Union County 2-Year-Old Needs Chemo To Save His Vision, Family Asks For Help

WESTFIELD, NJ — A family-run Westfield business is asking the community to help save their two-year-old's vision.

The week before Thanksgiving after multiple doctor appointments and three emergency room visits, Amanda Blackman and her husband Dan of Mountainside (who own Westfield Pest Control) got the devastating news that their son Buzz will need chemotherapy to save his vision.

Buzz was diagnosed with a rare condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), which is causing tumors to grow on his optic nerves. These tumors, known as optic pathway gliomas, are affecting both eyes.

The tumor on Buzz's right eye has already taken his vision away in that eye. Now the tumor on his left eye threatens his remaining sight.

To save Buzz's vision in his left eye, he is undergoing weekly chemotherapy treatments for at least a year - possibly two.

"While there is no guarantee that he will regain vision in his right eye, we do know that miracles happen among us every day," said Blackman in her GoFundMe fundraising website.

Currently, Buzz is being treated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia(CHOP) causing his family to have to travel weekly for his treatments and additional doctor appointments.

"In addition to the emotional toll,. this journey comes with significant financial challenges. One of us will need to step away from work to focus on Buzz's care, meaning we will lose half of our household income," said Blackman. "Between travel costs, medical bills, and daily expenses, we are facing one of the most challenging hardships ahead of us."

Blackman set up the GoFundMe in hopes the community would support her family "during this unfortunate and devastating chapter in our lives."

Donations will cover medical and travel expenses, and support the family's basic needs.

For more information or to donate visit gofundme.com/f/save-buzzys-vision.

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