We recently shared a story on Nancy Smith, a Nursing Instructor at Carrington College in Reno, whose son Logan is currently battling a rare type of cancer called neuroblastoma. Despite many setbacks, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Nancy and her family are staying strong and demonstrating the value of love and support in times of uncertainty. 
Logan was originally diagnosed with neuroblastoma at two and a half years old. Neuroblastoma can develop in the belly, chest, neck, pelvis and bones, and children ages five or younger are most commonly affected. While the type of treatment typically depends on the patient’s age and how much the disease has spread, there is always a possibility it can return. Logan first relapsed in Jan. 2019 and again in Feb. 2020, when doctors found new abnormalities on his scans.
Since then, the Smith family has received an incredible amount of support from friends, family, students, colleagues and the non-profit Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation, an organization that provides support for families while helping to raise money for cancer research.
Nancy and her husband, along with their two sons Logan and Hunter, planned on participating in a St. Baldrick’s event on March 20 where they would shave their heads to raise money for cancer research. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to COVID-19, but that didn’t stop them from keeping their commitment.
While still following social distancing policies, Nancy and her family showed support for Logan and shaved their heads at home live on their Logan’s Journey Facebook page. 
As of April 1st, Logan’s scans came back clear, which is wonderful news. However, it will not change his treatment plan as they will want to make sure it remains clear in the future. He will soon finish chemotherapy and the family will start preparing him for radiation treatment after they return to Reno. For now, the family will be celebrating this small victory and the fact that once again, Logan has beaten cancer.
Every year there are an estimated 15,780 children in the United States diagnosed with cancer, according to the American Childhood Cancer Organization. Please take a moment to support Logan by visiting his Logan’s Journey Facebook page and learn more about the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation.
