Ringing the bell at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital was the sound of victory for Kian Finnegan and his family. The 18-month-old was diagnosed with brain cancer at just 4 months old.

He spent 219 nights in Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, endured 14 surgeries, five cycles of chemotherapy, 30 rounds of radiation, infections, and COVID-19.

“It’s misery watching your child suffer day after day for months, for years, and to still not know if their life will be taken away before they get to enjoy the things that you want them to enjoy,” said Adrienne Finnegan, Kian’s mom.

“Despite everything, all his treatments, all his infections, all of his journey, he gives us a smile every chance he gets,” said Neil Finnegan, Kian’s dad. “He’s a very strong little boy.”

Now, he’s sharing his happiness back home in Fayetteville with his parents and big sister, June.

“I’m so happy to be home together and enjoying time,” said Adrienne. “But I don’t know if I’ll get to the acceptance part of not kind of being up all night worrying that it’s going to come back.”

Doctors say Kian is currently stable. But, his last MRI revealed enhancing tissue, and they’re unsure whether it’s scar tissue or residual tumor.

“It’s just literally taking it a minute or two minutes at a time,” said Adrienne. “And time passes, and you keep getting up.”

Kian spends most of his days in therapy, but never loses his strong, silly spirit.

His parents are focused on reminding Kian that his journey to recovery is not a roadblock to his future, but: “Just a speed bump along the way,” said Neil. “That’s the hope that this will be part of his story. He’ll look back on this, and this is just the beginning of a long book full of chapters and happy days.”

Go to this link to donate and stay updated on Kian’s progress at this GoFundMe link.