Trey has recovered well. He was able to go home today after 17 days in the hospital for the entire protocol of T-Cell therapy. It was rough at times; but, Trey has come through it fine.

He is excited to be back home. He will need to return for one more round of IL-2 (Interleukin-2) in a couple of weeks. He is still gaining his energy back. He has lost most of his hair but still looks great!

He's looking forward to moving to Athens and starting school on August 16 at UGA.

Thank you for all your prayers and support. Keep praying that we will see wonderful success when tests and scans are done again in about six weeks. Go God!

Cherie & Charlie Rood

Update - 15 July 2010

As many of you know, Trey is currently in the hospital at M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas. He is receiving T-cell treatment. Doctors removed a few subcutaneous tumors in May, from which they grew over one hundred billion immune cells. Trey is now receiving those T-cells back to fight/kill off all of his tumors.

The protocol takes up to three weeks, in three parts. He's finished with the first part: chemotherapy over the last seven days. The second part he completed today: receiving his own T-cells along with other cells the doctors collected. Tomorrow he begins the third and hardest part: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) treatment.

There are so many details, I'm not sure I'm smart enough to totally understand or relay the whole process. After he leaves the hospital next week, Trey will have to return for a follow-up IL-2 treatment for up to another week. At that point, he will have completed the protocol.

Trey has had little to no side effects from the chemotherapy and T-cells so far. He's just bored waiting on the treatments to be completed. The next week could be the toughest part for him. Many times his treatment will be done in ICU. He's had IL-2 a couple of times before. It was tough; but, he recovered quickly. His main concern is losing his hair from the chemotherapy. Each day he checks and so far he has it all.

Trey continues to have the most amazing attitude. To him, this is all just another inconvenience. He's staying focused on when he gets to move in to his dorm at UGA, beginning Fraternity Rush on August 10, and starting school on August 16. He's counting the days to get home to play golf, wakeboard on the lake with all his friends, and head to Athens.

God love him for his incredible, positive outlook! Thanks for all the prayers. Say an extra prayer for Trey to have awesome results from the T-cell therapy.

Go God!

Cherie & Charlie Rood

Update - 17 June 2010

Trey is doing well. His high school graduation was awesome. Since mid-May, we've traveled back and forth to Houston (M.D. Anderson) a couple of times to prepare for T-Cell therapy treatment in early July. Today will mark a year since we found out about Trey's cancer relapse.

We are very encouraged about the treatment. It will be tough. He will be admitted to the hospital (around July 4) for up to three weeks to get through the entire treatment. As you can imagine, Trey isn't excited about this part. But, he is staying very positive that he can do this. The treatment will have a follow-up and an additional week in the hospital. Otherwise, this is a one-time thing. We feel it will work very well for Trey. He has plans to start his freshman year at the University of Georgia in mid-August.

Please continue to pray for complete healing for Trey and staying positive. Go God!

Cherie & Charlie Rood

P.S. We have to mention that Trey was awarded the Atlanta Journal/Constitution Inspirational High School Athlete of the Year. Click Here to Read the Article.

Update - 20 May 2010

We had some good news this week. Trey's spinal tap and MRI came back clear with no traces of cancer in his spine. Therefore, the doctors proceeded with gamma knife radiation today on the five tumors on his brain. No additional worrisome spots were detected during today's pre-treatment MRI, either.

For now, this means we don't need full brain radiation. Instead, Trey will get to go home for about 2-1/2 weeks. He will be able to enjoy graduation on June 1 and walk across that stage in person to receive his diploma. Sometimes, it's the little things in life that you come to appreciate so much.

Trey is doing great considering all that he's been through the last couple of weeks. God bless him. It's been rough. We ask for continued prayers for when we return to Houston on June 8. Pray that there will be no surprises and that Trey can finally begin the trial/treatment at M.D. Anderson.

Thanks again for all of your support.

Cherie & Charlie Rood

Update - 14 May 2010

We've been back in Houston at MD Anderson Hospital this week for testing. We hoped to start Trey on a new Bristol Myers (IPI/Temodar) trial. Unfortunately, we were not able to start treatment. Trey's brain MRI results showed five additional tumors on his brain. (His other tumors from CT scans were only slightly larger; new surface tumors were not yet worrisome.) The brain tumors have caused our delay and will change our treatment plan.

The doctors are concerned that the new brain tumors could be the result of activity in the brain/spinal fluid. They are going to do a spinal tap (tonight) and MRI (Monday morning) to hopefully rule this out. If these test come back negative, Trey will go through ten days of low-dose brain radiation treatment (in Atlanta perhaps), then he will return to Houston for more tests and systemic treatment shortly thereafter. If not, we will be on an entirely different plan yet to be determined.

This was a rough blow to Trey. Keep praying for better results and that we can make the right decisions along the way. Thanks for all your continued support!

Cherie, Charlie, Trey and Wes

Update - 19 April 2010

As most of you know, Trey completed his second round of Interleukin-2 treatment two weeks ago. We returned to Houston yesterday to run tests and scans to see how it was working and plan our next steps.

Both the Brain MRI and Chest/Abdomen CT Scans did not show any new lesions or tumors which is good. The brain MRI was as good as it can be right now. The surgical spot looked fine. The two small right spots showed an increase in size due to bleeding out some from the effects of the Gamma Knife radiation (six weeks ago). All of this is somewhat typical; but, they will keep a close watch to be sure.

The CT Scan showed slightly larger tumors for the left lung main tumor and small upper nodule. The right side rib tumor has grown the most; however, it's still somewhat small. Since Trey does not feel any pain, we are still optimistic that it has not penetrated to the bone.

In saying all this, we are going to stop the IL-2 treatment. We will not be going on to Round #3, but instead moving on to our "Plan B" trial we have been discussing all along with his doctor.

We will be meeting with Trey's Melanoma Oncologist Wednesday to discuss the details and timing for our next plan. Good things are: (1) We still have several good options, (2) Trey feels great, and (3) Let's not forget God is on our side!

When we got all the tests results today, Trey's response was: "My week just got a lot easier." That being said since he didn't have to be admitted to the hospital for another grueling round of IL-2, but also because of the feeling our next plan is a good option.

Trey is okay. We will know more later this week. Thanks for the continued prayers. We can do this! Go God!

PFT

Cherie and Charlie
678-362-0888 / 404-680-6786
crood@bellsouth.net

Update - 17 March 2010

Trey came home yesterday. He looks great. He got through his Gamma Knife radiation treatment and completed 10 doses of IL-2 treatment these past two weeks at MD Anderson. This is great news. Doctors were very pleased that his system could take this much. At times, side effects were rough; but, Trey has come through this very well. He will have two weeks at home and then return March 28 for the second round of the same treatment. Then we wait another three weeks after that before we know the response.

Trey continues to have a great attitude--never complaining. I know he can handle it and get through it all with his wonderful faith and courage.

Keep praying that we will see success from the treatment. Thanks for all your support.

--Cherie, Charlie, Trey and Wesley

Update - 5 March 2010

We have finished a full week of doctor appointments and tests here at MD Anderson for Trey. He's been a good sport about all of it. With everything we've had to put him through this week, he's hung in there like a champ.

Results of the week: Overall, Trey's eye sight is improving since his brain surgery just 2 1/2 weeks ago. The lumps under both armpits are no longer worrisome. They appear to only be swollen lymphnodes from all the IVs he had during his brain surgery and hospital stay a couple weeks ago. Gamma Knife radiation therapy to his brain surgical cavity and a couple other spots on the brain were a little scarey; but, he handled it fine and came through a long 15-hour day great. He is hanging in there so strong and is amazing to us all. After the many full days of 4-5 doctor appointments and testing everyday this week, Trey's showed incredible endurance and strength. He's amazing and continues to be a witness to all of us how God can truly work through you if you let him.

Trey will start Interleukin-2 treatment on Monday in Houston at MD Anderson for 5-6 days, then home for 2 weeks, then back for another week of treatment, then wait 3 weeks, and then more scans to watch for progress. We have many other trial options here at MD Anderson; but, we hope and pray the IL-2 treatment will be a success. Pray hard for this and for Trey to stay brain cancer free.

God willing we can do this and Trey will come out of this like a Champ again. Keep the prayers coming and don't let go that Trey will never give up. Go God!

--Cherie and Charlie

Update - 25 February 2010

Trey has been home recovering from surgery for over a week now. He is doing well. We will be taking him back to MD Anderson in Houston on Sunday, February 28, to get his stitches out and get Gamma Knife radiation therapy on a couple of cancer areas on his brain.

The plan is to start treatment the following week, March 8th. He will stay approximately one week for his first round of treatment.

Trey continues to have incredible courage and strength. His faith and attitude is awesome to overcome this.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. We love hearing from all of you, especially Trey.

--Cherie, Charlie, Trey and Wesley

Update - 13 February 2010

Trey is better today. We are trying to move him out of ICU to a regular hospital room. The surgery was a success. We hope to bring him home by Wednesday and return a week later to remove stiches and "Gamma Knife" radiation on his surgical area (and another spot on the right side of his brain). Then, we move on to treatment or trial for him shortly thereafter.

Hopefully, we'll have him up and walking later today. He's doing awesome for everything that he's been through. God love him and keep the prayer chains going. We're going to beat this one way or another.

Thanks,

--Cherie

Update - 12 February 2010

Trey is out of surgery and recovering in ICU. Everything appears to have gone as well as possible. About to head up to ICU and see him. We will post a more detailed update later. Thank you to everyone for their thoughts and prayers for Trey and our family.

--Charlie

Update - 9 February 2010

On Saturday, February 6, Trey awoke with a mild headache and problems with his peripheral vision. After being evaluated and admitted to Emory University Hospital, we learned that Trey now has a walnut-sized brain tumor.

We have since returned to M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston. The head of their melanoma department, Dr. Hwu, is now Trey's primary oncologist. Trey will undergo surgery on Friday, February 12, to remove his brain tumor. Depending upon the results of the surgery, he will start a melanoma trial soon thereafter.

Trey was surrounded this weekend with many wonderful friends. It lifted his spirits and strength incredibly. We're not certain Emory has ever seen as many people in one hospital room at one time ever before--and it was so throughout the entire weekend. We can't say enough how much everyone surrounding him helps. He misses this part when in Houston. Please keep texting or talking to Trey through Facebook. He is texting and communicating back as much as his medication allows. He loves to hear from everyone, especially the kids!

Pray for success for his brain surgery on Friday morning. Pray for the decisions that will be made for treatment after recovery from surgery.

Thanks so much,

--Cherie, Charlie, Trey and Wesley

Update - 21 January 2010

Unfortunately, Trey's most recent scan results were not what we had hoped for. Scans showed two new skeletal tumors: one on his ribs and one on his scapula (shoulder blade). This is a large setback for Trey. We have been consulting with Trey’s Oncologist and the other doctors at the Winship Cancer Institute to explore any and all treatment options or trials that relate to Stage IV Melanoma.

Some of our options for advanced melanoma include: Dana Farber in Boston, Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York, and MD Anderson in Houston (as well as many other leads we have been given over the last couple of months and continue to receive).

While the Germany treatment was a great option over the last 6 months, it’s not one we, nor the doctors in Germany, feel we will be able to continue.

Please keep Trey in your prayers as we determine what direction we need to proceed.

--Cherie and Charlie

Update - 11 December 2009

During this season of many exciting football post season bowl games, here's another one that is sure to interest many of you! The Rotary Club's annual High School All-Star Bowl will be held on December 19th.

Among the All-Star Bowl festivities, a Kick Off Breakfast will be held December 12th at 8:30 am at Blessed Trinity School, located at 11320 Woodstock Road, in Roswell Georgia. The Atlanta Falcons all time leading receiver, Terence Mathis will be the speaker at the breakfast. Tickets for the breakfast are $20.00 with proceeds going to PrayForTrey.org and may be purchased at the door.

Trey and his family are doing well. They are busy with school and family Christmas preparations. Recent scans here in Atlanta show no change, but continued stability. The scans were sent to the clinic in Germany for further study. We will keep you posted. In the interim, please continue to pray for Trey. May you all enjoy a blessed Christmas!

More News (19 Dec) - Trey ended up Defensive MVP in the 2009 Atlanta Rotary Bowl Senior All-Star Football Game. His North team won 29-7 and Trey had 2 interceptions, 6 tackles, 2 assists, and a pass break-up. It was a great way to end a high school career. --Charlie

Update - 17 November 2009

Trey and Cherie have returned from Germany a few days earlier than expected. Trey had two days of “normal treatment,” followed by 60 consecutive hours of treatment. The hope is that the 60 hours would really knock his inhibitor count down and his immune system will attack the tumors at a higher level. Apparently he broke clinic records for most continuous time and liters filtered during the treatments. Trey was more than willing to lay in bed for the 60 hours of treatment knowing it would get him home a few days earlier than expected.

He will have additional scans in December to assess progress. Trey will also undergo blood test to monitor his inhibitor levels while home. Plans are to return to Germany for another round of treatment in January. Tumors appear to be “stable and unchanged."

Trey continues to be as normal a high school student as his schedule will allow. Everyone’s continued thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated. Pray for good scan results on December 2nd.

Thanks Again,

--Cherie, Charlie, Trey and Wesley

Update - 8 November 2009

Trey and Cherie have safely arrived in Germany. Things are going well thus far. They like their new place of residence very much. Cold and wet weather there. Trey begins his next round of treatments tomorrow.

--Charlie Rood

Update - 5 November 2009

Trey’s updated scans are basically “unchanged” or “stable” for the tumor in his left lung. There is no new cancer and we’re planning to continue his treatment in Germany. We're leaving this Sunday--which is a good thing. We’re still determined we’ll continue to make progress. It's just going to be a long road; but, we can do this!

All the prayers and support have been incredible. We can’t thank you enough.

--Cherie & Charlie Rood

Update - 3 November 2009

Your prayers are needed. Trey goes to Egleston Children’s Hospital tomorrow morning (10:30 a.m.) for both PET/CT and CT scans. We will meet with his oncologist at Children’s-Scottish Rite Aflac Cancer Center on Thursday, November 5th for the results.

We’ve been back from Germany for over 4 weeks now and plan to leave for Round #4 (just a 6-day treatment) this Saturday.

Please say a prayer that Trey’s scans come back with more progress towards no further cancer and smaller if any tumor in his left lung. We pray all will go well!

Thanks for all your prayers and support!

--Cherie & Charlie Rood

Update - 4 October 2009

We have returned from Trey’s third round of treatment in Germany, after being there for another three weeks and 12 full days of treatment. We are glad to be home again.

Trey is still making good progress and we are very hopeful for even better results. We will wait four weeks, Trey will then have another round of scans here in Atlanta to see where we are with the tumor in his left lung.

The plan will be to go back to Germany for more treatment, although our stay in Germany could be much shorter, hopefully just maintenance treatment depending on the scan results in early November.

Trey’s attitude remains very positive as he stays focused on football which has been a great thing. He has been allowed to stay in the Hospital Home Bound program for school and re-enter school when we’re home as a regular student in his senior year as much as possible. Thanks again for your continued prayers and support!

--Cherie

Follow Trey's Treatment on Facebook

To follow Trey's progress on Facebook, click on this Link to Pray for Trey on Facebook. Be sure that you login to Facebook before you try to follow the link. Otherwise, you may be directed to your own Facebook Home page.

NEW: Atlanta Journal/Constitution - 13 June 2010

Trey was selected as the Atlanta Journal/Constitution Inspirational High School Athlete of the Year. Michael Carvell wrote a story about Trey that appeared in the Sunday paper.

Click Here to Read the Article

Forsyth News - 17 March 2010

B.J. Corbitt of the Forsyth News wrote a story about Trey and the Jog For a Cause.

Click Here to Read the Article

Trey on Nancy Grace

Trey was briefly featured on the Nancy Grace television show.

Click Here to Download the Video (~7 MB)

Trey is Featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Prep Zone - 7 January 2010

Michael Carvell, writing for the Prep Zone feature of the AJC, writes, "For many of us, the holidays and New Year’s are one of the few times that we pause for a moment to reflect on the year gone by. For others, every day counts as a blessing."

Click Here to Continue Reading

Trey is Featured in the Gainesville Times - 27 October 2009

"Last Friday night, a battle that resulted in a great game was justly overshadowed by an even greater gesture."

Click Here to Continue Reading

Trey is Featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution - 18 October 2009

"Football is more than just a game for West Forsyth's Trey Rood. The sport serves a higher purpose, supplying much-needed hope and motivation in his battle against life-threatening cancer."

Click Here to Continue Reading

Trey Featured in Alpharetta Magazine

Trey was recently featured in an article within Alpharetta Magazine. Click on the link below to download the article.

Trey Featured on 11Alive - Friday, 28 August 2009

Randy Waters of 11Alive featured a two-part series on Trey during their high school football coverage.

Part 1 of 2: Click Here to View Part One.
Part 2 of 2: Click Here to View Part Two.

Additionally, you can find Randy Waters' original story about Trey here: Click Here to View the Original Story.

Ride For Trey - Saturday, 17 April 2010, Noon

Mission Support Amos is sponsoring a fundraiser to benefit Trey's medical fund. This bike ride will finish at Killer Creek Harley Davidson in Roswell. Riders may start in either Cumming (The Ridge Restaurant) or Marietta (Wow Motorcycles).

Click Here to Register Online.

Click Here for the Official Flyer.

Click Here for the Official Save the Date Card.

Day of Images - Sunday, 16 May 2010, All Day

TriciaLee Photography has announced a new fundraiser to benefit Trey's medical fund:

As many of you already know, our prayers are needed more than ever, for Trey and the Rood family as they have been faced with a recurrence of Trey's Melanoma. I have wanted to and have been given an opportunity to partner will all of you at “Pray for Trey” and on Sunday, May 16th we will be hosting a Day of Images for “Pray for Trey”. The 45 minute sessions will quickly focus on your personality. My style is easy, fun and capturing REAL emotion and personality.

To sign up for the limited number of spaces/sessions on the square in Roswell, GA, please call 678.493.7122 or e-mail us at tricialee@windstream.net and set up your time and day with a prepayment of the session fee. Sessions are $150 and you will have an on-line private gallery of your images within two weeks.

As a thanks for your participation and contribution to “Pray for Trey,” everyone will automatically be entered to win a free family session in the fall which includes 25 custom designed Holiday cards.

Please join in the prayer that Trey, his family, and his doctors have strength and wisdom to take on the battle and win the war. They all have one purpose: a cure. We want to support this purpose and will be donating 100% of your session fee to “Pray for Trey” so let’s book as many sessions as possible and thank you in advance for helping to make a difference.

We are asking for your help to spread the word to all of your friends and family that would like to take advantage of this opportunity. Let’s help Trey achieve his goals together.

Tricia Whitmer
TriciaLee Photography
678-493-7122
www.tricialeephotography.com

Click Here for the Official Flyer.

7th Annual Jog For a Cause, Fighting Childhood Cancer - 13 March 2010

The 7th Annual Jog For a Cause is a 5K/10K Race and a 1 Mile Fun Run. The 10K is a Peachtree Qualifier. Each person who registers will receive a high-quality, moisture-wicking shirt. You get a t-shirt if you simply register--whether you decide to run or not.

Jog For A Cause will benefit the following funds to fight childhood cancer: The Justin Gaudineer Fund, The Kylie Barry Fund, The Keira Grace Foundation, and The Trey Rood Fund.

Click Here for More Information
Click Here for Registration Form

Blood Drive - Wednesday, 10 March 2010

The American Red Cross is promoting a Blood Drive in honor of Lily Anderson and Trey Rood on Wednesday, March 10, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Polo Fields Clubhouse.

Please contact Dawn or Mike Sales to make an appointment to donate at 404-822-0483, or by e-mail at Sales4Homes@gmail.com.

Click Here for More Information

Helping Hands Holiday Bowl 4 Trey - 5 December 2009

Helping Hands Ministries promoted a flag football fundraiser to benefit Trey's medical fund. We want to thank all of the participants for supporting this event.

Support Trey by Ordering Christmas Ornaments

Thank you for supporting Trey's medical fund by purchasing ornaments this Christmas. Ornaments are no longer available.

Tee Off For Trey! - Monday, 26 October 2009

A golf tournament at Atlanta Country Club to benefit the medical fund for Trey Rood was held Monday, 26 October 2009. Thank you, everyone, for your support of this event.

New Fundraiser! - Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation - Wednesday, 21 October 2009

Discover Chiropractic organized a fundraiser to benefit Trey's medical fund, established through Helping Hands Ministries. They hosted a Patient Appreciation Kickoff that included a chili cook-off and bake-off, as well as a raffle for a 32-inch flat screen television. Thank you for supporting this event.

Successful Fundraiser at Nahm Thai Cuisine - Sunday, 18 October 2009

A fundraiser to benefit Trey's medical fund was hosted at Nahm Thai Cuisine in Alpharetta on Sunday, 18 October. We appreciated everyone's participation and especially want to thank Nahm Thongyoung and Alpharetta Magazine for making this event possible.

Pancake Breakfast Benefits Trey's Medical Fund

On Saturday, August 22, the West Forsyth Wolverine football family hosted a pancake breakfast and raffle/auction to benefit Trey's Medical Fund. Thank you so much for the overwhelming support and encouragement from everyone that attended.

If you are interested in putting together a fundraising effort, then please Click Here to Download the Fundraising Form. Your help is sincerely appreciated.