Life as they knew it quickly changed for the Shepard family in 2009 when their son, Maddox, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2. After being isolated in the hospital for five weeks, he was allowed to go home and receive treatment there. Maddox's treatment would last for three and a half years -- and the entire family had more challenges ahead. Click through the gallery to learn more of the Shepard family's journey.
Courtesy Shepard family
In 2010, the Shepard family was introduced to the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on childhood cancer. Brad and Geri loved the way the events allowed their kids to have fun and "just be kids for a little while."
Courtesy Shepard family
Through St. Baldrick's, Brad started shaving his head in 2011 in honor of children battling cancer and leukemia.
Courtesy Shepard family
In 2011, while Maddox was still undergoing treatment, Geri was diagnosed with breast cancer. She received moderate chemotherapy for three months. Both ended treatment and entered remission in 2012.
Courtesy Shepard family
The Shepards are now thriving and catching up on the experiences they missed out on before, like visiting the playground and taking vacations at the beach.
Courtesy Shepard family
Brad is still shaving his head to raise money that goes toward research for a cure to end childhood cancer. He just participated in another event in April 2016.
