Brave 5-year-old battles cancer by dressing as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle


Britain Harley Renshaw was recently diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer that has infiltrated his kidney, neck, lung, and bones. Harley has since undergone several treatments, including surgery to remove his kidney and intensive chemotherapy.
Harley surprised the hospital staff when he asked if he could decorate the protective mask that covers him during treatment. Now, when the boy faces the radiation, he does so looking like Leonardo, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, complete with a painted blue bandana and samurai sword-holder.
Harley never once complained about going in for treatment, his parents tell the Manchester Evening News. And he found other ways to bolster his superhero-level bravery — he has nicknamed the large scar that runs across his belly his "pirate scar," and often sports a colorful necklace he calls his "beads of courage."
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For his unique brand of courage, Harley has been awarded a Cancer Research UK Little Star, which acknowledges the challenges faced by kids who have cancer.
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Lauren Hansen produces The Week’s podcasts and videos and edits the photo blog, Captured. She also manages the production of the magazine's iPad app. A graduate of Kenyon College and Northwestern University, she previously worked at the BBC and Frontline. She knows a thing or two about pretty pictures and cute puppies, both of which she tweets about @mylaurenhansen.
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