Dylan discovers a new sport during cancer treatment

Balloons of various colors are taped in a row across the wall. Twenty yards away, 8-year-old Dylan Berio announces “yellow,” pulls back the string of his bow, then releases — smiling as he hears the pop. His arrow successfully pierced the yellow balloon. Archery requires focus and precision — something Dylan has in ample quantities. That would be impressive in its own right, but it’s even more remarkable given that he’s been on and off chemotherapy since age 3 ½ to treat pilocytic astrocytomas (brain tumors). As a result of the tumors, he lost most of the vision in one eye, and he needs glasses for both eyes. Nevertheless, when Dylan stands with instructor Chris Reedy at the archery range, he is engaged and on target. Dylan was diagnosed with brain tumors in 2011. He had two surgeries and receives chemotherapy. To monitor potential changes, Dylan has an MRI every three months. Currently, Dylan’s tumors are stable, but an MRI last January had revealed progression in the tumors. When Dylan’s mom, Dawn, shared that news on Dylan’s Facebook page, Chris Reedy, owner of Reedy’s Archery in Middleborough, Massachusetts, immediately reached out. He suggested Dylan stop by his archery range and learn to shoot arrows. He thought it might prove therapeutic. Dylan took to archery right away. After a few sessions of borrowing equipment, Dylan received a gift from Reedy — a bow and arrows of his own. Dylan chose a black bow with a green string and arrows with orange...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Our Patients’ Stories Brain tumor Cancer Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Source Type: news