Brave Boy, 12, Calls Halt to Cancer Treatment
EmailA 12-year old boy who has battled a rare form of cancer since he was 7 has made a bold decision. He is stopping his treatments so he can go home and be with his family.
Alex Rodriguez is aware of what his decision means. So is his hometown of Shelbyville, Tenn., which has rallied around the boy who is facing such a stark decision with such maturity and good humor.
“I had the opportunity to meet Alex this summer,” Dr. Tracy Lampley, principal of Harris Middle School told ABCNews.com. “He is a very courageous young man to have a very mature adult outlook on life. It’s amazing as a 12-year old he is really able to face the opportunities and challenges that he has in his remaining time.”
“He’s just a wonderful little boy,” Alex’s grandmother Carolyn Camacho said. “He’s always happy. No matter what he’s always happy and he doesn’t like to talk about his cancer. It makes him sad and he wants to be happy.”
Alex’s school and neighbors have been touched by the boy and are trying to make his last days cheerful, raising money for his hospice care and taking care of his bucket list.
Alex has two wishes, to tour the Coca Cola factory in Atlanta, Ga., and go to the indoor water park at the Wilderness Resort in Tennessee.
Rodriguez is seeing one of his wishes come true over the weekend. He will be visiting the Coca Cola factory Saturday morning, in a limo, the ride donated by a businessman.
Jeffrey McGee, a minister from Edgemont Baptist Church who set up a bank account for donations, is asking stores in the area to cover up their signs with messages to Alex so when he rides through town he can see people supporting him.
Florists in town are putting together blue ribbons for people to hang outside on their mailboxes or street lamps to show their support.
Harris Middle School, where Rodriguez attended sixth grade and Camacho is head custodian, is running a drive called ”Ribbons for Alex” where they sell blue ribbons for 50 cents apiece. Money raised from ribbon sales and donations will go towards hospice care for Rodriguez and so far ribbon sales have totaled more than $1,200.
“Everybody has been so wonderful,” Comacho said.
Alex’s childhood has been wracked with pain and filled with surgeries and harsh medicine. When Alex was 7 he went to the doctor for his back aches.
“We didn’t know what was wrong with him,” his grandmother told ABCNews.com.
His family took him to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where the doctors diagnosed him with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
This type of cancer is made up of cells that normally develop into skeletal muscles and is more common in children than adults, according to the American Cancer Society.
“The tumor on his spine was growing so fast, it paralyzed him. He was losing the ability to walk,” said Camacho.
Alex had surgery on his spine, a bar and two “cages” — cylinder devices in the spine to replace discs — were put into his back. He had to learn how to walk again after the surgery and received radiation as well as chemotherapy.
The treatments worked, but only for two years.
When Alex was in the sixth grade, “He went for all of his scans and tests and they said everything was gone,” his grandmother said. “Then two or three months later it came back and it hit him pretty hard.”
Once the cancer came back Rodriguez again resumed chemotherapy and radiation.
Camacho said he has tumors in his legs, arms, shoulders, near his heart, in his lungs and there may be more.
Camacho said that Alex tried everything, but the tumors kept coming back. The only choice left is experimental treatments in Texas, but he does not want to leave home. So Alex made his decision.
“He’s been going through a lot since he was 7,” said Camacho. “Now he’s on a lot of pain medication and hospice is coming in.”
McGee estimates after a benefit next week, the donations will total around $10,000 to help pay for hospice care. He doesn’t know how long that care will be needed.
“We don’t know what kind of time frame we’re in,” McGee said.
Donations are being accepted at the Alex Rodriguez Benefit Account, Peoples Bank of Bedford County, 1122 North Main Street, Shelbyville, Tenn. 37160.
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There is so much sadness in the news today…the most wrenching being stories about child abuse, sickness, shootings…and this beautiful young man who has decided he’s had enough…may he find peace in the days to come, may his family endure the bitter-sweet moments ahead and celebrate the courage their son and grandson has shown in the face of this devistating illness. And may his family, friends and community know that at his homegoing he will finally be well, that those left behind are better for having had him in their lives, and that he will have left a legacy of determination, strength and maturity that will last forever.
Posted by: snydergal | February 23, 2012, 10:12 am 10:12 am
I hope this brave kid’s last days are pain-free and filled with love. This story is positively heart-wrenching. But am I the only one disturbed that donations are needed to ensure that a working class family is not impoverished because they want their dying child to have a peaceful death at home? How often is this denied to people based on what they can afford?
Posted by: JrzWrld | February 23, 2012, 10:56 am 10:56 am
My thoughts and prayers are with Alex has his family. What a courageous child. God be with you, Alex.
Posted by: carole | February 23, 2012, 11:00 am 11:00 am
Alex, if you read this, know that, even though I’ve never met you, you are an inspiration to me and my family.
Posted by: Minorkey1 | February 23, 2012, 11:28 am 11:28 am
what a brave young man. I hope by some miracle the cancer just goes away, we need more kids like him in the world, good luck to him and his family from an english guy in NY…
Posted by: steve | February 23, 2012, 12:01 pm 12:01 pm
I love him! I plan to send some donation money! What a remarkable boy ! Many Blessings be with you, Alex.
Posted by: Jaz | February 23, 2012, 12:28 pm 12:28 pm
amazing kid.
Posted by: mike | February 23, 2012, 12:37 pm 12:37 pm
My daughter also has Rhabdomyosarcoma throughout her body so we know what you’re going through. We pray that he finds peace and is no longer hurting anymore. God bless Alex and his family.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 23, 2012, 12:44 pm 12:44 pm
God Bless you Alex, I am sending you $20.00 donation money.
Posted by: Margarita J | February 23, 2012, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm
God Bless you Alex, I am sending you $20.00 donation money. God Bless you and your family.
Posted by: Margarita J | February 23, 2012, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
Watch the films “Run from the Cure” and “Burzynski the movie”
Posted by: Onsite Repair | February 23, 2012, 3:36 pm 3:36 pm
Such a remarkable young man. You have already inspired many people in your young life. God Bless you and your family.
Posted by: Karen Lee | February 23, 2012, 3:39 pm 3:39 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Alex.
Posted by: Librarian53 | February 23, 2012, 5:01 pm 5:01 pm
this stoy is so sad it made me want to cry i applaud this boys bravery i hope his other wish comes true
Posted by: david | February 23, 2012, 8:40 pm 8:40 pm
This story just breaks my heart! It is a little too close to home right now. My mom who is 57 years old is also batteling a form of Sarcoma that is also a childhood cancer, she has osteosarcoma. She has been fighting cancer for 7 years now the last three have been non-stop. I beg her to fight so that she can watch my children grow but, I understand the need to be at peace. God Bless you Alex and family. I wish you peace and thank you for sharing your story!
Posted by: Kelli Wheeler | February 23, 2012, 8:46 pm 8:46 pm
Such courage. Bless his family for respecting his decision. God, Please take away his pain.
Posted by: L Wilson | February 23, 2012, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm
This saddens me so deeply, over a year ago we lost a very brave young man named alex as well but to a heart condition he was born with a half of a heart and also had a condition not commonly associated so made his condition a lot trickier, he endured many many surgeries. A lot of meds and a lot of his young life spent in the hospital, his family got a call they found a heart! He had the transplant and it was the most joyous day ever, alex did not get better the transplant did not work he never left the hospital. He was in good spirits though The whole process and smiled and even gave thumbs up right have the transplant, he was a joyous lovable happy kid and a heck of a fighter though something not to many of us could ever imagine, what these children have to go though is amazing to be and how they do it is amazing So I am so saddened by this young mans story but so proud of him for making the decision to go home and be with his family his last precious days we all had hoped for our alex to come home and be able to spend his last days where he would have wanted to be but it was not possible, so for this young man it is wonderful!!! He is an angel and he will defiantly be in my thoughts!
Posted by: melissia | February 23, 2012, 9:54 pm 9:54 pm
Good Speed Young Man you are the definition of bravery.
Posted by: Allen | February 23, 2012, 11:45 pm 11:45 pm
Who ever wrote this article can’t spell, there has been more and more typos popping up in mainstream media news articles such as yahoo and others. Maybe they wanna see how many people notice, probably to take statistics on how many idiots will passively accept the screwed up system we are living in, where things like VACCINATIONS and DIET SODA are the most likely cause of many cancers or at the very least partly responsible. Do NOT VACCINATE.
Posted by: Moron | February 24, 2012, 1:19 am 1:19 am
Its stories like this that make me think about how ungrateful I am. I complain about not sleeping enough, not enjoying things too much and here is this champ who is doing amazing things and I truly wish for the best. Remarkable courage.
Posted by: eddy | February 24, 2012, 6:38 am 6:38 am
Alex, we miss you alot at Flintville. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong bud. We are happy that you made your own discission. Please dont forget about us down here.
~Love~
Riley Hope Gusich.
Posted by: RileyHope(: | February 24, 2012, 9:13 am 9:13 am
I’m a 40 year old left wondering if I could muster enough courage to do the same in his place. Alex, you may be only 12, but I look up to you and your bravery. Thank You for sharing your story with the world so that a few of us can take inspiration from it. Be at peace and enjoy life.
Posted by: Steve | February 24, 2012, 10:19 am 10:19 am
Good luck kid, hope your last days you are with your family and are some of the happiest days you ever had, whatever you may believe in may peace come to you and don’t ever let anyone or anything get you down
Posted by: Nick | February 24, 2012, 11:16 am 11:16 am
Please please please can we have no-one say, after this beautiful human being passes into a better place, that he “lost his battle with cancer”. He is, and will always be, a Hero, a Champion, an Inspiration, a Winner, and an example to us all. FOREVER.
Posted by: Matt | February 24, 2012, 12:14 pm 12:14 pm
I have sent a donation. I wish I could do more, but I am praying for this boy and his family. He has lived a lifetime in his 12 years on earth. His courage in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. In his honor, I will no longer complain about petty things, I will do my best to be nice to everyone, and I will remember Alex!
Posted by: Michael | February 24, 2012, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
This boy’s bravery is an inspiration to us all… what a remarkable person you are. May your days be filled with peace and that you find joy in your days. God bless you, Alex.
Posted by: Alanna | February 24, 2012, 3:51 pm 3:51 pm
Alex you are a stong and amazing young man. I pray that you find the peace from pain as you spend time with your friends and family. You are an inspiration to us all. God bless you. ~ Friends in SC
Posted by: Stacy | February 24, 2012, 4:08 pm 4:08 pm
God bless you, kid.
Posted by: Beezelbob | February 24, 2012, 8:11 pm 8:11 pm
I hope he can be saved and can live a happy life! Don’t give up on him you stupid article writers!!! You don’t know if he’ll survive or not, whether it’s his lasts days or not. You are not God, so you have no right to assume anything, so shut your stupid mouths up. -__-
Posted by: Karishma Khoja | February 24, 2012, 8:35 pm 8:35 pm
God bless you, Alex. It would have been an honor to have been your parent.
Posted by: velvers | February 25, 2012, 9:22 am 9:22 am
How very sad, but what a strong kid Alex is. To make such a brave decision as he has. I can’t even begin to imagine what he and his family are going through. This will be heart wrenching for them I’m certain. He’s obviously a good kid, and it’s just a shame that he won’t get to live a long, healthy life.
Considering all he has endured thus far, I can understand the decision he has made.
What I don’t understand why money for Hospice is being required. I thought that they were funded and all through donations and there was no charge to Patients. Nevertheless, I hope Alex gets to fulfill his wishes, and when his time does come, may he go peacefully, and quickly, with little to no pain. No lingering for this child please, he’s been through more than most adults could handle.
Blessings to Alex and his family.
Posted by: Cheryl | February 25, 2012, 10:01 am 10:01 am
Start smoking pot… it has cured cancer in lab rats… maybe it will give him another chance…at least it would ease his pain… poor kid, i hope all goes well for him and his family.
Posted by: Meg | February 25, 2012, 10:54 am 10:54 am
I am the other of a wonderful 3 year old boy who is battling brain cancer. Through this fight I have seen many children including my son do barve and miraculous things, but Alex and his courage has topped anything I have ever seen. And he does it with a smile!
Posted by: Kimberly Eaden | February 25, 2012, 1:17 pm 1:17 pm
Alex is someone I would love to know. You are in my heart and I am sending payers to you and your family.What a smart and brave young man. I hope your pain ends soon and all your wishes come true.
Posted by: janet | February 26, 2012, 11:26 pm 11:26 pm
Alex your story is one I will share with others for the rest of my life. This story brightened my day-may you find happiness and the meaning of what being a kid is all about in your days ahead. You’ve made God proud-and inspired hundreds and will continue to inspire long after you are gone. Thank you for everything-may everyone please take something from this.
Posted by: Farrias | February 28, 2012, 11:48 am 11:48 am
May God grant Alex the peace he is so desperate for, God Bless!!!!!
Posted by: John | February 28, 2012, 6:56 pm 6:56 pm
Steve and Nick you spoke my words….This young man is a “HERO”. God Bless….
Posted by: Cheryl | March 1, 2012, 10:08 am 10:08 am
so sad, i think he should look into the gerson therapy. theyre supposed to have great succes rates. great kid.
Posted by: Zack | March 3, 2012, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
This is very heartbreaking. My prayers go out to him and his family, may god bless them and you can call on God for comfort. My daughter who battled leukemia passed 8/11/2011 she was about to turn 19, I miss my baby tremendously, Alex stay strong. I also fulfilled my daughter’s wishes it makes me happy to see you are in such loving care. May your heart, mind, and spirit live long in the hearts of your loved ones and the people you have touched through your story. God loves You.
Posted by: Nita | March 4, 2012, 10:44 am 10:44 am
God bless you and your family, Alex. You are much more brave than I am. Hoping you find peace and enjoy your time with your family free of pain. XOXO
Posted by: Chelsea | April 7, 2012, 10:37 pm 10:37 pm