Ryan Honors His Son, Ford
- In 2016, director Ryan Murphy’s son was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer that affects young children.
- The cancer affects young or undeveloped nerve cells.
- A wide array of treatment options are available for this cancer, and 90% of children diagnosed with pediatric cancer survive.
Just this past weekend, Murphy posted an Instagram story sending love to his warrior son, writing:“Much love and respect to our warrior Ford Theodore Miller Murphy, who battled neuroblastoma cancer at 18 months and survived and thrived and today celebrated his SIXTH birthday.”
As a director/producer/screenwriter, Murphy is known for shows like American Horror Story, Pose, The Politician, and Glee. He is clearly phenomenally successful, but perhaps one of his greatest successes may be getting to watch his son grow up, alongside husband David Miller.
What Is Neuroblastoma?
Murphy’s son was just one of many children affected by this illness. Neuroblastoma is a cancer that affects young children and infants. It is rare for a child over the age of ten to be diagnosed with this disease. 90% of neuroblastoma cases are diagnosed before a child turns five.
This cancer begins in early forms of nerve cells, typically found in an embryo or fetus. The American Cancer Society (ACS) says the “neuro” refers to nerves, and the “blastoma” portion of the name refers to the specific cancer that affects young or developing cells.
Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer found in infants, and 6% of children diagnosed with cancer get a diagnosis of neuroblastoma. The ACS reports that there are approximately 800 new cases of neuroblastoma ever year in the U.S.
On average, children are diagnosed at 1-2 years old. Sometimes, neuroblastoma can be detected via ultrasound prior to birth.
In 2 of 3 cases, neuroblastoma has already spread to the lymph nodes at the time it is diagnosed. This pediatric cancer is treated in a number of ways.
Neuroblastoma Treatment Options
Treatment for neuroblastoma is determined on a case-by-case basis. According to the ACS, treatment options for the disease include:
- Neuroblastoma Surgery
- Chemotherapy for Neuroblastoma
- Radiation Therapy for Neuroblastoma
- High-Dose Chemotherapy/Radiation Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant for Neuroblastoma
- Retinoid Therapy for Neuroblastoma
- Immunotherapy for Neuroblastoma
When facing this illness in your family, your doctor can go over the best steps for your child to take in fighting and beating this disease, just like Ford an inspiring survivor!
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