5-year-old valley boy in hospital for months while receiving treatment for brain tumor
Five-year-old Ryder Teague played on his hospital bed while his mother Destini talked about the boy's fight with cancer.
It began back last October when the boy experienced swelling in his right eye.
A short time later, the child was flown to Loma Linda after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
"There are days when it's been hard but God has given me a lot of strength," said his mother Destini Teague.
Ryder underwent a 7 hour "life saving" surgery.
The malignant tumor was the size of a tangerine and was removed from the boy's brain.
The cancer was Medulloblastoma.
He was left mute and couldn't speak or move for 6 weeks.
"I think there is a lot of strength that can come from situations like this," said Teague.
Ryder's doctors are treating him with chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, using stem cells from his own blood.
He is responding well to the final phase of treatment.
Ryder is expected to make a full recovery and eventually get back on the playground.
However he'll have several doctor's appointments and follow up treatments over the next 12 months.
"He is ready to play and ready to party. He just has the best attitude about everything," said his mother.
Before Ryder become ill, Destini was taking interior design classes at COD and working toward a degree.
Her mother Debra Arauz has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Destini and Ryder to rent a home in the valley once they leave Loma Linda.
"He is going to be one of the success stories for cancer. Brain cancer is a very serious cancer," said Arauz.
Destini Teague tells News Channel 3 the Coachella Valley Brewing Company is planning to host on outdoor concert featuring 8 bands, a silent auction and a food truck to raise funds to support Destini and Ryder.
Donations for the auction can be dropped off at Coachella Valley Brewing Company at 30640 Gunther Street in Thousand Palms during business hours.
The concert details have not been worked out, but supporters are asked to follow the brewing company's Facebook page to receive details when they're posted.
LINKS:
GoFundMe LINK:
Coachella Valley Brewing Company's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Coachella-Valley-Brewing-Co-432901963394552
