In August of 2024 we traveled with Logan and his eight-year-old twin sister Riley to the south of France, riding bicycles along canals and vineyards. Three weeks later, after taking Logan to the ER in the middle of the night for severe stomach pain, our world was turned upside down. Within hours, he was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic liver cancer. It still tears at the pits of my stomach to write those words and relive that day.
The next day, Logan started aggressive and potent chemotherapy to battle back the tumors that had engulfed his liver, and he continued receiving intense chemotherapy for the following six months. Those months were mired with serious challenges: infections, a ruptured tumor requiring emergency intervention, havoc wreaked on Logan’s blood counts and the fear of spontaneous bleeding, and prolonged stays in the hospital. But those months were also interspersed with many joyful moments: laughing at home with Riley, walks in the sunshine around our neighborhood, and two trips to Lincoln Financial Field to cheer on the Eagles on their way to winning the Superbowl.
For many, the type of aggressive chemotherapy that Logan had to endure for six months would be the start and end of a hellacious brush with cancer. For Logan, it was merely the cost of admission, the ante at the table that must be paid up front on the long and arduous path toward a cure. Due to the extent of the spread of cancer in Logan’s liver, it was a certainty that he would need to undergo liver transplant surgery once the initial chemotherapy regressed the tumors. But in the very rare and challenging scenario Logan was faced with, we learned that even this too would prove more difficult than is even possible to imagine. The tumors had extended out from Logan’s liver into the veins that connected with the surrounding abdominal organs. As a result, instead of a simple liver transplant , Logan needed a multi-visceral organ transplant to remove the cancer. This is the most difficult type of transplant to undergo and manage, and is a procedure that would not have been possible to perform before the 21st century.
On March 6, 2025, our prayers were answered when Logan received a donor offer. He underwent a 10-hour surgery that transplanted a new liver, pancreas, and small intestines. The past month of recovery from that procedure have unleashed both the darkest of lows and rays of true hope.
One could view Logan’s diagnosis and treatment course as the worst possible odds that could be stacked against someone. Its hard to imagine a more invasive or challenging medical treatment course, if one even exists. Or it could be viewed another way. Despite the indescribable hardship and anguish, we are indescribably grateful that this journey provides hope. Hope that he will persevere and beat this. And while much of his midsection has now been disassembled and reconstructed, his heart is pure, his mind is sharp, and his spirit is as unbreakable as ever.
Thank you for following along and supporting Logan.
This is a harrowing journey that Logan and your whole family has endured. It sounds like he has a bright spirit along with his twiin. It is amazing how modern science can make miracles possible. I have become a friend of Sue Wertis. Her mother taught both my children high school French and she was particularly close to my daughter who moved to Israel and had six children. A virus went to her heart in 2008 and she received a heart transplant in 2010 that allowed her to live for 13 more years. She had complications in 2021 and 2022 and unfortunately she passed away in Aug of 2022. But her warmth and spirit live on. I hope your son is able to live a long and fruitful life.
St. Padre Pio, ask our Lord Jesus to heal his little one. Thank you.
As a nurse, I can imagine what you’re going through, I’ve walked along side my Mom & Father in laws Cancer journey’s. Logan sounds like one amazing young man who learned his perseverance from his parents. I bet his lifesaving surgery will certainly be a famous paper in a surgery/oncoloy journal that others will learn from! As you continue on Logan’s path of healing, always ask why, or why not! never be afraid to ask questions even if you think they are silly, Find the joy in every moment not matter how small. But from what you’ve been through, you may have learned that along the way! I’ve texted several Boston sports mascots for Logan, I hope they help! Please know that your family will be in my prayers 🙏🏻
Logan, you are a true warrior! You’re the bravest kid. I will prayer for you every night. I hope you are not in a lot of pain. Sending you big HUGS from California.
Wow! What a story and journey you’ve been through. You’re amazingly strong and resilient. And you’re also very sweet. Keep going, keep trying, keep smiling. You got this, Logan! Sending love ❤️
Stay strong Logan!!
You are so amazing and know that we are cheering you on! Be brave and keep being you.
I will keep Logan and his family in my prayers. Keep fighting. – Susan Schiller from West Bend, Wisconsin
Logan, You are stronger than a superhero and braver than a lion.
Hi Logan
My name is Sue Schiller. I am a friend of your zgrand Aunt Sue Wertis from Wisconsin. She told me all about you.
I am praying for you and your family. I am getting some videos for you of mascots and my grandson’s baseball reams. Also one from the Milwaukee Brewers.
In your corner, Logan and Coyle Family! Praying for you all!
Dear Logan,
I don’t know you but know that I am thinking about you everyday and cheering for you from afar!
Logan’s family: I am sending you a heartfelt tight hug.
Keep fighting Logan💪
Logan is so brave. We wish him the best and a strong recovery!!
All of you are in my prayers. I have signed up for updates. Please reach out if you need anything. 🙏
Wow, it’s taken me a few moments to even try and gather my words. My heart hurts for your whole family, especially Logan. I can only begin to imagine the journey you each have been on during this time, and all the emotions you each must be experiencing. I am so happy to read Logan received the full transplant he needed. Sending your whole family big hugs and all the love. ♥️♥️♥️