Montclair Teacher’s Son Has Fast-Moving Cancer; 'Long Year Ahead'

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The son of a Montclair elementary school teacher and a Ridgewood cop was recently diagnosed with a “fast-moving cancer.” And although they are now in “very good hands” with a team of medical experts, the family is in for a long year ahead.

And that’s where the local community can help, Stephanie McKeon said.

McKeon, a teacher at Bullock School in Montclair, and her husband, Kevin, have started a GoFundMe campaign to help fund “everyday expenses” for their son’s treatment, in addition to ongoing medical costs. (See the campaign or make a donation here)

According to Kevin McKeon:

“Our happy and seemingly healthy son Cole was just diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. It is a fast-moving cancer that is in a form of a tumor near a kidney and it's already moved away to take on more space. This came as a complete shock to us since he showed no significant signs of being sick. After investigating a stiff neck, something didn't sit right with our amazing pediatrician and she ordered blood-work. Follow up blood work in the Hackensack ER turned from just anemia to a small mass on his kidney to a CT Scan that showed a much bigger problem. Every corner we have turned has been devastating.

“We are currently residents of the Pediatric Oncology Department at Hackensack University Medical Center and are being treated by a very, very large team of Doctors, NPs, Nurses, Techs, and more specialists than you can imagine. It's a great team and great hospital and we are confident that we are in very good hands.

“It's going to be a long year or more. What we need from you is thoughts and prayers. Don't feel sorry for us. Feel positive and optimistic that Cole makes it through this with as little difficulty as possible.

“Hug your kids, go donate blood, and let us be the ones to lose sleep over this news, not you. Life will go on and Cole will be a part of it for a very, very long time.”

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Photo: GoFundMe