Gavin Patrick Roark was born on March 21, 2008 in Simi Valley, CA. He was welcomed into the world by his parents, Kelly and Jaimee Roark. Upon arrival, it was noticed that Gavin had a mass on his head and a spot on his leg. After 3 months of age he was scheduled for surgery to remove the mass and leg mark. Biopsies of the first surgeries were puzzling to the pathologist, therefore the surgery was stopped. A lengthy second surgery was successful in removing the head mass. Due to the nature of the results, Gavin underwent extensive testing including a 4 ½ hour full body MRI. Doctors found melanoma on his lung and liver. Doctors were not sure how to treat this type of cancer in such a young child. Melanoma is diagnosed in approximately 55,000 people each year. Of these cases, 400 are in people under 20. Children under one year of age account for only .03% of these cases. After much research and talking with other oncologists across the United States, Gavin’s doctor determined chemotherapy would be the best starting point for treatment. On August 13, Gavin had surgery to put an intravenous line into his body which will administer the chemo. August 14 is the starting date for treatment,and this will be given for four consecutive days at a California Hospital. Gavin will be given chemotherapy each month for a year following the same pattern. It is our hope that we can help the Roark Family during these trying times.
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Thank you for your help and support of Kelly and Jaimee Roark.
Thank you for your help and support of Kelly and Jaimee Roark.