Thomas was always a bright, inquisitive, playful baby. His life was full of fun and he laughed readily. During a routine well-baby checkup at 9 months old, the pediatrician felt a lump in his abdomen. After many tests, he was diagnosed with Stage IV Intermediate risk neuroblastoma. The mass had infiltrated most of the space in his abdomen, and the cancer had spread to his bone marrow and lymph nodes. His life changed dramatically at that point. But he never lost his ready laugh, his optimism, his delight in playing and exploring. Through rounds of chemo, a massive surgery, almost losing a kidney, extended stays in the hospital, many scans, and a couple of scares, his outlook and personality have inspired all around him. Thomas just recently turned 9 and continues to be an amazing child. He is an incredibly gentle soul who continually surprises us with his compassion and empathy. He still laughs all the time, is incredibly smart, and takes everything in measured stride. Thomas is a voracious reader and is addicted to Legos (he will spend hours doing both). Other interests include baseball, Star Wars, and video games. He loves to be in the woods, play with his friends, wrestle with his new puppy, and be a normal boy. Thomas also knows he is going to become a paleontologist when he is older. Except for a large scar on his belly (his "special line), you would never know there had ever been a problem. The little that remains of his mass has remained relatively stable for the past 8 years and Thomas has officially been moved into the Survivor’s Clinic at Seattle Children’s. This means that instead of actively looking for his cancer they are monitoring for secondary effects from his treatments. Through it all, we continue to adapt and refuse to accept anything but normal and healthy. Anything else is in for one heck of a fight.