BEAVERCREEK — After being diagnosed with cancer when he was 21-months-old, an 8-year-old boy in Beavercreek is celebrating being five years cancer free.
Doctors first diagnosed Alexander Zehr-Rivera with Neuroblastoma Cancer when he was just 21-months-old. He then underwent two years of treatment.
Alexander received an outpouring of love and support from kids and staff at Shaw Elementary on Thursday, the day he became a cancer survivor.
“Once you hit that 5 years, its right around the 99 percentile it’ll never come back,” Robert Zehr, Alexander’s dad, said.
Alexander’s parents, Zehr and Nelcy Rivera, told News Center 7′s Candace Price that teachers told them about multiple classes walking around school, chanting “go, Alex, go.”
Students put stickers and balloons on his desk before Alexander was surprised with a stretch limousine.
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Alexander’s parents said he loves limos, but had never been in one. The ride in the limo helped mark the big day for Alexander.
Zehr said there was a saying on the wall that summed up Alexander and his family’s experience.
“It said, ‘you don’t understand strength until its your only option,’” Zehr said.