Four-year-old Tommy Bevan was born in Tucson, Arizona on December 24, 2006. Although his adoptive parents, Jim Bevan and Kim Bevan of Brick, New Jersey missed his birth by 14 hours due to an unscheduled delivery by his birth mother, they still consider young Tommy to be an amazing Christmas present. In the fall of 2009, at the age of two, Tommy was diagnosed with a type of brain tumor called hypothalamic glioma, caused by a disease known as Neurofibromatosis type 1, or NF1. Tommy also has both internal and external spinal tumors which do not currently require treatment. He is being treated at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and his mother was kind enough to take time this past May to provide us with some insight into their experiences as they’ve dealt with the adversity of battling childhood cancer.

POTCF: Can you tell us about the time of Tommy’s diagnosis and what you remember?

Kim: I can remember being taken completely by surprise. I had never even heard of NF1! When my husband and I were first given the results of his MRI showing both the brain and spinal tumors, we were blown away. It was a very frightening, surreal moment. Everything went so quickly from there. Luckily for us, Tommy was already receiving some therapies at home for development and physical delays. Now we knew what his delays were attributed to and that these therapies would play a huge part in his care and progress. NF1 is a lifelong disease. When his current battle is behind him there will still be obstacles to face and overcome.

POTCF: Can you tell us about the hospitalizations?

Kim: Tommy is in his eleventh month of a 15-month chemotherapy course. We spend approximately six to eight hours, one day a week at the hospital. Part of his visit includes triage, physical exam, lab work and port access. The rest of the day is spent in the day hospital for his pre-meds and chemo infusion. The doctors and nurses do everything they can to make his day as pleasant as possible. They are amazing individuals.

POTCF: What is the worst part of treatment for Tommy?

Kim: The worst part for Tommy is definitely the port access. It used to be a very traumatic experience but he has come so far and become such a brave little guy. He doesn’t even fuss about it anymore. He even says “thank you” when the nurse is finished. He’s such a resilient, happy-go-lucky little boy.

POTCF: What is the best part, if there is a good part, of the clinic/hospital?

Kim: I would have to say that the people we’ve met, the relationships we’ve made and the generosity and caring we have received from the staff and volunteers is the “good” part of our hospital experience. Also, the incredible bravery, courage and positive attitudes exhibited by the other children and their parents is both inspiring and humbling. Being in this environment certainly makes you see how greatly you are blessed.

POTCF: Can you tell us about the Treasure Chest?

Kim: The Treasure Chest is found in the play room area of the oncology unit. It is the first place Tommy runs to when we finish registering. He gets such a kick out of riffling through the contents hoping to find that special “treasure”.

POTCF: Does Tommy have a favorite toy from the Treasure Chest?

Kim: Just a few weeks ago Tommy found a large toy train in the Treasure Chest with pictures of the Cars characters on the sides. The wheels made a revving sound when you rolled it along the ground. It was totally cool (or “sweet” as Tommy would say)! He kept it by his side all day. It came home with us and is still played with today. I think that adding some uplifting experiences such as this into the drudgery of the hospital ritual helps bring some positive aspects into the whole ordeal. It’s those few little things the kids have to look forward to that help make the experience more tolerable.

POTCF: Someone told me (Colleen) that my son’s cancer treatment would change me for the better. How do you feel about this experience? Has this changed you in any way?

Kim: I think that in a strange way it helps you to see your blessings more clearly. Though we are going through our own difficulties and the future is uncertain, there are so many others who are struggling and suffering far more than we are. We are blessed that Tommy is doing very well and responding to treatment. I know there are families who are not as fortunate. I’ve always felt that life is a gift but now I know firsthand just how precious that gift is. This experience has certainly humbled and inspired not just my husband and me but so many others around us. Family, neighbors, old and new friends, even strangers have shown amazing generosity and support. I feel more gratitude than I ever have before.

POTCF: What would you say to a family who has just learned their son or daughter was diagnosed with cancer?

Kim: I would say that finding the right facility, even if it means traveling, is most important. You want your child surrounded by experts who can coordinate care on multiple levels. I would also suggest that they accept help when it is offered. Having a support system is so important. Facebook was the impetus for much of the support we received. Prayers, fundraising, well wishes, links to medical sites, etc., were all made available to us through this site. Finally, become educated about your child’s illness. You are their first advocate. The more informed you are, the better decisions you’ll be able to make regarding your child’s care, physician and facility.

POTCF: What would you say to the Treasure Chest Foundation contributors?

Kim: Thank you, thank you, thank you! The time and money that you invest in the happiness of others is very much appreciated and admired.

POTCF: Did knowing Tommy would receive a toy help the hospital experience?

Kim: Anything that helps to pass the time and act as a distraction from the monotony is a good thing. Knowing that he’ll have the opportunity to hunt for a toy is something he looks forward to every week.

POTCF: Do you have any final comments?

Kim: Sometimes we still can’t believe what has come our way, that our child has to face this. Knowing that we are not alone, that we have an extended support system, that people genuinely care and want to help, is so uplifting. We are thankful, we are blessed.