Smasherson’s First Radiation Countdown Calendar

Baxley!  That is the name of the little boy from South Carolina who received Smasherson’s first ever Radiation Countdown Calendar in June of 2019.   At the time Bax was a 4 year old active boy.  His symptoms came on quickly and after a few appointments at the pediatricians office and scans, Bax was diagnosed with a grapefruit sized tumor in his abdomen known as Rhabdomyosarcoma.  Their treatment protocol included chemotherapy and radiation.  They headed to Jacksonville, Florida for proton radiation treatment at the Mayo Clinic and stayed at the Ronald McDonald House.   The Smasherson Foundation reached out to Bax’s family and offered them a radiation countdown calendar.  They said yes and were happy to receive a little joy in this otherwise scary and stressful time.   They shared with us all of Bax’s interests, favorite color, clothing size etc.  Our Piggy Pals then went to work shopping for all things blue, sea creatures, super heroes and soccer!  We put together the radiation calendar for 33 days of gifts including little clues for each gift, cards from students from Emerson’s school and treats for Bax’s parents too.  We got everything wrapped up and shipped it to the Ronald McDonald House.  Bax’s parents shared with us this was a bright spot in their journey there.   Today Bax is in full remission.  His family has started a foundation called “Hug Your People” (HYP) where they provide wagons for children who are being treated in the hospital to get around.  They are currently on the road in the HYP RV giving a wagon to a child in every state.  They are doing great things for kids with cancer.