Returning Soldier's 2-Month-Old Baby Has Rare Cancer

PHOENIX - It's a heartbreaking story. A valley father who was stationed in Kuwait arrived home about two weeks ago to meet his newborn son for the first time.

Days later, the family got a devastating phone call from the doctor. Baby Konner has cancer.

We first met the Dowdy family a few weeks ago for Kyle Dowdy's homecoming. The police officer and National Guard soldier held his baby for the first time.

Now, baby Konner is in for the fight of his life. 2-month-old Konner Dowdy now lays in a hospital bed at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

"It's tough -- the tubes and the IVs are bigger than he is. And everyone that comes in just comment on how small he is," says dad Kyle Dowdy.

"I think that was the hardest part for me, he's so little inside the bed and he's so helpless, and you can't help him and you're used to helping him," says mom Erin.

Last week, at just 55 days old, Konner was diagnosed with a type of cancer called "neuroblastoma." Erin Dowdy has stayed by his bedside ever since.

Sgt. Dowdy returned home from overseas on April 1 and reunited with his family. Then their world turned upside down.

"I got home on a Thursday, they found out on a Monday that something might be wrong, so we really only had one weekend to try and reconnect and bond," says Kyle.

Doctors will decide next week when Konner can start chemotherapy. His parents hope the expert care at PCH will allow their baby boy to beat the cancer.

The Farmington Police Department in New Mexico, while Dowdy is an officer, is giving him time off to be with his family right now.
 

For more information or to donate:

http://www.konner13.blogspot.com/
Wells Fargo Acct. #3670514227 in the name of Konner Dowdy
Fundraiser Friday, April 16 at Goat Head Saloon
1423 S Country Club Dr
Mesa, AZ 85210-5185
Starting at 6 p.m., the band Juicy Newt will donate funds to help Konner’s family with expenses