Swampscott High School's 2024 Flag Football Game to Support a Local Family Battling Childhood Cancer

On November 23, 2024 at 10am, Swampscott High School's Flag Football team will face Marblehead in a highly anticipated matchup in Swampscott. A portion of the ticket sales will go to the Walker family, whose son, River, is courageously fighting medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer, at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Walker family.

About Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is a rare and aggressive brain and spinal cord cancer that affects fewer than 500 people in the United States annually. It originates in the cerebellum or posterior fossa, the part of the brain that controls balance, coordination, and other complex motor functions. It primarily impacts children and can spread rapidly.

River's Story

Meet River Walker

River Walker is a brave and lively 3-year-old who loves Baby Shark videos and playing with his toys. In November 2023, just before Thanksgiving, River's world turned upside down when he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. His parents, Meghan Fisher Walker and Frazer Walker, faced this devastating news with incredible strength and determination. Meghan, a 2013 Swampscott High School graduate, was on her way to her 10-year class reunion when River fell ill.

Timeline of River's Journey

November 2023: River was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in Miami, Florida. Emergency surgery was performed to remove part of the tumor, but some of it remained due to its location near critical brain structures.
December 2023: River was accepted into a clinical trial at St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The family relocated from Florida to Memphis for his treatment. On December 13, River underwent another surgery to remove more of the tumor. Although the surgery was long and complex, most of the remaining tumor was successfully removed.
January 2024: River started his chemotherapy regimen. The family moved into permanent housing provided by St. Jude's, allowing them to receive mail and support from the community.
February 2024: River began his second cycle of chemotherapy. Despite needing blood transfusions, he showed incredible resilience, learning to walk again and maintaining his cheerful disposition.
March 2024: An MRI showed no new tumor growth, a positive sign that the treatment was working. River continued chemotherapy and enjoyed visits from family, including his great-grandparents.
April 2024: River reached the halfway point of his chemotherapy. His determination and spirit inspired everyone around him, and he charmed the staff at St. Jude's with his smiles and playful nature.
May 2024: On May 16, River's twin brothers, Atlas and Sullivan, were born. Despite the challenges, River adapted well to being a big brother, showing curiosity and kindness towards the twins. Atlas had to undergo intestinal surgery at 1 month old, and the family also overcame COVID and most recently norovirus.
September 2024: River is expected to complete his chemotherapy and begin radiation treatment as he turns three years old. The road ahead remains challenging, but River's courage and the support of his family and community provide strength for the future.

Family Story

The Walker family has faced numerous challenges since River's diagnosis. Meghan, pregnant with twins, and Frazer, a ship engineer often at sea, had to make the difficult decision to relocate to Memphis for River's treatment. This move brought financial strain and disrupted their lives, but it was necessary to ensure River received the best possible care at St. Jude's. Despite these hardships, Meghan and Frazer have shown remarkable resilience and dedication to their son's fight against cancer.

Being away from family, especially Frazer's family in England, has been particularly tough. Their story is one of love, positivity, and unwavering determination. The support from friends, family, and the community has been invaluable, helping them navigate this difficult journey and providing the strength to face each new challenge.