For The Kids Friday: Meet Gavin!

Welcome to For The Kids Friday! Gavin Doubrava, of Rensselaer, was 3 years old when his parents, Maria and John, noticed a protrusion on his stomach. Concerned, they took him to their pediatrician. Upon examining Gavin, their doctor told the couple to immediately take their son to Albany Med’s Emergency Department. There, doctors delivered devastating news: Gavin had cancer. Diagnosed with Wilms’ Tumor, doctors removed the tumor and his diseased kidney. Within days, Gavin began chemotherapy treatments at the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Med. The family endured a roller coaster ride of hope and disappointment as Gavin courageously fought for his life. Today, the “silly, little boy” who beat cancer is an adorable, blue-eyed 8-year-old who enjoys sports and catching bugs. “The Melodies Center. I cannot say enough amazing things about them,” said Maria. “They saved him.”

Shout out to our wonderful partner, Dairy Queen! Dairy Queen has been a partner to the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Med since 2004 and has raised more than $15,700 for local kids! We are honored to recognize them in the partner spotlight. Thank you, Dairy Queen, for helping kids like miracle child Gavin.

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