Will Hladun was only two months old when he began the fight of his life. He was diagnosed with AT/RT, a rare and aggressive type of cancer commonly found in young children. That week, he underwent several tests, surgeries and began treatment.
"After each round of chemo it was harder and harder for him to bounce back," said Tammy Hladun, his mother.
Chemo was the only option doctors had in fighting the tumors, which were located all over Will's body. The chemo made him weak and swollen. The one thing that helped, was transfusions.
"He would receive platelets, to help him clot because his nose would bleed, he would have open sores he just wouldn't heal well, until he got blood," she said.
That blood gave them hope as they watched his white blood cell counts go up after each round.
"We thought we'd never see that first smile and it was after that first round where he smirked at us," Tammy said.
That was one of many gifts Will gave his parents in too short a time. His chemo was unable to keep the cancer from spreading.
"We were given two to five months, we got him for 5 1/2, almost to his 7 month birthday, and cherished every single day," said Matt Hladun, his father.
Will died February 6th, 2009. His parents said it was the blood he received from complete strangers that gave them extra time.
"I wish I knew who these people were to say thank you," said Tammy.
"It represents life, when you see that bag of blood and you're thinking how morbid, that represents life to Will and any child with cancer or anywhere where blood is needed," said Matt.
Months after his death, the Hladun's are using Will's inspirational fight as a lesson to help others. They have set up the Brave Will Foundation to raise money for other families. In Will's memory, they're asking you to help.
"You can do stuff like donate blood and will power is going to give you the strength to do it," said Matt.
For more information on the Brave Will Foundation you can visit the family's website.
If you'd like to donate blood you can came to one of five locations on January 5th from 12-7. Those locations include: The Albany Marriott, The Franklin Plaza, The Saratoga Hilton, The Clifton Park Center and The Glens Falls YMCA.
