Local toddler beats cancer

Hepatoblastoma is a rare liver cancer that affects infants and toddlers. The idea of someone so young struggling with something so heavy is a scary thought, but that's the situation little Aiden Miles of Thompson Falls was in at just 11 months old.

Aiden's father, Kyle, was staying with his parents while in the process of a divorce. Aiden was very fussy going to bed in November 2016 and his stomach seemed to be bloated and swollen.

"I don't think Kyle or Aiden got much sleep that night," said Kyle's dad, Dan Miles. Dan's wife, Zeta, added, "By about 5 a.m., Kyle told us he thought he should take Aiden to the hospital, so we drove straight to Missoula."

It didn't take long for a confident diagnosis of the infant's liver cancer – they were told to prepare for the worst. The family followed an ambulance to Spokane where Aiden would see more specialists and begin treatment immediately. Chemotherapy would weaken the youngster further. Nausea and illness made for miserable days and long nights. A necessary surgery removed 85 percent of Aiden's cancer riddled liver.

"Even while going through a divorce, Kyle was by Aiden's side every day for the remainder of treatment," recalled Dan, noting the strength his son showed while dealing with so much at once. The only relief was a specialist's opinion that Aiden would likely pull through, possibly with minimal lasting effects.

Without work, Kyle leaned heavily on Dan and Zeta for support that never wavered.

"We were there as often as possible. Dan had to work but still made plenty of time to be with us there," shared Zeta, noting that the sliding scale fee for family stays at the Ronald McDonald House really helped, considering Kyle's employment situation. "It is an amazing program that helped our family and many others. The cost of travel was still there, but there were many organizations who would show up to give meals to families staying there. The support was wonderful."

Fast forward to April 2017, and the journey seemed to be over. "When we heard that Aiden was given a clean bill of health and cancer free, we were overjoyed," shared Dan. Although Aiden would need follow-up visits every three months, the specialist always reported how pleased he was with Aiden's progress and recently told the family that his little liver had regenerated to normal size for a boy his age – eliminating the fear of possible lasting effects from his struggle.

Throughout the ordeal, Dan and Zeta did have worries about finances, but things seemed to keep popping up to help.

"We received monetary help from First Security Bank in Thompson Falls where Dan works, as well as Plains," shared Zeta. "So many community members reached out and offered help. It was very touching." While at the Plains bank branch, someone gave Dan a donation request slip from the Cancer Network of Sanders County (CNSC). Almost as an afterthought, Zeta filled out the slip and was surprised to find a check in the mail within two days. The family shared that the $800 one-time gift lifted their situation and allowed them to travel to see Aiden and relieve Kyle during treatments.

"Stories like this are the very reason we work so hard doing what we do," said CNSC's Public Relations Kathy Miller, who has watched the organization grow. CNSC assists county residents in treatment with a one-time monetary gift to use however they need. In the beginning, CNSC could only afford to give $50 but their abilities have strengthened since then, and Miller credits the community's groups, organizations and individuals who donate to the cause and keep the cancer-fighting buoy for patients afloat.

CNSC has an upcoming fundraiser and community involvement is direly needed. "Due to situations beyond our control, the first two fundraisers of the year did not happen," shared Miller, noting that this fundraiser is do-or-die for the year. While there is always room for volunteers and mailed in donations, the live and silent auction scheduled for the fundraiser could use some donations. "But what we really need for the Fall Extravaganza is a large, lively, generous crowd," said Miller.

The fundraiser is set for Thursday, October 4 at the Plains VFW. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The venue will provide plenty of room for attendees to enjoy dinner and participate in the live auction, emceed by Kevin Hill, as well as the silent auction and raffles. Fire Creek Band will provide a pleasant dinner set for entertainment and get a little rowdier later in the evening when a few tables are moved for dancing.

"CNSC members are out gathering donations and auction items now, but initiative from anyone with donations are appreciated," shared Miller. She noted that tickets will be on sale soon at Garden Gift and Floral in Plains and D&D Liquor in Thompson Falls, or attendees can pay at the door the night of the event. Those who can't make it but would like to help can send donations to CNSC, P.O. Box 1311, Plains, MT, 59859. Or call 826-4278 for more information.