Carson’s Journey: Positivity, Purpose, and the Power of Giving
Sixteen-year-old Carson Scoville is strong. Despite two cancer diagnoses, countless treatments and a recent genetic finding that increases his risk for developing cancer, he stays positive.
This summer, Carson learned he has Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), a rare inherited condition caused by mutations in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital pediatric hematologist-oncologist Brian Guedes explains the condition puts Carson “at a very high risk of developing some other kind of cancer later on in life.”
Finding Escape and Purpose: The ScovilleStrong Foundation
Carson’s greatest escape is gaming. Video games provide him with a break from the toll of treatment. Wanting to give other kids the same relief, Carson and his family created the ScovilleStrong Foundation, which donates gaming systems and other toys to pediatric patients at Johns Hopkins All Children’s.
Between his own leukemia infusions, Carson has delivered gaming systems to the hospital in St. Petersburg and the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Outpatient Care Center in Tampa.
“Gaming gives me a little outlet from the real world and giving that to kids battling cancer is a big thing for me,” Carson says.
A Second Diagnosis
In May, Carson was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia—less than two years after finishing treatment for osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer. A back injury from cheerleading led him to the hospital, where doctors discovered the leukemia.
His mom, Casey, recalls the shock of hearing the word cancer again.
“Both times we found out when Carson was injured playing sports. In our minds, it’s divine intervention,” she says.
Through it all, Carson leans on his family and the kids he helps for strength.
“I stay strong for everyone, to inspire others to keep fighting on,” says Carson.
The Road Ahead
Because of his prior cancer treatments, doctors are adjusting how they treat Carson’s leukemia. Even so, Guedes says Carson is in remission after the first month, a very positive sign.
“Sometimes I mourn the life he could be having,” Casey admits, “but I understand that the legacy and courage he’s found to give back comes from what he’s been through.”
Giving Back
Carson’s philanthropy began with holiday toy drives at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, growing from 100 toys one year to over 400 the next.
His new goal: filling an entire moving truck.
Through his foundation, he also hopes to start fulfilling bigger wish list items for patients, such as laptops for schoolwork.
Looking ahead, Carson dreams of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse, perhaps even at Johns Hopkins All Children’s, to support future patients the way his care team is supporting him.
“I want to ensure no kid feels lonely and I want them to have opportunities to feel normal, even when what they’re going through is difficult,” he says.
Casey sums up her son’s resilience best: “He’s so courageous. He’s always worried about others, and he helps the rest of us keep our heads held high.”
READ MORE from Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
- Full Circle at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
- Infant Receives Life-saving Heart Care at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
- Growing For All Children at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital – NEW Wesley Chapel Hospital Coming Soon!
*Presented by Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital | Photo credit: Allyn DiVito, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital