Surgery Scheduled For Cancer-Battling Son Of Ridgewood Cop

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Cole McKeon, the 2-year-old son of a village police officer, will have surgery next month in his battle against cancer.

McKeon's mother Stephanie said on a GoFundMe page set up for him that surgery will occur around July 9. Before that, stem cells must be collected, and a CAT scan be taken.

McKeon is receiving chemotherapy treatments at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He is battling stage-four Neuroblastoma, a fast-moving cancer in a tumor near one of his kidneys.

This last round of treatment made McKeon extremely nauseous, but after "once again this kid came out on the other end smiling and playing and being silly," Stephanie McKeon said on the GoFundMe page.

Something didn't "sit right" with Officer Kevin McKeon after his son developed a stiff neck so his parents had a blood work and a CAT scan done.

Every time the family has turned a corner since learning the diagnosis, Kevin McKeon said, it's been "devastating."

"It's going to be a long year or more. What we need from you is thoughts and prayers," McKeon said. "Don't feel sorry for us. Feel positive and optimistic that Cole makes it through this with as little difficulty as possible."

More than $91,000 has been donated to the family in the two months since McKeon was diagnosed. The family remains optimistic about treatment and what the future holds for their son.

"Keep the prayers coming, Cole continues to take on these challenges and always comes out a happy boy," Stephanie McKeon said.

Related:

• Cancer-Battling Son Of Ridgewood Cop Receiving Chemo Treatments
• Ridgewood Cop's Plea As Son Battles 'Devastating' Stage 4 Cancer

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photos: Cole McKeon (Photos courtesy of GoFundMe a promotional partner of Patch)