EAGLE POINT, Ore. — A community is banding together to help save a young boy suffering from cancer.
Nine year old Ethan Jostad was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer a few years ago and had clear scans last month. Now, the cancer is back and it is stronger than before.
"Shocked.. a nightmare.. I wanted to scream or run,” said Ethan’s mom Kim Jostad.
Doctors say there is no cure and he only has a few weeks to live. However, Ethan’s parents are not giving up. The family is in New York seeking treatment.
Ethan’s parents are not able to work and medical expenses are adding up. One treatment they are looking into will cost about$15,000 a month. Friends and family are stepping up to help support the Jostad family and raise money for a potential cure.
"It's powerful to know that tomorrow that could be your own kid,” said family friend Jason Curtright.
"If we raise enough hopefully they'll find a treatment to save his life because that's what they're doing now-- fighting for his life," said another family friend Tanya Balfour.
Community members are fundraising any way they can, collecting donations on Ethan’s facebook page and selling t-shirts.
Hollie Tenberg and Heidi Garner have never met Ethan, but wanted to help. They are baking cupcakes and taking orders online. They’ve sold more than 1,200 treats in the last week.
"It's close to home. I look at my kids and I can't imagine what they're going through—just having a life or death situation like that,” Tenberg said.
April Lailo’s son goes to school with Ethan. She is selling team t-shirts and all proceeds go to straight to the Jostad family.
"I've seen what he's gone through and it's hard to watch a family and a community child go through something like that,” she said.
Each day Kim Jostad says her son gets weaker, but she is thankful to have an army at home fighting for them.
“They're helping us focus on our son. It's very emotional to see how kind and generous people are-- it's really humbling,” she said.
Friends and family members say will continue to fight for the 9 year old’s life. So far more than $1000 has been raised for Ethan, but fundraiser organizers say they need your help.
Community members are also planning a barbeque. To volunteer or donate to the event contact Tanya Balfour at TLAB@charter.net.
For more information on how you can help visit the Team Ethan Facebook page.