CANCER BENEFITS: BOY, 9, GETS TREATMENTS

When 9-year-old Nathan Wibbenmeyer complained his shoulder hurt, his mother wasn't surprised. The Cape Girardeau youngster played football, hockey, basketball and soccer, so sore muscles weren't uncommon.

But after a fall on the playground brought Nathan excruciating pain, his mother decided it was time to get a thorough checkup.

Doctors took X-rays of Nathan's shoulder and found tumors on his shoulder, lung and spine. The tumors were cancerous.

Nathan, the son of Gary and Sue Wibbenmeyer of Cape Girardeau, is a student at St. Vincent de Paul Grade School. He will be 10 in May.

Nathan's aunt, Lisa Wibbenmeyer, said, "He was the most active kid, and he is really just a typical 9-year-old boy."

Nathan was diagnosed with osteo-sarcoma in October.

That same week, surgeons removed the tumor in his lung. A second surgery took place in January to remove tumors from his shoulder and spine.

He is getting treatments in St. Louis.

The family has medical insurance, but the additional costs of Nathan's treatment is mounting.

A fund-raising dance will be held from 8 to midnight March 28 at the American Legion Hall in Perryville.

The Mahathath Music Sound System will provide music. Local businesses and residents have donated items to be raffled. In addition, tickets are being sold for a drawing.

A $5 donation is requested. Children 14 and younger may attend at no cost.

"We want to make this a family event," said Lisa Wibbenmeyer, "and we're sure some of Nathan's buddies will want to be there."

"Hopefully Nathan will feel like attending," she said. "He's up there in St. Louis now getting a five-day treatment. We'll have to see how he feels."

If additional items are collected, an auction will be held. "We already have Cardinal baseball tickets," she said.

BENEFIT DANCE

For Nathan Wibbenmeyer

9-year-old cancer patient

Saturday, March 28

8 p.m. to midnight

American Legion Hall, Perryville

$5 donation

For information call (573) 788-2572