Blog

CLEVELAND — Gretchen Toman-Clark’s life looks quite different after her 13-year-old son, Calvin, was diagnosed with high grade glioma seven months ago, a rare type of brain cancer.

“My whole world has changed completely,” she said.

Calvin Clark is a Cleveland-area 13-year-old who is battling a rare form of brain cancer. Although it’s been a challenging time for his family, the community has stepped up to offer support by forming “Cal’s Crew.” Full story Sunday on @SpectrumNews1OH pic.twitter.com/HeCctC3V3r

— Micaela Marshall (@MMarshallTV) July 22, 2022

Cal takes eight daily medications and underwent radiation. He just started his second round of oral chemotherapy.

“They have to be in these bio-hazard bags. Which is a very scary thought that I put a bio-hazard drug in my child’s body,” she said while showing the basket of medications she keeps in her kitchen. 

“For someone who, you know, six months ago was only taking a vitamin and one stimulant medication for his attention and focus, that’s all he’s ever done,” said Toman-Clark. “So, it’s a different, different ballgame.”

One thing that hasn’t changed is Cal’s love for the outdoors, even if it is a bit more challenging for him to walk on his own.

His lack of balance was the first clue something was wrong. After several falls at school on January 7th, Toman-Clark took him to the emergency room.

“I just remember thinking something’s off,” she said.

Cal spent a week at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital undergoing tests before learning about the brain tumor. A brain biopsy confirmed it was cancerous.

“It is not what people think of when they think sometimes of tumors. It’s not a mass, but it’s more spread. So, that’s why surgery is not an option because it’s too dangerous in the brain,” said Toman-Clark.

At 13-months-old, Cal was diagnosed with congenital spastic diplegia. The chronic neuromuscular condition causes tightness in his ankles and legs. An MRI uncovered white matter in his brain.

“Right where that white matter sits is where his speech sits and his physical gross motor,” explained Toman-Clark. “So, he always been delayed in his speech and his gross motor.”

She said doctors told her that doesn’t appear to be connected to his glioma now. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy have always been part of Cal’s routine, but the tumor has caused him to regress.

“He doesn’t play in the sports or the activities, so he’s had adversities in front of him, anyway,” Toman-Clark said. “I don’t really understand why we have to have this one as well.”

It’s been difficult for her to watch her social butterfly son lose some of his energy.

“Any parent would know when you can’t take away something that hurts or bothers your child, it’s probably the hardest thing to deal with,” she said.

Cal has attended Mayfield City Schools all of his life and Toman-Clark is a teacher in another district.

Teachers, friends, family, community members and even strangers have come together to form “Cal’s Crew.”

The group organizes events to spread awareness about Cal’s condition and raise money for his medical expenses. 

“Cal’s Crew” sells t-shirts, has been part of parades, and a Mayfield High School baseball game was dedicated to Cal where he got to throw the first pitch.

Eleven friends and family members even got a tattoo as a sign of support. 

“It’s the Keltic sign for strength,” explained Toman-Clark. “We just added color. So, the yellow is for childhood cancer and the grey is for brain cancer.”

Toman-Clark said the generosity is overwhelming and touches her heart. 

“We live in a world that is a little bit sad right now and frustrating in a lot of different things, but when you’re put in this situation all I can see is good,” said Toman-Clark.

On Aug. 5, “Cal’s Crew” is hosting a fundraiser. There will be a dinner, 50-50 raffle and a silent auction.

It’s being held at La Vera Party Center in Willoughby Hills at 6:30 p.m.