Aiden Collyar, a nine-year-old from New Hampshire, was recently presented with a donation that would allow him to do something he loves: play sports. After he was diagnosed with the rare pediatric cancer rhabdomyosarcoma last year, he underwent an amputation of the lower portion of his right leg. Since then, he hasn’t really been able to participate in sports to the degree he’s wanted to; moving around was pretty difficult in general.

This is where the Born to Run Foundation comes in. They donated a prosthetic leg that is better suited for running, which will allow Aiden to play sports again – he’s especially excited to return to basketball. In the past, the foundation has donated 18 other prosthetics.

Looking forward, Aiden will be done with his chemotherapy treatments by the time July is over. He’s excited for a future filled with sports and playing with friends.

You can read more about Aiden’s story at WLWT5.

About Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare form of childhood cancer that begins in the soft tissue. While it most commonly affects children, people of any age may be impacted. It leads to varying symptoms depending on where in the soft tissue the tumor forms, but possible symptoms include blood in the urine, issues with bowel movements, trouble urinating, swelling in the eyes, headaches, bleeding in the throat, nose, and ears; and masses or bleeding in the vagina or rectum.

Medical professionals do not know what causes this cancer, although they have identified a number of risk factors, such as a family history of cancer, Noonan’s syndrome, and Costello syndrome. In terms of treatment, a combination of therapies is typically required. Options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and clinical trials.