Webster Police K9 Unit Visits Boy Battling Cancer
WEBSTER (CBS) -- A Webster boy's cancer may have returned, but a visit from the police department's K9 unit helped put a smile on his face over the weekend.
"A couple of days ago we learned some very sad news. Our young cancer fighter Brady Smith has relapsed," reads a post on the Webster Police Department's K9 Unit Facebook page. "For the past couple of years we've been very happy to give updates on his clear scans showing no evidence of disease. Since that time we've heard he's been happy and energetic, (and) showing great enthusiasm in school. Enjoying his childhood the way a young guy should.
"This just shows how cancer can throw a curve ball, turning everything upside-down."
The six-year-old was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in July 2012, and he completed his treatment in December 2013, according to the "Brady's Mission" Facebook page. The page was set up by April and Brady's father, Tim, to "create awareness for Brady's disease and the mission he is on and to provide as much (information) as we can to everyone in addition to any upcoming fundraisers."
In an Oct. 16 post on her Facebook page, April Smith, Brady's mother, says "I am numb (and) absolutely devastated. Brady has relapsed. We don't have too much (information) at this time other than there is a spot on the right side of his skull and a questionable spot on the left side of his abdomen."
She continued, saying "There were no signs or symptoms that relapse was even possible, which is why this disease is so horrible."
To help cheer up Brady, Red and Police Officer Aaron Russ spent time with him on Sunday. The youngster got to do some obedience training with the dog, and also rode in his own K9 police cruiser.
After Suss received a call and had to head off to work, Smith told him "Go catch some bad guys," according to the police department's Facebook page.
Brady's mother says her son "was in the MRI unsedated for an hour and a half! He was so brave!" while at Boston Children's Hospital in Peabody, according to her Facebook page.
She's asking everyone to "Please keep Brady in your continued prayers as we are going to fight like hell (and) beat this monster once again."
For more information, visit the Brady's Mission website.