HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Tampa Bay area family at the center of a national controversy will be getting their 4-year-old son, who is battling leukemia, back in their home just in time for Christmas.
Noah McAdams, 4, appeared in court Monday morning without any hair as his family’s lawyer said he’s nearly finished with the first round of chemotherapy.
Noah was taken from his parents, Joshua McAdams and Taylor Bland-Ball, in April after they left the state when he was supposed to be receiving treatments for his leukemia.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Judge rules boy fighting leukemia will get chemotherapy despite parents' disapproval
- Parents and supporters continue the fight for alternative treatment for sick child
- Parents seek second opinion from local doctors after state takes away son for not receiving chemo
- Noah McAdams' parents denied custody of their son after initially refusing to get him chemotherapy
The case sparked a nationwide search when authorities labeled the boy "missing and endangered."
The family was eventually found in Kentucky where the couple said they were seeking a second opinion and looking for alternative health care options and natural remedies.
On Monday, Noah appeared tired, but happy while in his mother’s arms.
“There’s been non-stop smiling since Noah came home last Sunday,” said Brooke Elvington, the family’s lawyer.
The judge in the case granting a reunification order that allows the parents to have full custody of Noah.
Elvington told reporters Noah is in remission and will continue treatment. She says in the months-long court battle, they proved that there was never any danger to Noah.
HILLSBOROUGH NEWS | The latest headlines from Hillsborough County
“They simply introduced evidence indicating that there was no endangerment and there never was nothing happened between April and today,” she said.
Elvington explained that the parents got what they wanted from the start — more expert opinions on treatment. The reason they say they left the state of Florida to begin with.
The family being together before the holidays is bringing them peace, Elvington said.
“They’re doing very well, they’re at peace ,” said Elvington, “That’s the best way that I can describe it. They can go to bed with their son and wake up with their son, and that’s the way it should be.”
The case will stay open for six months, as DCF officials can check in. The parents can also reach out to them for anything.
There will be another hearing in March to close the case completely.
