From the age of 11, Ivan's life bounced between residential treatment centers, psychiatric facilities, and group homes in Alaska and Montana. During those years he was separated from everyone he knew. Just before his 15th birthday, Ivan was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Alone in the world and now facing the fight of his life he was moved to yet another state, Washington, for cancer treatment. With the help of his caseworker he was reunited with his older brother whom he had not seen in many years. After cancer treatment Ivan was in need of a foster placement while his brother looked for housing and a way to support the two of them. Emotionally shut down and nearly nonverbal Ivan entered his new foster home. Out of the pain emerged a young man who was not the broken, disturbed teen he was portrayed by the records to be. A teen with a zest for life and love to share was waiting for a chance to belong.