By Michael Butler

Rich and Megan Salter’s son was not yet three when he started having leg and hip pain. An initial diagnosis was an iron deficiency, but the Salter’s learned the condition was much more serious.

“In 2012, Brody, who goes by Richard now that he’s 16 years old, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Stage 4 cancer,” his father Rich said. “He was treated at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham for 18 months going through chemotherapy and radiation.”

The family was living in Tallassee at the time.

“With his side effects it was recommended that he move into a dryer climate for him to recover. So, we moved in 2017 to Colorado. He was treated at Denver’s Children’s Hospital where he finished his recovery.”

Young Richard remained in remission for seven years.

“In 2022, he relapsed out of nowhere. (It) caught everybody by surprise.”

Richard has fought and beaten neuroblastoma four times.

“We’ve learned so much about foundations and organizations,” Rich noted. “It really opened our eyes. We want to give back to the people going through this hardship.”

That is how the Salter Foundation was born, a non-profit organization providing care items, gift cards, money for bills and prescription medicines not covered by insurance. This includes putting together “go bags” filled with comfort items.

“We still have a long road ahead of us. Rich is involved in a vaccine trial in New York. We have to go every three months. Hopefully this will be the final (bout) with Neuroblastoma for his body.”

During the Salters time in Tallassee, Rich served on the Tallassee Fire Department.

“They brought him by the station and let him ride the engine. That support we had from all of our Tallassee family gave hope and strength. That’s a make or break for children.”

Richard continues the fight.

“He’s a champ. He looks at it as a challenge placed in front of him and he’s conquering it. He says, ‘I’m not going to let cancer stop me from what I’m going to do and helping others going through this.’”

Tax-deductible donations may be made to the Salter Foundation through their Facebook and Instagram sites.

“We’re working directly with the doctors and nurses. We know exactly where the money is going. Our main focus is 100 percent transparency and just to be able to help.”