Bentley was a cheerful little boy whose world changed forever on December 11, 2016. At just two and a half years old, after weeks of concerning symptoms that led his family from pediatrician visits to multiple emergency rooms, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma.

In the weeks leading up to the diagnosis, Bentley gradually stopped eating and then stopped drinking. He grew increasingly lethargic, moving from bed to couch and falling back asleep. Doctors repeatedly found normal results, leaving his parents desperate for answers. Finally, during an ultrasound at Children’s Hospital in the early morning hours, a mass was discovered on his right adrenal gland. The doctor’s words were unforgettable: “I’m sorry to tell you this. Bentley has cancer.”

What followed was an intense and lengthy fight. Bentley underwent 19 rounds of high-dose chemotherapy, multiple central line placements and infections, 14 cycles of radiation, two major tumor resection surgeries, immunotherapy treatments (including humanized 3F8), MIBG therapy, countless scans, bone marrow aspirations, and repeated hospital admissions. His parents faced daily decisions no family should ever have to make, all while watching their young son endure treatments that pushed his body to its limits.

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells and most often affects young children. High-risk Stage 4 cases are aggressive and require multimodal therapy. Despite the grueling protocol, Bentley’s family remained by his side through every procedure, every setback, and every hard-won moment of progress.

Photos from his journey capture both the difficult and the tender sides of the fight: the clippers and pile of hair that mark the start of chemotherapy, a bald head creatively covered in colorful gems and stickers (a common way children reclaim a sense of fun and control), and quiet moments of rest and closeness with his mother.

Bentley’s story is part of a larger effort by families and organizations like Beat Nb (now associated with broader childhood cancer research initiatives) that work to fund research into better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for neuroblastoma. His parents have shared their experience to raise awareness and support for other children facing the same diagnosis.

Childhood cancer steals so much — innocence, milestones, and ordinary days. Yet in the midst of it, children like Bentley show extraordinary courage, and families show unwavering love. Whether through decorated heads, shared hospital moments, or continued advocacy, their fight continues to inspire others walking a similar path.

Bentley, a cheerful little boy who faced one of the toughest diagnoses a child can receive, remains a reminder of the strength found in the smallest warriors and the families who stand with them.

Sources:

• Beat Nb