The Junction City Union: Local boy battles childhood cancer with upbeat attitude and help from his family and friends
By Lydia Kautz
Adrian Williams is only 9 years old, but he’s already found himself in a fight against cancer.
Specifically, he has stage three Burkett’s Lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with July 1 of this year.
According to his mother, Marti Wiliams, the trouble started with doctors visits and trips to the emergency room. During his last ER trip, doctors discovered an obstruction in Adrian’s bowel. At this time, she said, they transferred her son from Geary Community Hospital to Children’s Mercy Kansas City.
After another examination, doctors at CM found a mass attached to her son’s lymph nodes.
“They knew as soon as they pulled out the mass that it was cancer,” Marti said.
Not good news in any case, but the surgeon knew immediately that doctors could treat it, she said.
Marti was shocked, nonetheless, at the diagnosis.
“It was hard at first,” Adrian said. “But it’s fun there — they make it fun.”
He’s referring to the oncology floor at CM. According to Adrian, the nurses make an effort to keep the atmosphere cheerful and positive. He has made friends at the hospital.
Adrian, during his stays at the hospital, enjoys having Nerf gun wars with patients and staff. He has befriended an older patient named Noah who has become the older brother Adrian never had. He enjoys taking part in the many activities provided by staff.
“It might be hard at first, but once you start getting through it, you’ll start to feel a little better,” Adrian said. “Especially if it is treatable.”
Adrian’s last chemotherapy treatment is scheduled to take place in October.
“You cannot take life for granted,” she said. “It’s easy to sit back and say, ‘oh, that won’t happen to us,’ and it very well can. We cherish what we have and we’re excited for the good days when Adrian feels good.”
Family and friends keep them afloat, both emotionally and otherwise.
Recently, a spaghetti feed fundraiser took place at the Junction City Church of the Nazarene. Adrian attends school in Chapman and on Friday evening during the football game between Chapman and Abilene, there was a fundraiser. The event is an annual one associated with the schools’ big rivalry game. It’s called Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime? and each year, there’s a new cause to support. This year, it was Adrian.
“The support is amazing,” Marti said. “We’re very grateful for everybody.”
Read the full story via The Junction City Union
Learn more about Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplant at Children's Mercy