Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay -- "Just be brave," he said, with a thoughtful look in his eyes, offering advice to children and adults who are suffering from the same sickness he had struggled with during the past two years.
Medullablastoma was the diagnosis for Tavis Hall, the 8-year-old son of Lisa Hall and Staff Sgt. William G. Hall, staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the Aviation Information Systems Department for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24.
"He began showing signs that something was wrong in August of 2002," said Lisa Hall. "We didn't realize how severe it was until he was diagnosed in November."
Medullablastoma is a cancerous brain tumor that always targets the cerebellum. The fast-growing tumor most commonly spreads to other parts of the central nervous system via spinal fluid. The treatment for this type of tumor requires surgically removing as much of the tumor as possible, then following up surgery with other treatments.
According to William Hall, Tavis was in surgery for more than twice as long as he was supposed to be.
"Doctors told us the operation should take between seven and eight hours," he said. "Tavis was in surgery for 18 hours."
Following his operation, which was a success, Tavis began an extensive chemotherapy regimen. In December, he was going to Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hi. seven days a week for treatment.
"Tavis had the hardest time not being able to go to school on a regular basis," said Lisa Hall.
During the chemo treatments, Tavis lost his hair and received four blood transfusions. He couldn't go to school because he was too tired, experienced frequent headaches and was required to meet a busy hospital schedule.
Then in February of 2004, Tavis received a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test to check on his progress from the treatment. The results were a relief - all clear. No signs of tumor showed in his brain.
Throughout the entire chemotherapy process, both parents were physically, mentally and emotionally tested on a daily basis, and they found it hard to juggle everything at home, at the hospital and at work, said William Hall.
According to Lisa Hall, since the treatments have ended, her husband has been the primary caretaker of their two other children at home. She has been the one who runs Tavis to and from the hospital for unscheduled visits, and for monthly check-ups to defend against concerns that the tumor could grow back in the next seven years, she said.
Through these trials, the Hall family has made many friends during the past two years. People from doctors to support group members to other patients have brought joy into their lives, explained William Hall. But one person in particular holds a special place in the hearts of the family: a young man by the name of Josh, a leukemia patient at Tripler.
The two boys shared a great deal in common in their struggle with cancer. Not even a 10-year age difference stood in the way of their friendship, explained Lisa Hall. Unfortunately, Josh was not as lucky as Tavis in his recovery from his disease. On New Year's Day 2004, Josh passed away.
"It was really hard for us," said Lisa Hall. "The boys were diagnosed around the same time, and they became really good friends."
According to William Hall, both the military and the community have also been an overwhelming support throughout their struggles. The cost of the surgery alone would not have been possible for the Hall family to afford without the aid of TRICARE medical coverage.
With the struggles and suffering of the cancer behind them for now - hopefully behind them forever - the family is trying to get back to normal at home, at work and at school. Tavis has begun attending classes on a regular basis, and things are finally beginning to look up for him and his family.