Diagnosis:
Clay was found to suffer from primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) in September 2007.
Clay's Story:
Kristin and Patrick describe their precious 1-year-old son as a typical Gerber baby- healthy, happy and alert. His sisters adore him and, like any boy, he's into everything. But in September 2007, Clay's mom became worried when her baby's cheerful demeanor suddenly disappeared.
The little boy became fussy and began sleeping up to 12 hours at a time. Then his left arm went limp and his mother immediately took Clay to the pediatrician. The doctor dismissed her concerns as nothing more than nursemaid's elbow. In spite of her uneasy feelings, Clay's mom took him home. But less than 24 hours later, Clay began throwing up. This time, his parents took him to an emergency room where they learned the devastating news that Clay had an aggressive tumor on his brain. Doctors operated immediately, but were unable to remove all of the tumor. Knowing that their baby's survival depended on getting the best possible care, the family quickly turned to the Internet to research their options. They found St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Clay's mom prayed for a sign that this was the right place for their baby. The sign she prayed for came the next day, when a friend unexpectedly showed up on the family's doorstep with a St. Jude medallion that had been given to her. Her friend had felt compelled to bring the medallion to the Tryslas. Kristin told her husband, "We need to be at St. Jude. That's where we are supposed to go."
At St. Jude:
Clay had an MRI as soon as the family arrived at St. Jude. Clay's parents were very distressed to find out that the scan showed the tumor had grown back quickly and was larger than it had been before his first surgery at the local hospital. St. Jude doctors determined Clay needed further chemotherapy, followed by a second surgery to remove the tumor. Within six hours of his surgery at St. Jude, Clay was sitting up, smiling and eating. Clay continued chemotherapy, followed by 30 radiation treatments. He is home now and undergoing six months of oral chemotherapy. Clay also receives physical and occupational therapy several times a week.
Kristin believes coming to St. Jude saved her son's life, and she is thankful for the donors who help support St. Jude. "Clay is a miracle," Kristin said. "I can't thank the donors enough because St. Jude is a huge part of this miracle. If we hadn't come here, we wouldn't have him today."
Clay is once again the very picture of a Gerber baby- pink cheeked and bright-eyed. He likes to play with his sisters and watch the fish swim in the aquariums at St. Jude.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Memphis, Tennessee is an internationally recognized research and treatment center dedicated to finding cures for childhood catastrophic diseases. Founded in 1962 by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, St. Jude treats patients from the United States and over 60 countries regardless of their ability to pay. 
© 2008