I want to introduce you to Gavin. Gavin is one of my neighbors. He is also a superhero, as far as I am concerned. Gavin is a cancer survivor. He is also only 6 years old.
Five years ago Gavin’s mom and dad took him for his 1 year check-up with their pediatrician when the doctor said she was concerned about how pale Gavin looked. A blood test was done right away. It came back positive for Leukemia.
“We immediately went to Children’s Hospital in Boston”, Katie, Gavin’s mom told me. “And we stayed there for 6 weeks.”
Gavin underwent intense treatments to force the cancer into remission. No parent is ready to handle this roller coaster ride, especially the young parents of a 1 year old boy.
“You put your faith in their hands”, Katie said about Gavin’s team of doctors and nurses. “You don’t know what these things are they are talking about.” It’s overwhelming and there are so many questions and concerns. Every doctor and nurse answers every question honestly and patiently, she told me. She also told me this is where the Jimmy Fund steps in.
Most of us are familiar with the Jimmy Fund. We see celebrities asking us to support the Jimmy Fund and we know the Boston Red Sox support the Jimmy Fund, but what do you really know about the charity founded back in 1948? According to their website, “The Jimmy Fund solely supports the fight against cancer at Dana-Farber. Since its founding in 1948, the Jimmy Fund has raised millions of dollars through thousands of community efforts to help save lives and give hope to cancer patients around the world.”
“They make everything a celebration,” Katie told me. Every step is a milestone. There is always something fun going on, so when the families come up for follow ups and tests and treatments, there are reasons to smile. “You are in the best hands possible.”
Gavin at Fenway on the 1 year anniversary of his cancer diagnosis
Now Gavin and his family want to return the hope and support they received during the scariest time in their lives. Team Gavin is part of the upcoming Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk on September 24th in Boston. Their goal is to raise $10,000. They aren’t quite there yet.
Do you think you might be able to help? Gavin will be hosting a lemonade stand and bake sale on Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00. Perhaps you would like to swing by Mariner Circle in Cotuit and meet Gavin over a cup of lemonade and a cookie?
Gavin will tell you about starting first grade and all the sports he plays like soccer and baseball and basketball and flag football and how he wants to play lacrosse!
If you can’t make it out Saturday, but you’d like to support Gavin and The Jimmy Fund, you can make a donation through the “Hope For Gavin” team page… But wouldn’t you rather come meet this freckle-faced rock star in person? I am pretty sure he’d like to meet you.
Gavin with his mom, Katie, sister McKinley and brother Grayden
“Your support goes directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s unique 50-50 balance between cutting-edge science and highly compassionate care. Funds raised through the Jimmy Fund Walk enable Dana-Farber leaders to enhance programs and initiatives that serve patients and their families.”
About Cat Wilson
