7-year-old Dedham boy recovering from COVID-19 and cancer comes home

DEDHAM, Mass. — Gavin Brennan just turned seven on Monday, and he has a whole lot to celebrate.

The Dedham first grader beat COVID-19 and he just had his last treatment of chemotherapy. Tonight, he’s sleeping in his own bed at home for the first time in weeks.

“If we could survive this, we can survive anything," his mom, April Brennan told Boston 25 News. “It’s been a beautiful, crazy, surreal, dream, nightmare.”

Gavin was diagnosed with lymphoma in January and started chemo treatments. Then, the coronvirus pandemic hit.

His mom was home sick with symptoms when Gavin came down with a fever, not uncommon for patients being treated for cancer. His dad took him to the ER on March 22nd. COVID-19 tests were not common then, but the family insisted.

Gavin tested positive.

“We thought our boat was sinking and this is it,” said April.

Gavin was mostly asymptomatic. He went home after a few weeks and then came down with pneumonia. A second test came back positive for coronavirus. His parents say they were so grateful his doctors were able to help him turn it around.

When asked how they got through it, his dad Tim said, "Actually, [because of] Gavin. Through this whole process he has been so resilient. It’s been amazing to see.”

Gavin had his last chemo treatment this week, and tested negative for COVID-19. Finally, he could leave the hospital.

Sitting on his mom’s lap, Gavin admitted the last month was hard. But with his brand-new Nerf Gun and 4-year old sister by his side, Gavin laughed and said it’s great to be home.

Family, friends, first responders and more are planning to welcome Gavin back Thursday with a parade by his home to celebrate his birthday.

If you’d like to help the family celebrate Gavin’s recovery, you can send donations to support the oncology department at Boston Children’s Hospital in his name here.

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RESOURCES:

- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

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