Recently I commented how wonderful was the story about how a 7-year-old
boy being treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia was made an honorary police
officer (link to WABC article). Everyday
people are doing special things like this for sick children they don't know, yet
care about; most of the time these kindnesses go unreported. Sometime soon I'll
write about the postcards my son received, but today I'd like to relay another
kindness afforded him.
Chemo attacks
quickly-dividing cells. This is how it targets cancer, but it also goes after other,
healthy cells -- thus hair loss and so on. One of the many side-effects of chemo
is that it causes strange sensations and muscular weakness in the arms and
legs. It diminishes a child’s willingness to be ambulatory or active. And so, a
seemingly healthy, energetic child can melt away to be confined to a wheelchair
in just a few weeks.
Muscular
deterioration has been a major issue in our family. My son has quickly gone
from being a runner to only being able to walk with the assistance of a walking
stick or a wheelchair (and can barely manage steps). We have talked to nurses
and friends about this. They share my worries about him losing self-confidence
via a loss of mobility. As many of you know, self-confidence is the best
medicine for managing chemo side-effects.
Our worries
reached the ears and hearts of a local gym. Yesterday my son was extended a
6-month gym membership at Midway Fitness. He was greeted with a cheery smile
and the moral support that he will need to fight his way back to health. This simple
and yet generous gift will be life-changing for him.
Now not
everyone can offer a gym membership to someone fighting cancer, but if you are
looking to do something for someone, try offering to walk with them (and not
just metaphorically). Help them get out and feel normal, even if that means
pushing a wheelchair or shuffling along with them. Thank you to the people at
Midway Fitness and Racquetball for the offer to walk with us.
-PG Somerset
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