Family hopes for miracle in boy’s cancer fight
Jason Hawk | The Chronicle-Telegram
AVON — Today is Michael Sparkman’s seventh birthday.Doctor say he has about three weeks to live.
“(His mother) has not accepted that. She has a very strong faith,” said Lisa Allen, a friend of Michael’s family who is heading up several fundraisers to help offset medical bills.
“She knows the medicine can’t cure him, but she’s hoping God can. She doesn’t know if she’s worthy of a miracle, but she’s hoping for one.”
Michael was diagnosed in April with advanced lymphoblastic B-cell lymphoma.
His problems started during a vacation in California when he started limping, according to Allen. Soon it was so bad that Michael’s mother, Donna Sparkman, took him to an orthopedist.
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| Michael |
| Follow Michael’s day-to-day progress at www. caringbridge. org/visit/michael sparkman. |
An emergency biopsy showed a malignant tumor, and a full scan showed cancer had spread through Michael’s body, Allen said.
Allen said the first month of treatment went well and Michael looked like he was getting better. Doctors gave him a 60 percent chance for recovery.
He relapsed in July.
Allen said doctors have told Michael’s family the case is 100 percent terminal.
Michael is confined to a room at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. His immune system is so compromised that any germs could grow into a fatal infection, Allen said.
Allen said the family needs emotional support and help with medical payments. They are nearing their insurance cap and the cost of prolonged treatment could reach as much as $100,000 to $1 million.
The Avon community is stepping up to help.
Avon High School’s student council has been selling bracelets for $3 each to support Michael. The entire school district is teaming up Oct. 13 to 16 to collect funds.
A “Pump-It-Up Playtime” fundraiser will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. or noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at 1758 Moore Road.
Reservations and a waiver are required. To register, call Karla Espey at 934-6210.
A scavenger hunt benefit will be 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 24, starting at the Highland Park Clubhouse and concluding at Mulligan’s Restaurant and Grill.
Tickets are $25 each or $15 for the after-party. Reservations are required by Oct. 15 by calling Kim Novak at (216) 973-1222.
Contact Jason Hawk at 329-7148 or jhawk@chroniclet.com.
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Filed by Jason Hawk | The Chronicle-Telegram October 11th, 2008 in Top Stories. Popularity: 2% |
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Comments
Comment from
Chris
October 11, 2008, 9:49 pm
Damn cancer. You’d think by now there would b e a cure. My heart goes ot to this family.
Comment from
JL Jackson
October 12, 2008, 5:43 am
I’ll pray for Michael and his family. I know what you are going through as I was diagnosed this summer with inoperable cancer.
He’s such a beautiful little boy to have to deal with this. It’s easier for me to say than do, but MOM keep up the faith.
With Love,
JL
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