AWOL 2005
the very first recipient of A Week of Love was a little boy named Noah Allen Forbes.
Noah was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma after his mom spent nearly a year relentlessly searching for answers. Time after time, doctors believed his symptoms were allergies and prescribed different medications before sending him home.
But a mother’s instincts never stopped telling her something was wrong.
One evening, his mom waited in the emergency room parking lot until after hours because she knew deep down this was more than allergies. Bloodwork was taken, and the next morning they were asked to come immediately to Noah’s doctor’s office.
After quietly asking them to sit down, Noah’s doctor called OU Medical Center and requested to speak with pediatric oncology.
Not long after, Noah was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma with only a 50/50 chance of survival.
At only two years old, Noah endured more than most adults could imagine. He went through chemotherapy treatments, a difficult surgery to remove the tumor, and two stem cell transplants in hopes of remission.
For a brief time, it looked like the treatments had worked.
Then the cancer returned in his brain.
At that time, recurrent Stage 4 neuroblastoma had no cure. After heartbreaking conversations with doctors, Noah’s family made the impossible decision to bring him home on hospice care.
On May 12, 2006, just shy of his third birthday, Noah gained his wings.
During this devastating season of life, AWOL stepped in to help Noah’s family when they needed it most. Between hospital stays, treatments, transportation struggles, lost income, and simply trying to survive emotionally, the support from AWOL reminded them they were not alone.
More than 20 years later, that same spirit of love and community continues to live on through AWOL. What started with one little boy and one hurting family became a tradition of compassion that has impacted countless lives throughout the years.
Noah’s story will forever remain part of where it all began.
