Know the Enemy
What Is Neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor cancer in children outside of the brain. Understanding it is the first step toward defeating it — for Hank and for every child who faces this diagnosis.
800+
New U.S. cases per year
~50%
Of cases are high-risk at diagnosis
6%
Of all childhood cancer deaths
Under 5
Most common age at diagnosis
A Cancer That Targets the Youngest Fighters
Neuroblastoma develops from immature nerve cells called neuroblasts. It most often starts in the adrenal glands, small glands that sit on top of the kidneys but it can also begin in the chest, abdomen, or spine. It is most commonly diagnosed in children under the age of 5.
Because it often grows silently in its early stages, Neuroblastoma is frequently not caught until it has already spread. More than half of all cases are high-risk at the time of diagnosis, meaning the cancer has already reached other parts of the body.
Signs & Symptoms
Neuroblastoma can be difficult to detect early because symptoms often mimic other childhood illnesses. Parents and doctors should be aware of these warning signs:
- A lump or swelling in the abdomen, neck, or chest
- Bulging eyes or dark circles around the eyes
- Bone pain or a noticeable limp
- Unexplained fever, fatigue, or weight loss
- High blood pressure or rapid heartbeat
- Weakness or paralysis in the legs
How Is It Treated?
Treatment for Neuroblastoma is intensive and depends on the risk level of the cancer. High-risk cases — like many children face — require a combination of approaches over many months.
Chemotherapy
Multiple rounds of powerful chemotherapy drugs are used to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells throughout the body.
Surgery
When possible, surgeons remove the primary tumor. This is often done after chemotherapy has reduced its size.
Stem Cell Transplant
High-dose chemotherapy followed by a stem cell rescue helps eliminate remaining cancer cells and rebuild the immune system.
Radiation & Immunotherapy
Targeted radiation and immunotherapy drugs help destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of relapse.
Why Support Matters
The Whole Family Needs the Whole Community
Pediatric cancer doesn't just affect the child — it reshapes every corner of a family's life. Parents leave jobs. Siblings grow up in constant limbo. Marriages are tested. Faith is shaken. The biological, psychological, social, and spiritual toll is immense, and it lasts long after treatment ends. Families like the Carpenters need a community that shows up for all of it.
"Children deserve better odds. And their families deserve to know they are not carrying this alone."
Stand With Hank and His Family.
Your donation goes directly to the Carpenter family — supporting the full weight of what pediatric cancer puts on everyone who loves him.