LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) - Fighting cancer can be one of the toughest battles a person can face.
But one local boy is finding a reason to celebrate -- despite the tragedy.
Joe Charles O'Bryan has been receiving radiation for thirty days straight--and Tuesday was his day to payback his doctor for those treatments.
Joe Charles O'Bryan shows no fear as he is strapped in for his last radiation treatment for a brain tumor. The 6 year old has been doing this everyday for the past 30, and the staff says he's braver than some adults. He even comes out smiling!
For his last radiation treatment he gets a certificate and even a few gifts. But the biggest present of all was up next. "Unfortunately I think Joe Charles is going to enjoy it a little more than most," joked Dr. Craig Silverman, of the James Graham Brown Cancer Center's Radiation Oncology Department.
Joe Charles celebrates with some pie piled high with whipped cream topped with chocolate. But he wanted to share the whole pie with his cancer doctor--right in his face! Doctor Silverman sat in a chair covered in sheets and towels to prepare for the mess. After slapping a pie in the doctor's face, Joe Charles showed no mercy, whipping out a can of silly string and attacking. "Silly string didn't taste as good as the pie!" Joe Charles laughed. "No, didn't taste good at all," Dr. Silverman responded.
Cancer doctors do miraculous work, but they have to put kids through intimidating treatments. "It's a small price to pay for letting someone like Joe Charles get successfully through his treatment."
Dr. Silverman always lets his kid patients torture him after completing treatment. "I've had water balloons thrown at me, I've been asked to dress in drag," said Silverman.
Family members get to see Joe Charles laugh just like any other kid. "The goodness that has come out of this has been amazing for us," said his mother.
The journey is not over yet. Doctors say Joe Charles is well on his way to recovery, but still needs six months of chemotherapy.
