Jackson sixth-grader fighting knee infection

Friends and family of a Jackson boy, Gabriel Cena, are doing all they can to support the sixth-grader who was airlifted to St. Louis Children's Hospital May 7 when local hospitals could not offer any more help.

Gabriel Cena has an infection in his knee and doctors are baffled, said his aunt, Kim Avalos of Jackson.

His knee that began hurting at school early this month. It was diagnosed as a possible sprain at Saint Francis Medical Center but then led to extreme weakness and complete loss of appetite.

Avalos said, "They knew it was more than a sprain when his blood pressure went real low and his kidneys began to fail. They drained an enormous amount of pus, but the virus attacked his whole body, shutting down major organs."

His mother, Mandy James, is at his bedside while Avalos and her mother, Sally James, take turns caring for Gabriel's siblings, a 5-month-old brother, a 2-year-old sister and a 7-year-old sister.

"The 2-year-old is really feeling it," Avalos said. "And the baby has never been away from his mother."

Avalos' six teenage children are providing child care for their cousins while she is at work. They are doing all they can to help the children feel confident and hopeful about their brother's condition.

Gabriel has "been in and out of consciousness," Avalos said. He woke up for the first time Monday, a day after doctors had flushed his knee, which is being done periodically to remove a blood clot. Physical therapy is planned after the clot is removed.

The family doesn't know how long Gabriel will be at Children's Hospital.

Jackson Middle School principal Rodney Pensel said he didn't really know the student but was in touch with the family to see what the school could do.

"We called the other schools to let them know why the other children would be out of school. Sixth-grade teacher Debbie Lintner had the class make a card and took up a collection for the family from the teachers," he said. The poster-sized card, with Gabriel's name in letters made of aluminum foil, is tacked up on the wall of his room.

Gabriel belongs to a youth group, Christ's Servants Incorporated, at New McKendree United Methodist Church. Youth leaders Bob and Kim Bonney and about five of Gabriel's friends recently visited. The group left some cash with the family, currently staying at Ronald McDonald House.

"Gabe is so robust," Avalos said. "Always skateboarding, active, healthy and strong. This took us all be surprise. It's hard to see him like this. He's really a good kid... very faithful, helpful and very likable. He would always held carry in groceries, set up video games. He brought friends along. Bob and I are really fond of Gabe."

Family hardship is a concern since family members have taken time off from work.

Individuals interested in helping may send Wal-Mart cards, cash, gas cards or food to Sally James or Mandy James at 140 Silk Tree Circle no. 45, Jackson, Mo. 63755, or may call the family at 204-0299 or 243-9932 if there are further questions. Cards may be sent to Gabriel Cena at St. Louis Children's Hospital, 1465 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63104, Intensive Care Unit, Room 7, 7th floor.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133