Vincent would have checkups every three months which included MRIs , blood work and physician exams.  Everything seemed to be going along fine and second grade was just as busy with activities as first grade had been. The only evidence that there had been a problem was a 5 inch scar on the back of Vincent’s head at the base of the skull.

In November, 2004 the Edward’s worst nightmare occurred. Vincent was showing signs of tumor recurrence. This came a week after receiving an A+ exam from his surgeon. Testing indicated that tumor had returned and was growing quickly. Vincent immediately had surgery again. Before going into surgery Catherine and Woody, asked Vincent what gift he would like to help him feel better during his recovery. Vincent responded “a little brother”. Due to the location of the tumor the doctors were unable to remove as much as they could the first time. Vincent’s treatment plan included a trial drug called Lapatanib In the weeks and months to follow, Vincent was unable to return to school although his friends and relatives reached out in any way they could.

In January 2005, it was discovered that the experimental drug was not effective and a last ditch effort with a chemotherapy drug was used. Vincent would be in and out of the hospital and the future did not look good. The Montgomery County Pediatric unit of Hospice was called upon to help the Edward’s through this difficult time. Vincent spent his remaining days hanging out with his younger sisters Ally and Jackie, sorting baseball cards and watching football or basketball games with his dad and having many wonderful conversations with mom.

On February 15, 2005, Vincent’s little body could not beat the devastating effects of the brain tumor and he was called home to Heaven. He is missed dearly by his family, relatives and friends.

On February 17, 2007, John Joseph Edwards was born to the Edwards family. We consider this baby as well as other smaller signs to be direct gifts to us from Vincent in Heaven and a reminder that Vincent is with us always.

Thank you all for your continual love and support of the Edwards family over the years and of the Vincent Fund and the good works it does.