OCT 29 - SONIC RADIATION — Miles the Brave

Although Miles’s cancer is widely classified as a Medullablastoma, its specific name is a Sonic the Hedgehog tumor.

The Hedgehog gene was first discovered in the 1980s because it had pointy spikes. In 1993 there were three specific hedgehog genes named.

The first two were fairly common, but the third was named a little differently.

Robert D. Riddle isolated the third gene. Dr. Riddle didn't like any of the suggested names of hedgehog species. He went home, randomly picked up a magazine, and opened to an ad for Sonic Hedgehog 2, the SEGA Genesis video game.

When you receive radiation you have to wear a mask. As a kid, you get to have it decorated. Miles asked to have his decorated as Sonic the Hedgehog after he learned the specific name of the tumor. (Sonic also has a mullet.)

Today was his first day of radiation. He was brave, he started moving that mountain, and he stared down his opponent.

Interestingly enough - Joy played a lot of Sonic the Hedgehog as a kid. She has two claims to fame - beating Cache Moyles at spoons twice - and beating the Sonic the Hedgehog Video game. Miles is pretty good at spoons and we are sure he will beat Sonic too.