The Bubba Love Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for families affected by Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT), a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer striking infants and younger children. The foundation’s mission is to educate and promote awareness of the disease to both parents and the medical community, help find a cure, and support families of children diagnosed with ATRT. Lisa and Anthony Hruska have established the non-profit organization after their infant son Anthony Michael Stephen Hruska – affectionately known as “Bubba” – lost his battle with ATRT one day after turning ten months old in August 2005.

ATRT is a rare, high-grade tumor that occurs most commonly in children younger than two. It is generally found in the cerebellum, which is the lower, back part of the brain that controls balance. These tumors tend to be aggressive and frequently spread through the central nervous system. This type of tumor was not recognized until 1987. Currently there is no standard treatment protocol, and most cases of ATRT are misdiagnosed or go virtually unrecognized.

The founders believe their infant son might still be alive if doctors had recognized his condition as ATRT. The Hruskas began taking him to the doctor in April and were told their son had a virus. Shortly thereafter one side of Baby Anthony’s face became paralyzed, the parents panicked and demanded to see specialists. The specialists reviewed the original misdiagnosis and confirmed it. One doctor ordered further tests; another rescinded those orders. The uncertainty continued for two months while the family helplessly watched their son deteriorate. On July 4th, an emergency CT scan detected a brain tumor. Baby Anthony was transported immediately from there to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where the tumor was removed surgically.

After three weeks of poking, restraining, IVs, needles, machines, tubes, testing, and three operations, it was determined that there was no hope. Anthony Michael Stephen Hruska was sent home on a Monday. He died less than a week later on his parents’ bed. Just one month had elapsed since he was taken to the emergency room, and he was gone.

Almost immediately after the funeral, Lisa and Anthony Hruska went to work to help other families like theirs. Because ATRT is such a rare form of cancer, while her son “Bubba” was in the hospital, Lisa spent countless hours on the Internet researching expert doctors, treatment options and protocols, experimental therapy, medical studies and terms, even painful statistics and stories of other families. After accumulating such extensive knowledge of ATRT, she knew it would be senseless not to share it. Of that intense desire to help and educate others The Bubba Love Foundation was born.

In addition to providing ATRT education and information, The Bubba Love Foundation provides financial support to parents and families of children with ATRT. To make this possible, the foundation regularly hosts fundraising events, welcomes donations, and is in the process of launching Bubba's eBay Store. For more information or to make a donation, contact us at 724-396-9520.