OT: My Cousin's Cancer Fight

[03Mustang]

My 12 year old cousin is in a fight for his life at Children's Hospital of Dallas with an exceptionally rare form (only 3 people in 1,000,000 in the US diagnosed annually) of cancer called malignant pheochromocytoma, or cancer of the adrenal glands. His parents do not have a lot of money and the bills for his treatment are going to be staggering; unfortunately the odds are strongly against him at this point and treatment options for such a rare cancer are unproven, so they are going through some experimental treatments that are not covered by insurance.

I thought the football board would be the best place to post this as it is the most active board, combined with the fact that prior to his sickness, he was an exceptional left tackle on his middle school team in Van Alstyne - frankly, he's probably about as large as some of our linemen are now and was an absolute dominator last season; I don't think his QB was sacked all season thanks to his protection. I always used to tell him that once he got into high school I was going to do everything I could to push him toward SMU so that he could anchor our offensive line. Now...well, I just hope he has the chance to be a normal kid again and maybe later we can think about all that.

A fund has been set up at Landmark Bank in Van Alstyne to assist his family with paying the bills and other costs associated with his treatment. Any Ponyfans (or Frogs, Owls, Coogs, Longhorns, Aggies...whoever) that can help in any way - financially or just in thought/prayer - we ask that you please do so. The doctors have given him less than a 10% chance of survival, which is something no kid should ever, EVER have to face.

Additionally, if anyone knows the proper channels to contact someone with the University to try and get some publicity it would be greatly appreciated. I am the only SMU related-connection to him, but I hope you guys don't mind me taking up a little space on this board for his sake.

Thanks for reading,
Tim

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE INFO:
http://www.4shared.com/file/58150128/14661e24/BEAUX_WINS.html

[SmooBoy]

My heart goes out to he and his family, 03. He is now on my permanent prayer list.

Please provide updates as you can.

[Diamond Girl]

Patti LaSalle is in the office of Public Affairs. I'd try her: [email protected], or 214-768-7660. She's really nice, but I'm not sure what she'd be able to do. Your cousin is in my prayers.

[RednBlue11]

this is a truly horrible disease...if any of you want to help in more ways i encourage you come up to Milwaukee and ride in the 20th Trek 100 Ride for Hope next June 6th...it is put on by Trek and The Midwest Athletes against Childhood Cancer (MACC)...they have raised over $7.2 million for childhood cancer research... $688,000 alone this year. there were 2,800 riders this year and the event was capped because so many people wanted to ride. Lance Armstrong has done his part to draw people by leading the ride out for the last 2 years and i'm sure he will be back for the 20th Ride for Hope.

I have done this ride 3 times and the last 2 years in a row, it is fun for the whole family and the best supported bike ride around. there are lots of rest stops and the locals come out to cheer on and support the riders it is really a great time.

if you would like to know more please visit http://maccfund.org/

i will be starting a team that will raise at least $1 for every mile we ride and im sure much more so that kids like 03Mustangs' cousin will have a better shot at beating this illness now and in the future.

registration does not open until early next year but i just want to plant that idea in y'alls heads so that y'all can come out have fun, do something productive, and raise money for something we have to beat....cancer.

[ponydawg]

Just prayed for your cousin and all of his family.
And I will continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers.

[FroggieFever]

One of the questions I have for the man upstairs when I meet him is why children feel pain...things like this should never happen, let alone to a such a precious creation.

[03Mustang]

Thanks everyone

[San Antonio Mustang]

O3, I join with the others with my wishes for Beaux to beat the odds and in about 6 years join the Mustangs. Hi number is the same as the one I wore. So as a former # 65 I am sending a contribution to the bank to help out a current # 65. Please pass on our best wishes to Beaux and his family.

[SMU 86]

03,

My prayers are with your cousin and his family.

[mathman]

I am going to make a donation as well and it might help if the webmasters would make this thread a sticky. You are in our prayers.

[Mustangsabu]

As a father I can only imagine and dread the pain that Beaux's family must be feeling. God Bless that boy, and his family. May the road rise to meet them all.

[ALEX LIFESON]

I am sorry for your family, I will put him in my prayers. The Lord is in control.

[SMU1952]

Rest assured that I will bring this young man's name and needs before the Lord everyday. I am heartsick when I hear about kids with cancer. I am sure his family is in need of money, meals, and prayer. When I face things that are to big for me to carry, I pray the 23rd Psalm. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want". God bless this family and heal their beloved son.

[FordtoTolbert]

Have they considered St. Jude in Memphis. I think it is basically free? I am pretty sure about that...their doc needs to check that out...