07 Sep Prayers and Postcards for Xander
A week after starting his high school career, a Science Hill freshman was in a hospital bed starting a battle with a rare form of liver cancer.
Xander Pierce was diagnosed with Fibrolamellar Carcinoma, a type of liver cancer only occurs in one in five million people. He was sent to the Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis on August 13 and has now started chemotherapy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
His mom, Mitzi Pierce, said Xander will undergo four rounds of chemotherapy, but they do not know the results at this point. Xander had lost eight pounds since coming to the hospital.
As for Xander, it is unclear if he’ll be able to return home to Johnson City during the chemotherapy. That depends on how he responds to treatment. She said life after the diagnosis has been a whirlwind, and it has been tough for everyone in the family.
“It’s devastating. In one respect, you’re glad you know what’s going on,” Pierce said. “If it wasn’t for God, I couldn’t do it. I have my moments. I break down, and then I have to I have to shake it off and get back up and be momma because that’s what you have to do.”
Pierce said every athletic department at Science Hill sent t-shirts and autographed balls. He also received packages from Liberty Bell and Indian Trail Middle Schools.
“He said, “Mom, look around my room. Look how many people love me,” Pierce said. “His attitude has been amazing.”
“I mean, the vulnerability and the strength it takes. Most people would just hide and just give up, but he’s not. He’s determined he’s going to make it,” Pierce said.
If you’d like to show your support for Xander, Mitzi Pierce said she would like people to send postcards from around the country.
To send a postcard to Xander, address it to Xander Pierce, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678.