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Our Story
Joey Baar
In April of 2008, our family feared the worst as Joey, the youngest of the siblings, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age 7. He started his long three years of treatment at All Children’s Hospital. in St. Petersburg, FL. The extensive exposure to chemotherapy took a toll on his body and he faced a long recovery. He stopped treatment in August of 2011 and is currently 14 years cancer-free.
Matthew Baar
In June of 2013, I was diagnosed with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor. This is a rare type of abdominal cancer with a 15% five-year survival rate. I traveled to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas to meet with a group of doctors familiar with the rare sarcoma. I soon started treatment- receiving 10 rounds of intense chemotherapy at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. In January 2014, I underwent HIPEC surgery in Houston and received 30 rounds of radiation. In April 2014, I officially ended treatment and returned to Bradenton, Florida. Today, I am 12 years cancer-free and married to the love of my life.
Amanda Baar
In June of 2020, a cyst was discovered in my sister, Amanda’s, brain. Two months later, doctors determined it was a tumor located in the thalamus. She traveled to Duke University that September to remove the tumor. Post-operative tests revealed that the tumor was a benign grade one astrocytoma. Most of the tumor was able to be removed but a small portion remains in her brain in order to minimize damage from surgery. Amanda went through 2-3 weeks of intense rehabilitation therapy and faces life-long side effects from the operation.talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers, and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery, or video for even more engagement.
Our Journey
Joey's Diagnoses
Joey was diagnosed with leukemia at a young age, beginning a long and difficult battle that changed his life and our family forever.
Joey's Treatment
Joey received his treatment at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
Joey's Dream Trip
Joey’s dream trip to Give Kids The World Village gave him a joyful and unforgettable experience, offering a chance to step away from treatment.
Joey Post Treatment
Joey completed his leukemia treatment in 2011, marking the end of a long and difficult chapter for our family.
Matt's Diagnoses
Matt's Treatment
I was diagnosed with DSRCT, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, which led me into an intense treatment journey of my own.
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I received treatment at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital as well as at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where I underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and major surgery.
Matt's Flashes of Hope
I took part in a “Flashes of Hope” photography session, a powerful experience that captured my strength and spirit during treatment.
Matt's Dream Trip
I was able to take a dream trip to Hawaii, giving me a meaningful opportunity to step away from treatment and create lasting memories during a difficult time in my journey.
Matt's Final Treatment
I finished my treatment in 2014, but I continue to have annual follow-ups and monitoring at both Moffitt Cancer Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Amanda's Surgery
In 2020, my sister Amanda was diagnosed with a benign grade one astrocytoma in her thalamus and underwent brain surgery at Duke University Hospital.
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