Most 11-year-olds spend their birthdays celebrating with friends and family. This year, Reid did the same, but what sets him apart is that he also collected money, games, and toys for patients at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.
Growing up, Reid was known as “The Little Fighter.” Before he was born, his mother Tina’s perinatologist warned her that Reid may be born with a disability or organ failure. When Reid was born in 2007, he had a small hole in his heart, but it healed quickly. His prognosis was good.
When Reid was just two years old, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He spent a year in the hospital following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. Reid has had a total of 10 surgeries; the most recent was last summer, to remove a benign tumor from his spinal cord. He spent his 10th birthday in the hospital. That’s when he knew he wanted to do something special for other kids.
After Reid’s 11th birthday party, he and Tina arranged to deliver the toys and $1,000 he raised for kids at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. The Child Life team hosted a Christmas in July party for pediatric patients and Reid handed out the toys, with help from Santa.
While Reid has some residual medical issues, his cancer is in remission and he continues to see his physicians regularly. Overall, he is a healthy, happy 11-year-old.
Reid’s advice to kids in the hospital: “Keep on fighting.”
Click here for more about Reid’s cancer story.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! Help us celebrate all of our little fighters by helping us raise support, funding, and awareness of childhood cancers that impact the lives of thousands of children and their families each year. Give today at ChildrensHospitalSAFoundation.org/donate and make a difference for more kids like Reid.
CHRISTUS Children's Foundation 
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