It’s Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.

At Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. we’re shining a light on Tim Farmer’s amazing journey. In providing rehabilitation services to children diagnosed with pediatric cancers we have experienced many triumphs and heartbreaks over the years. While Tim survived and thrives today, we’ll never forget the memory of the children we’ve lost to pediatric cancer.  

This is Tim’s story. 

A love of cooking brought pediatric cancer survivor, aspiring chef, and Children’s T.E.A.M. graduate Tim Farmer together with 8 year old Everly in 2022. Everly served as Children’s T.E.A.M.’s kid anchor for KNWA/Fox 24, introducing Tim’s story and interviewing Tim’s parents. 

Tim was close to Everly’s age when he was first diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric cancer. He had a fast growing Atypical Teratold Rhabdold Tumor in his brain and spinal cord. After surgery and a year of chemotherapy and radiation, Tim was left with incontinence and unable to bear weight through his legs. He was a ten year old boy who had survived so much, but was unable to walk, run, bicycle, or do many of the things most children do.

Tim’s spark reemerged when he met his Children’s Therapy TEAM therapist, Eric Pate, PT, MPT, APT. Eric made Tim laugh and found ways to make physical therapy rehabilitation fun. Eric helped Tim learn to walk again, ride a bike again, and live a full active life. After Tim learned to ride a bike, Eric even joined Tim on bike rides for endurance and strength training. 

As an assistive technology professional Eric was able to ensure that Tim had the rehabilitation equipment he needed. He accessed wheelchairs, walkers, standers, canes, specialized bicycles and orthotics… gradually moving from more restrictive to less restrictive equipment as Tim’s strength and balance improved. 

Tim’s love of cooking reemerged and led to him entering the culinary arts program at the local community college. Eric made sure that everyone at the clinic knew that Tim made amazing cheesecakes and could have their own special order.    

On Tim’s last day of therapy, after eleven years of physical therapy together, tears filled Eric’s eyes. Eric reflected, “You know he [Tim] got a lot of life taken away. To see him progress in that way and finally get to the point where he is now is remarkable.”  

The story is debuting on KNWA/Fox 24 and also here on Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M. News and Children’s T.E.A.M.’s YouTube channel.