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| The Troutman Family |
Eliza Troutman donated blood for the first time at the Seth’s Squad blood drive back in March. Seth is a 9-year-old currently in remission from cancer. While Eliza was nervous to give, she knew it was important. Her stepson, Beckham, is a 7-year-old recently diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma (DMG). “We met Michelle (Seth’s mom) and Seth through Beckham being diagnosed with cancer. Becks and Seth have bonded over their love of wrestling,” said Eliza. She is married to Ezra, Beckham’s dad.
Beckham is the oldest of 2 siblings and they are a beautiful, blended family. After a relaxing family vacation, Beckham stayed in Florida to spend time with his stepdad and mom, Courtney. Eliza and Ezra traveled back to Kentucky and soon received a devastating call. “He woke up paralyzed. He was fine on vacation at the beach… He just woke up and couldn’t walk. We immediately flew back to Florida. We had to make it to Cincinnati within an hour and a half to catch our flight,” said Eliza.
The family learned that Beckham had a tumor on his spinal cord, at the base of his neck. He received surgery the next morning to remove it. “At first, they said it would be inoperable. But the surgeon got all of it. It was a miracle,” said Eliza. Beckham eventually got transferred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and received the diagnosis of DMG.
Beckham started radiation treatment in September ‘23 and was home by mid-October. “He’s in therapy every day. Hoping to get stronger. His latest scan showed the radiation had worked. It’s now NED- no evidence of disease. It was a big shock to us because they said he would always have it,” said Eliza. He’s now doing better than anyone expected.
While Beckham has been through a lot, the significance lies in who he is as a person rather than his diagnosis. “He’s just a great kid. He is quick witted,” said Eliza. “He would give you the shirt off his back. He finds the light in every situation.” Beckham loves watching WWE and playing Fortnite. “Our family is WWE 24/7,” said Eliza. The family is taking everything day by day and is grateful for the support they have received.
While Beckham’s cancer does not require him to receive blood transfusions, we are thankful for Eliza’s donation in honor of Seth. 25% of blood donations are used for transfusions for cancer patients. No time like the present to become a first-time blood donor! Schedule now at redcrossblood.org
Beckham is the oldest of 2 siblings and they are a beautiful, blended family. After a relaxing family vacation, Beckham stayed in Florida to spend time with his stepdad and mom, Courtney. Eliza and Ezra traveled back to Kentucky and soon received a devastating call. “He woke up paralyzed. He was fine on vacation at the beach… He just woke up and couldn’t walk. We immediately flew back to Florida. We had to make it to Cincinnati within an hour and a half to catch our flight,” said Eliza.
The family learned that Beckham had a tumor on his spinal cord, at the base of his neck. He received surgery the next morning to remove it. “At first, they said it would be inoperable. But the surgeon got all of it. It was a miracle,” said Eliza. Beckham eventually got transferred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and received the diagnosis of DMG.
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| Beckham, left, with Seth, right, at the Seth's Squad blood drive |
While Beckham has been through a lot, the significance lies in who he is as a person rather than his diagnosis. “He’s just a great kid. He is quick witted,” said Eliza. “He would give you the shirt off his back. He finds the light in every situation.” Beckham loves watching WWE and playing Fortnite. “Our family is WWE 24/7,” said Eliza. The family is taking everything day by day and is grateful for the support they have received.
While Beckham’s cancer does not require him to receive blood transfusions, we are thankful for Eliza’s donation in honor of Seth. 25% of blood donations are used for transfusions for cancer patients. No time like the present to become a first-time blood donor! Schedule now at redcrossblood.org
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