Pelham - Windham News | December 2, 2011 - 5 Always Thankful - Even In the Eye of Adversity
His Mom, dad, and sister, Avery has become tired, exhausted, and searching for answers. Every day new developments occur. Every day, new life decisions need to be made. Every day seems endless.
Mom has never left Loukas’s side. She sleeps, eats, and lives, sharing that same Boston Children’s Hospital Room with her child. Every day they hope for their son.
with his Cub Scout Pack 266. Outdoors
Charlie Chalk Venture Rifles Recalled
with Smith & Wesson
Stephen gives his son Loukas a kiss after Loukas shaved all the hair off dad’s head at Boston Children’s Hospital.
by Doug Robinson The e-mail simply said, “Hi Everyone, I got a phone call today about a little boy named Loukas. He is a 4th Grader in Windham that got diagnosed with Stage 3 Cancer after complaining of a belly ache just last week. Their family needs some help with meals and I thought I would share their story to see if you could help.” The e-mail provided a “link,”
Caringbridge.com, for those wishing to read and learn more. The e-mail also stated that the family may need help with meals and childcare. And that is how this story began. The family journal on
Caringbridge.com reads: “On Monday, 11/14 Loukas Tatasciore went to his pediatrician in Londonderry with an enlarged abdomen, feeling tired and with an upset stomach. They ran blood tests to determine if there was anything wrong and sent him home. “On Tuesday, 11/15 Loukas’s doctor called him in because his blood work was not normal and they preformed an ultrasound which was immediately followed by a CT scan of his abdomen. An abnormal mass was discovered and he was immediately sent to Children’s Hospital in Boston, MA where he was admitted and prepared for more testing. Later that day the doctors told us they thought he had cancer throughout his abdomen and it might be lymphoma. “On Wednesday, 11/16 after biopsies were taken, it was confirmed Loukas had Stage III - Burritt’s Lymphoma. Additional testing showed that the cancer is throughout his abdomen and possibly in his brain. Due to the large amount of cancer in his stomach there is fluid building up in his lungs causing him to have a shortness of breath. His medical oncology team wasted no time in planning his treatment to start the next day! “On Thursday, 11/17 although additional testing showed that he does not have cancer located in his chest or neck - the amount in his abdomen is significant. Doctors tested his spinal fluid for signs of cancer spreading to his bones and brain area. They began round 1 of chemotherapy this afternoon. The first round of chemo lasts one week and is considered “low dose” compared to the following treatments. “Friday, 11/18 Loukas had a lumbar puncture this morning to test his CSF and was treated with chemotherapy in his spine. Preliminary testing showed no signs of cancer in his brain or spinal fluid. The Oncology team will still treat him as though he did; however, with more modest amounts of chemo to the cerebral spinal fluid. His bone marrow biopsy results are still pending; the results of which will determine if he is moved to Stage IV. Chemotherapy is expected to last from 4-9 months depending on the bone marrow biopsy results.” Every day another test. Another day, mom, dad, sister, and Loukas are tested.
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Loukas spends his days like any normal kid. As a Center School student, he loves to play soccer, play video games, and play with his friends. At home, he loves riding his dirt bike with dad, hugging his dog Sandy, or playing with his sister. He is a kid, who with his dad, decided to shave their heads together, to show support for one another. He shaved dad’s head, and dad shaved his head. “Burkitt’s Lymphoma is a very rare form of cancer with about only 300 new cases a year in the United States. Burkitt’s Lymphoma, rare in most of the world, is the most common childhood cancer in Central Africa, and is one of the most aggressive of all human cancers. Burkitt’s lymphoma is a highly aggressive type of B-cell lymphoma that often starts and involves body parts other than lymph nodes. In spite of its fast-growing nature, Burkitt’s lymphoma is often curable with modern intensive therapies” states
about.com, Leukemia & Lymphoma The Tatasciore moved to Windham three years ago. They made the coast-to-coast relocation on both “prayer” and need to be closer to family. “I never knew my neighbors could be family to me,” commented Steve Tatasciore. “We love our neighbors and we love our community. It has now been three years and we both feel very fortunate” comments Steve Tatasciore. And, as the Tatasciore family continues to absorb their new
challenges, they are overwhelmed with their spirit of thanks. “Everyone has been so great, so thoughtful,” commented Steve. “Organizations are helping us out by bringing food and we are very thankful for that help.” When asked “what do you need,” Steve admits that he is thankful for his health insurance. The family has asked for prayers and should folks wish to help, then they may do so by writing to Steve directly at
statasciore@gmail.com, or folks are invited to “donate to Boston Children’s, Make a wish Foundation, or any other organization that helps children and families going through an extraordinarily difficult experience.” As we enter into this advent of Thanksgiving,
the Tatasciore family remains thankful to their community, their friends, and their faith. That support has afforded to them the ability to cope and continue. And for that, they are thankful. Loukas, holding the flags, honored Veterans on Memorial Day by replacing American flags at the Windham Cemetery
Product Recall: Thompson Center Venture Rifle. Description of the Hazard: During an internal technical review, Smith & Wesson determined that some of the sears used on Venture rifles produced from August 1, 2011 to October 28, 2011, may not have been manufactured to specification. Because the sear is an important part of the firing mechanism, we are asking that all of the rifles produced during this time period be returned to Smith & Wesson so that the firearm can be inspected by our technicians to ensure that the rifle operates in a safe and appropriate manner. Description of the Product Involved: This recall applies only to Venture rifles manufactured from August 1, 2011 to October 28, 2011. To determine if your rifle is affected, please reference the serial number list located at
www.smith-wesson.com/venturerecall or by calling Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-713-0356. If your serial number does not fall within the list of affected serial numbers, your rifle is not part of this recall.
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