Noah M.

July 14 is a day forever etched in our hearts – a day no parent ever hopes to face. Our son Noah was diagnosed with germinoma brain cancer at just 12 years old. The shock and disbelief felt like a nightmare we couldn’t wake from. Three days later, we were discharged and began waiting for a second opinion from MSK and treatment to start within weeks.

Trying to resume some sense of normalcy, my husband picked up the mail and found an envelope from the Logan Strong Foundation – a name we weren’t familiar with, but quickly learned was an organization dedicated to supporting families facing pediatric cancer. We never imagined receiving such generous monetary support.

Noah, an avid athlete, had to stop playing summer sports, but his active spirit couldn’t sit still. His dad and older brother love golf, so Noah started swinging his brother’s clubs and discovered a new passion. Soon, the driving range, golf course, mini-golf, and putting in the yard became nightly activities.

In mid-August, while waiting for the elevator at the Melodies Center, Noah spotted a poster for a golf tournament – the Logan Strong Foundation tournament in September. He was determined to play. The next day, we shared our plan with Mary Beth, the Child Life Specialist, who told us to hold off because the Foundation wanted to know if any kids were interested. Within hours, I received a text: Team Mydlarz was officially registered! Noah was beyond excited and even asked for matching gold polos to support childhood cancer awareness.

Despite a recent hospital stay, nothing could stop Noah from playing in that tournament – and he did! From there, his love for golf grew. He spent hours putting in the yard and soon found his “dream set” of clubs. Kristi from the Logan Strong Foundation reminded me often that we weren’t alone and encouraged us to accept help. A short time later, Noah received his dream clubs in the mail and played in another tournament just three days later.

The joy on his face as he unboxed each club and the awe as he used them, especially on the course, is indescribable. When life felt dark, Logan Strong gave us a glimmer of light and hope, something that brought Noah pure joy. For that, we are forever grateful to the Logan Strong Foundation.