The power of will: Chapter 2

When Will Lacey was 6 months old, he was diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer called neuroblastoma. These photos, taken by the Laceys and Boston Globe photographers, document Will’s long fight against the disease, the people who played a significant role in that battle, as well as the scenes of everyday life as the Laceys chased their indefensible hope that Will could be cured.

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At a fund-raiser for the Brockton VNA — a group that went to the Laceys’ house to draw labs, give shots, and administer chemo. Dina was eight months pregnant, and Will had just started preschool.Lacey family/Lacey Family

Hilaire’s Salon in Braintree hosted a “Cut-a-thon” in 2007 and raised nearly $20,000 for NB research and trials.Lacey family

Will holding a toy for the family dog, Molly.Lacey family/Lacey Family

Will turned 4 in 2008 and enjoyed the day — like all others — with joy and energy.Lacey family

Will and his beloved dog Molly, now deceased.Lacey family

Will being “Will” — because a plastic pool on a brick patio is a safe landing spot.Lacey family/Lacey Family

Out in the Lacey family backyard.Lacey family

Dr. Giselle Sholler, who took over Will’s care after he was labeled incurable.Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

Andre Bachmann, Ph.D., a professor in the College of Human Medicine's Department of Pediatrics and Human Development at Michigan State University, was instrumental in bringing an out-of-patent drug, DFMO, to clinical trial to combat the deadly pediatric cancer neuroblastoma.Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

DFMO pills.Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

The third year of Will topping the Lacey Christmas tree.Lacey family

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