TOLEDO, Ohio -
After years of treatment for cancer and then a debilitating respiratory condition, four-year-old Bryson Palmer has reason to celebrate.
He received new lungs in September, now his family is asking for the community's support as their journey continues.
Bryson is a fighter. The little boy from Toledo has survived multiple rounds of chemo, stem cell transplants and years in and out of the hospital. Before he turned six-months-old, he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and beat it.
Dad Scott Palmer says, "The last three and half years, 80 percent of our lives have been in-patient."
Last September, the toddler was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. After steroid treatments failed, his parents headed to St. Louis children's hospital for answers.
Bryson's mom Katie, is a nurse and this time the tables were turned. She was spending every moment taking care of her own sick baby. After months of waiting, this month the family's prayers for a transplant were answered.
"Four on the fourth is a golden birthday so he got golden lungs for his golden birthday." Bryson's dad says.
Today Bryson is making strides towards recovery
"He is breathing on his own, very weak and can barely sit up. A long road ahead of him."
Both Katie and Scott have taken time off work. Scott is juggling trips back and forth to Toledo to support the growing stack of medical bills. Bryson is required to stay in the St. Louis area until December as doctors monitor him for signs of rejection.
Bryson will need to relearn how to walk and talk, but despite the hardships Scott says Bryson's smile keeps the family alive.
"There's times where you want to lay down and give up and I'm sure he feels the same way. But ihe smiles through it."
A benefit is being held at The Pinnacle in Maumee on Sunday, Sept. 30 from 2pm to 7pm. For a
$20 donation you get a spaghetti dinner along with live music. All of the proceeds will help pay for Bryson's medical bills.
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