“Reason this person is a Gold Ribbon Hero: On March 2, 2012 Dashiell Maccabee Codd was diagnosed with a cancerous liver tumor called Hepatoblastoma at 4yrs old. After multiple chemotherapies and surgery to remove the tumor at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, he fell into a high-risk category for recurrence so we coordinated his care with liver tumor specialists at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. After 3 months of treatment new tumors were found in his liver and he was immediately placed on the transplant list which he received 3 weeks later. After 7 weeks he got to go home to his brothers and sweet doggie. He was so happy, he did a somersault on the living room floor!
During his next visit a nodule was found in his right lung. The cancer had spread and he underwent surgery to remove it. But at his next monthly appointment new nodules were found in both lungs. The cancer was now believed to actually be the more aggressive, extremely rare Transitional Liver Cell Tumor. To be absolutely sure we tracked down leading authority on TLCT pathologist Dr. Arthur Zimmerman, Institute of Pathology, Emeritus Director, University of Bern, Switzerland. After reviewing Dashiell’s case history/pathology slides (free of charge), he confirmed it was this type of cancer, that there is no cure and diagnosis is terminal. To stave off the inevitable Dashiell underwent 10 rounds of radiation and an experimental chemo to no avail.
As with all of his treatments, Dashiell did not suffer. In fact, except for hair loss, he never endured the expected routine side-effects such as infection, mouth sores, nausea or fatigue. Even recovery from the all of the surgeries was without incident. Despite all our efforts, he succumbed to this disease on June 17, 2013 at 5 1/2 yrs old.
Dashiell had a blessed life, as sweet and blissful as any child could possibly dream — believing in Santa Claus, eating treats, cuddling Mama (Pam) and Daddy (Brian), playing with his brothers (Orson and Sumner) and hugging his doggie (Cider). He never knew one day of sorrow, neglect or abuse. He is deeply loved and all of his days were filled with pure happiness.
To ensure Dashiell’s journey was not in vain, his post-mortem tumors were donated to scientific research through UI Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the COG and SIOPEL. He is currently one of three worldwide confirmed cases of TLCT with data-banked bio-specimens. His legacy is honored as we advocate for childhood cancer awareness/projects/programs/organizations, better treatment options, advancement in higher cure rates and increased medical research funding.
Dashiell’s indomitable spirit lives on in the hearts of his family, friends and supporters.”
“Though much is taken, much
abides; and though
We are not now that strength
which in old days
Moved earth and Heaven, that
which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic
hearts,
Made weak by time and fate,
but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and
not to yield.”
Alfred Lord Tennyson, “Idylls of the King and a Selection of Poems” – Pamela C
