Evan Vickers Fight Like Evan

According to friends, family & numerous hospital staff that are trying to help Kraig & I conquer each day, writing is good... Caring Bridge was recommended as a way for us to channel our emotions as well as inform our supporters of Evan's progress. For those of you that aren't familiar with our story, I'll start at the beginning. Don't worry, I'll make a long story short. 
We knew early in my pregnancy that Evan would be a fighter. He was born with multiple heart defects that required 2 open heart surgeries when he was 6 days old. The first year of his life was full of love, laughter and daily struggles.  The surgery that saved his life also left him with brain damage, physical and developmental delays, feeding difficulties that resulted in a gtube placement right before his first birthday and 3 different therapies every week, just to help him attempt to catch up. Despite all of this, Evan laughed, played and smiled EVERYDAY!
After his 1st birthday, things began looking up. In July of 2016, cardiology cleared Evan to be a "normal" little boy. As a parent to a "heart baby", this is the best, most terrifying day of your life. We were relieved that Evan was well enough to receive clearance but scared to death not to see our cardiologist every month, just to make sure everything was ok. 
In September, just 2 months later, our lives were rocked again when Evan was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer. His tumor was removed 2 days before his 18 month birthday. He was diagnosed with cancer and in remission just 7 weeks later. It was amazing. 
Unfortunately, in January 2017, Evan's neuroblastoma relapsed. The tumor came back fast & furious. This time it was occupying 50-60% of his abdominal area and was classified as stage 4, high risk. Evan was in surgery the following morning having his port put in to begin chemotherapy that night. He will receive chemotherapy, radiation, surgery to remove the tumor, a bone marrow transplant/stem cell transplant. He has a long road ahead with battles that no child should ever have to fight but he's tough. He's fought every single day of his life with a smile on his face. This journey won't be any different, he's got this! 
We should all hope that one day we are strong enough to fight like Evan!