Eythan was born June 28 1997 in San Diego Ca, and if you ask him, he'll tell you San Diego is his favorite place in the world!

Eythan was born as healthy as they come, (albeit 2 weeks late!) 6lbs 13 oz and 19in long. From day one he's always been smiling, always interested and constantly learning.

With no health problems in the first 3 year of his life, we were shocked to find out that just 14 days before his 4th birthday in 2001, Eythan was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. By the time he was diagnosed, he was in Stage IV. There was a tumor the size of a grapefruit located above his right kidney, which had wrapped itself around a major artery. The cancer had also spread throughout his bones. As his doctor put it, the cancer was so far advanced, that the bone marrow was no longer making blood cells, but cancer instead.

Chemotherapy treatment began immediately and within a matter of months the doctors had managed to significantly shrink the solid tumor. In October of 2001, Eythan underwent an 8 hour sugery to remove what they could of the tumor. By God's grace, the surgeon was able to remove the entire tumor without injury to the artery.

Chemotherapy continued, and almost to the day he was first diagnosed, the doctors gave us great news that there were no signs of cancer in bone scans, bone marrow biopsies or CT scans. Eythan was doing so well that the doctors decided they would hold off on radiation therapy.

Eythan made it to kindergarten on time, and to us, that was a huge goal achieved. When you looked at him it was hard to imagine that this healthy, bright young boy had overcomed this horrible cancer.

Eythan continued to show improvment and for over a year all of the tests he underwent still showed no signs of cancer.

Sadly in February of 2004, Eythan began having pains in his legs like he did when the cancer first presented, and we were told that the Neuroblastoma had returned.

Since then Eythan has undergone numerous clinical trials, including MIBG treatment at UCSF, as well as other chemotherapy trials in Los Angeles Children's Hospital and Naval Medical Center San Diego. His condintion has improved, but there is still a long road ahead of him in regaining his health. We are still hoping for a cure.

We need your help!

Although Eythan's family has been able to shoulder most of the financial burden, the trips to Los Angeles, stays in hospitals for treatments and countless followup appointments, have taken their toll. Eythan's father is enlisted the Navy, and his mother works full time, however time off work to accompany Eythan to treatments and appointments goes unpaid.

It's been our determination to provide Eythan with a calm and stable homelife in contrary to the hectic regimine of treatment.

The time we have away from hospitals and doctors is precious to us.

Eythan is now 7 years old, currently in 2nd grade and he has MANY interests!

He loves building and playing with Bioncles and has quite a collection. He most favorite hobby though is VIDEO GAMES!! He has Nintendo Gamecube and a Playstation 2. As you can imagine, time spent in the hospital is BORING, and video games have brought him lots of fun and adventure to pass the time.

Since he is a true San Diego native, he loves his San Diego teams! He roots and cheers for his San Diego Chargers and Padres and watches them "do battle" against rival teams.

Eythan also enjoys animals. He has 3 turtles named Flip, Flap and Baby. A hampster named Sluffy, and a cat named Murphy. His love for animals is apparent when he goes to the Scripps Birch Aquarium, one of his most favorite places.

Eythan loves his city of San Diego and likes to go to the musuems in Balboa Park. He loves learning about new things and his brain becomes a sponge whenever we go there!

Eythan is as special to us as any child is to their parents. Though Neuroblastoma has taken away time that we can not get back, we want to provide our son with the best possible time he can have now.

Anyway you can help is GREATLY appreciated. Please email eythans_fight2004@yahoo.com with any questions, comments or support. We appreciate it all.

May God bless you and your family with health and happiness!

Matthew & Michele Shurtleff