOVES Legos and at only 5 he can build huge sets by himself because of his long hospital stays. He also loves superhero’s and all Sports (ESPN) – especially football (and the Pats) and baseball (and the Sox). Brody also loves Star Wars! He is a real boy with real boy interests but he is also leading a battle against a relentless opponent. Brody is a true fighter and has almost beat cancer, something that our whole family is more than ready to do. Cancer can’t keep Brody down. One Mission has helped us get through the worst times in our lives, but still let Brody have time to be the boy that he is and will continue to be.