Four-Year-Old Dewayne “Lil Bishop” Snerling Fights Against Ganglioneuroblastoma Cancer

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photo 1“If something (fatal) was to happen to your child, would you be ready to deal with that?” asked Benita Snerling’s physician in a personal conversation. Benita replied, “If God decided to take my son. If it was His will for him to pass away, I know in my heart that God could have healed him.  I know He has the power to heal my son.  Knowing that, I am at peace with whatever God’s choice may be.” These were powerful words from a brave mother as she fights the scariest battle in her life along with her even braver son. Meet Benita and Dewayne Snerling Jr.

Three years ago, Benita Snerling noticed a bump on her sons head after she picked him up from daycare. After a few days, the protruding growth didn’t subside, so she decided to take him to his pediatrician. After an abnormal x-ray and multiple tests, Benita found out her 20-month old son, Dewayne, was suffering from what they believed to be a condition called Histiocytosis, a group of diseases that occur when there is an over-production of white blood cells that can lead to organ damage and tumor formation. At this point, Dewayne’s very hands-on pediatrician introduced the family to an oncologist who explained the process of chemotherapy. “This was a lot of information in one day. Thank God I demanded an x-ray of what I thought was a regular bump on my son’s head.” shared Benita.

After digesting the news of her son suffering from a rare form of cancer, a biopsy by the oncologist confirmed a misdiagnosis of Dewayne’s original condition and established that he indeed was battling with Stage 4 Ganglioneuroblastoma Cancer (GC). GC consists of rare tumors that occur in less than 5 out of every 1,000,000 children each year.  These tumors are of the sympathetic nervous system and referred to collectively as neuroblastic tumors. Currently, Dewayne has seven visual cranial tumors and the GC has become systemic throughout his body.

On August 4, 2010, Dewayne began his first round of chemotherapy. “He maintains such a high level of faith during this entire process. He never whines or complains. He believes God has a purpose for everything we go through, even at the age of 4.” Benita doted. At this point, the prognosis is that Dewayne would be in full remission in a year. Unfortunately, that was not the case. After three years, Dewayne never reached remission and in May 2013 he received a scan that determined his cranial tumors were rapidly progressing.

In July 2013, Dewayne received a five-hour surgery to remove the largest (baseball-sized) and hindmost tumor due to the pressure it was inflicting on the brain. The tissue samples were sent to a molecular testing site for in-depth study. “We have traveled up and down the state in hopes to get answers. Since the chemotherapy hasn’t worked over the past three years, the specialists decided to obtain samples directly from the tumor in an attempt to find a successful treatment.” confidently stated Snerling. “This is our next hope.”

Hope and faith run in the Snerling family. By the age of 3, Dewayne had been ordained as a bishop mostly because of his unusual gift to inspire people and share the Word of God. He later acquired the nickname “Lil Bishop” from his fellow church members. “He lays hands on people and prays for them. I believe his life was chosen. He’s truly an ambassador for God.” Benita shared. Lil Bishop has extended his gift into music and is a self-taught guitarist and drummer.

Support from the community and church have been overwhelming. “Our good friends, the Stockdale’s became so passionate about helping us raise funds for our son’s medical bills and surgery costs that they initiated the first fundraising effort for DeWayne. I honestly didn’t even think to do something like that. As a mom, you are just concerned about your child’s life, you aren’t thinking about the money.” Snerling continued that, “This fundraising effort turned into something bigger than we imagined. I began getting introduced to business owners, Charger players and influential leaders in the community that all wanted to help.” Snerling’s husband’s employer, Specialty Textile Inc. hosted a car wash fundraiser while Stockdale’s Fine Southern Cuisine restaurant sold hundreds of plates in an effort to help Dewayne and his family.

Benita wrapped up by stating, “It’s a blessing to receive support and prayers from so many. My goal is to start a foundation to help other families that are dealing with Ganglioneuroblastoma Cancer. I have learned so much through this process and I just want to help other families. I want to help lighten the load.”

To participate in the Snerling family’s on-going fundraisers for Dewayne, please visit Alpha Center Restaurant, 6323 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, California 92114 for Sunday Best Brunch. For every $15 plate sold, $3 will be donated to Dewayne. Supporters can make monetary donations at Navy Federal Credit Union under “Dewayne Snerling” or contact Benita Snerling at [email protected] for account information.

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