Hi friends and family,

Thank you again for praying, checking in, and loving our family so well. We wanted to share a deeper update because so many of you truly want to understand what’s happening and why the next steps matter.

First, the bone marrow results were encouraging.

Earlier on, Cody’s bone marrow showed widespread neuroblastoma cells on both sides. This most recent biopsy showed only rare, tiny clusters on one side (less than 1%). The other samples showed no definite tumor cells!!!

In simple terms: there has been MAJOR improvement. There are still a few cells present, so treatment continues, but the doctors are very encouraged.

So, why does Cody still needs two stem cell “washes"?

You’ll hear us say “stem cell,” but medically these are called autologous stem cell transplants, and Cody will have two of them, back-to-back with a short break in between. 

Think of it like this: first step, they give very high-dose chemotherapy...the chemo he receives during transplant is far stronger than anything he has had before. It is designed to:

The problem? Those chemo doses also wipe out healthy bone marrow...the part that makes blood cells and the immune system.

Then, his own saved stem cells are given back to him on day 7.

Earlier in treatment, doctors collected Cody’s healthy stem cells and froze them. After chemo does its job, they infuse those cells back in, almost like re-seeding a garden after clearing the weeds. These cells find their way back into the bone marrow and begin rebuilding:

That’s why people call it a “wash”, chemo wipes everything out, then healthy cells are washed back in to rebuild.

So, why TWO transplants instead of one? For high-risk neuroblastoma, research shows that two sequential transplants:

Each round hits the disease from another angle — while still letting his body recover in between.

What does the process looks like?
Each transplant cycle includes:
Admission to the hospital
Several days of very high-dose chemo
Infusion of his stem cells
Recovery while his immune system slowly rebuilds
Close monitoring for fever, infections, nausea, mouth sores, fatigue, etc.

The stay is typically around 30 days minimum, depending on how quickly counts recover and how his body responds.

We are now gearing up for this next phase: organizing, preparing mentally, and soaking in these next few days at home as a family. We’re savoring time together, resting, and staying grounded.

GO IU! ❤️ (Had to say it.)

Thank you for every prayer, meal, message, and word of encouragement. Please keep praying for:

We feel every prayer. We are grateful beyond words.

 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)

With love and gratitude,
Stacia & family