Welcome! This is the story of a sweet, spunky little three year old who captures the hearts of everyone he meets. His name is Colten.
Three years ago, Erika and Dale were looking forward to having their first child together and bringing him into their already blended family. This young family, already consisting of seven, quickly became the biggest cheerleaders they would ever be in order to bring Colten home. Colten was a baby with Down Syndrome and would bring a new set of joy to them. It was not long before Colten was surprising everyone with his progress and winning hearts where ever he went. Colten has truly been a blessing and a special gift to his family.
In January 2009 as Colten continued to grow, the unthinkable happened. Erika and Dale learned that Colten had Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He would spend the next six months in and out of the hospital receiving chemotherapy. All of which he handled like a trooper and never lost his signature blonde hair. The entire family was relieved when they were told he was in remission in July of this same year. Colten headed for home and had a blast celebrating with those who love him at his "End of Treatment" Bash. Things could not have gone better.
But on August 28th, just weeks later, the cancer was back. And now, Erika, Dale, and their family are bracing for the next step – a bone marrow transplant in Tucson, AZ. They face months of separation of their family, the fear and uncertainty of the treatment ahead, and the overwhelming financial strain of the situation. Erika, a homemaker and daycare provider, cannot work as she needs to care for Colten. Dale, a police officer, is having difficulty managing the extra expenses of lodging, food and gas as they continue on this journey.
Three years ago, Erika and Dale were looking forward to having their first child together and bringing him into their already blended family. This young family, already consisting of seven, quickly became the biggest cheerleaders they would ever be in order to bring Colten home. Colten was a baby with Down Syndrome and would bring a new set of joy to them. It was not long before Colten was surprising everyone with his progress and winning hearts where ever he went. Colten has truly been a blessing and a special gift to his family.
In January 2009 as Colten continued to grow, the unthinkable happened. Erika and Dale learned that Colten had Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He would spend the next six months in and out of the hospital receiving chemotherapy. All of which he handled like a trooper and never lost his signature blonde hair. The entire family was relieved when they were told he was in remission in July of this same year. Colten headed for home and had a blast celebrating with those who love him at his "End of Treatment" Bash. Things could not have gone better.
But on August 28th, just weeks later, the cancer was back. And now, Erika, Dale, and their family are bracing for the next step – a bone marrow transplant in Tucson, AZ. They face months of separation of their family, the fear and uncertainty of the treatment ahead, and the overwhelming financial strain of the situation. Erika, a homemaker and daycare provider, cannot work as she needs to care for Colten. Dale, a police officer, is having difficulty managing the extra expenses of lodging, food and gas as they continue on this journey.
Erika has said, “What’s 4 months in the life of a child?” when asked how she is handling all of this. Really, what is 4 months, as long as it means that Colten is stronger and healthier at the end and truly does Kick Cancer’s Butt!
We, their friends and family, are coming together to ask for help for this family in crisis as they continue on this journey. Please join us! To give you an idea of just how little can go so far:
$10 pays for two meals in the hospital
$15 pays for a night’s stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Tucson
$20 pays for a half a tank of gas so that Colten’s family can visit him in Tucson
Click on the Donate button to the left to make a donation to Colten and his family!
We, their friends and family, are coming together to ask for help for this family in crisis as they continue on this journey. Please join us! To give you an idea of just how little can go so far:
$10 pays for two meals in the hospital
$15 pays for a night’s stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Tucson
$20 pays for a half a tank of gas so that Colten’s family can visit him in Tucson
Click on the Donate button to the left to make a donation to Colten and his family!
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