Jackson club helping boy recovering from cancer

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been changed to reflect that the mother's coworkers donated time off while she was in Memphis, instead of St. Louis.

A single mother and her 7-year-old son from Jackson have experienced their share of trials recently, such as a bout with cancer and a probable job loss. But one local organization is seeking the public's help to bring the family a little holiday cheer.

The Jackson Noon Optimist club is trying to raise $4,000 to pay for an electronic air filtration system, new furnace and replacement of furniture in the home of Caroline and Hunter Hoxworth. All three items are needed when Hunter returns from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

So far, the club has $500 from its fund that it normally sends each Christmas to Optimist International. The club is seeking donations for the balance.

"Rather than send money to our international organization, we decided to keep it local this time," said Pat Abernathy of the Jackson Noon Optimists. "There are so many who need our help right here at home, including this little fella.

"The mom is trying her best to hang in there and support her son, but it's hard on her," Abernathy said. "It's really upsetting because all we need is $4,000 one time."

The Hoxworths first learned of Hunter's leukemia after a July 16 visit for lab work. While waiting for results, Hunter's pediatrician, Beverly Brown, examined him and found that his liver had doubled in size and his spleen was enlarged.

"I knew by then that something was wrong, but thought worse-case scenario, it would be meningitis," Hoxworth said. "But our pediatrician came back with the lab results crying."

Immediately, Hoxworth drove Hunter to St. Louis Children's Hospital, where he was diagnosed with leukemia.

The following day the Hoxworths traveled to Memphis, Tenn., where Hunter was admitted to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Hoxworth and Hunter have remained in Memphis ever since.

For the past two months in Memphis the Hoxworths have lived in an apartment building called Target House, in isolation from other patients. Hunter has undergone five rounds of treatment, though he's been cancer-free since September.

But some of the hardest days are still to come for the family.

Once he returns home Jan. 3, Hunter will be in the midst of a two-year recovery. Hoxworth said physicians at St. Jude have told her Hunter cannot return to school for four months. Hunter lost 21 pounds and all of his hair during treatment, but has now regained some weight and regrown some hair.

Also, Hoxworth is employed by Saint Francis Medical Center as a housekeeper. Though co-workers have donated 663 hours of paid time off while she's been in Memphis, the hospital informed her that she will no longer have a job if she doesn't return by Jan. 2. However, she will remain on preferential rehire status, which allows her to have the option of returning to her job at the same pay level within one year if a position is available.

Hoxworth said she will be unable to work while her son recovers at home.

"Saint Francis has done a lot for us and has been excellent to me," Hoxworth said. "It's just policy. They can only hold your job for so long."

Barbara Thompson, spokeswoman for Saint Francis Medical Center, said the hospital's human resources department is working with the family and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to institute Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act benefits to continue medical coverage.

"Saint Francis Medical Center is extremely sympathetic to Caroline Hoxworth and her family during this difficult time," Thompson said in a written statement. "Our thoughts and prayers have been with her for the speedy recovery of her son."

Even with the recent heartache, Hoxworth said she's grateful for everything that has been done so far.

"Support is everything and makes a 100 percent difference," Hoxworth said. "Hunter's strength has gotten me through this tough ordeal.

"It's been a long, hard road and there are times when I wish it was me instead of him," she said. "But we pray every day he stays in remission as we get through this together."

For more information about assisting the Hoxworths, contact Abernathy at 450-4352 or gypsypal@hotmail.com.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent addresses:

One Children's Place, St. Louis, MO

262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN