The power of will: Chapter 1

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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Will Lacey at 4 months old, shortly before being diagnosed with cancer.Lacey family/Pat Lacey

Dina, Pat, and Will Lacey on their way to a birthday party in April 2006, while Will was undergoing chemotherapy.Lacey family

Will Lacey going through his most brutal stretch of chemotherapy, just a few weeks before his second birthday.Lacey family/Pat Lacey

Will getting ready for scans at Children’s Hospital in September 2006. After the scans came back, the Laceys were told that Will’s cancer was incurable.Lacey family

Will driving a toy car while visiting his grandparents in Rhode Island in July 2006.Lacey family/Lacey Family

Will eats his first-ever hot dog in July 2006.Lacey family/Lacey Family

Will at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, preparing to receive an infusion that would make him radioactive. Note the lead-lined shields on either side of the bed to protect people from him.Lacey family/Pat Lacey

Will Lacey during his third birthday on Aug. 24, 2007.Lacey family/Lacey Family

When Will was 2, his father Pat gave him the job of “tree topper” at Christmas. Each year, Pat hoists Will up to the top of the tree as his mother, Dina, takes the photo. It has become their most important family tradition.Lacey family

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