GRATEFUL—Bonny and Brody Trejos and their two boys, Madix, 4, and Harper, 1, play happily outside their Moorpark home recently. Madix was diagnosed with a tumor on his kidney last month. He is back home recovering from surgery and doing well, said his parents, who want to thank the community for the support they’ve received. A Moorpark family had plenty to be thankful for last month after their 4-year-old son’s return from the hospital after undergoing lifesaving surgery.

Young Madix Trejos had a cancer-stricken kidney removed at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Oct. 28, just four days after doctors discovered a grapefruit-sized tumor attached to it. The boy was diagnosed with a Stage 2 ganglioneuroblastoma.

Madix’s parents, Brody and Bonny Trejos of Moorpark, said Madix hadn’t exhibited any symptoms until October, when he got a rash on his chest that wouldn’t go away. The couple took him to his pediatrician, who found a lump on the left side of his chest, and Madix was hospitalized.

“It was just like a tornado hit us,” said Brody Trejos, a self-employed entrepreneur. “People don’t ever think something like this will happen to them, but once it does it makes you appreciate things a lot more.”

Neuroblastoma is a rare cancerous tumor that is usually detected in children 10 and under; most of those affected are diagnosed before age 5.

The Trejoses applauded the work and dedication of the hospital staff that performed the surgery.

“The doctors and nurses were amazing,” Bonny Trejos said.

The couple, who’ve called Moorpark home since 1999, said they received much-appreciated support from volunteers with the nonprofit Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, which provides grants, gas money, hotel accommodations and other practical help to families whose children are in the hospital.

Family and friends also proved eager to help in the midst of difficult circumstances.

“We received tremendous support from the community,” Brody Trejos said.

“We’re just so thankful that the community is so willing to help,” Bonny added.

Madix returned home about three weeks ago. The young family, which includes another son, 1year-old Harper, is cherishing every moment they have together while awaiting final test results that will determine whether more treatments are needed.

“You don’t take things for granted anymore,” Brody Trejos said.