Devon LaPrade's family calls him their 'Superman' for how strong and brave he has been through his diagnosis and fight with his disease. That is why they are wearing wristbands that say "Believe in #15," which is Devon's soccer number.
"It's a very rare tumor," said Michelle DeLorenzo, Devon's mom. "It's inoperable and there is no cure."
But Devon isn't backing down from his fight. And his family has hope. He is keeping his spirits strong even after he was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare brain tumor on Mother's Day.
"He said, 'That's OK mommy, I'm going to fight this. Tyler's with me,'" said Michelle. Tyler DeMarco was a student from Rotterdam too. He lost his battle with brain cancer last year.
Devon is taking his own strength and strength from his friend as he moves forward with a smile on his face.
"It's really amazing how brave he's been," said Michelle.
He has been brave through radiation, physical therapy and an illness that has affected his speech and his balance.
"He can't ride his bike, it's hard for him to play video games," said Michelle.
Through it all his mom has been brave too.
"Always has a smile on her face, very strong, willing to deal with anything," said Cris DerBoghossian, a family friend.
Cris and her husband John met Michelle and Devon through sports.
"Her goal right now is to get him to do anything he wants to do," said Cris.
They are throwing a bowling fundraiser this Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Boulevard Bowl on Erie Boulevard in Schenectady to help make that happen. They are hoping to take some of the pressure off a single mom who is trying to spend all her time with her son.
"Just a little bit from a bunch of people would make the difference for them," said John.
A boost in a battle they didn't choose, but one they are fighting with a lot of strength.
"That's the whole 'Believe in #15,' you have to believe," said John.
"He's been fighting it," said Michelle.
Michelle said his radiation is over now. And she is looking for a clinical trial to try.
If you have any questions about the event or would like to give but can't make it, you can call John or Cris at their business Camelot Print and Copy Center at (518) 435-9696
