MANSFIELD — A rare form of cancer is attacking a Madison teen, and his family could use a helping hand from the community.
Jacob Crockett suffered from brain cancer in 2014 and later went into remission. In January, the 15-year-old Madison High School student was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, which causes big, fast-growing tumors, said Crockett’s mother, Marlene Lara.
Usually, with this form of cancer, the tumors stay in one spot. But his case is one of 16 worldwide that have seen the tumors spread throughout his body, she said.
Between driving back-and-forth to Akron Children’s Hospital and tending to her son at home, Lara is unable to work.
“He has fevers off and on all day long where you’re constantly checking and putting cold rags on him,” she said.
The prognosis is dire, and after sorting out issues with her insurance, Lara said hopes to have hospice services soon.
On Saturday, March 5, Crockett was treated to a shopping spree at Walmart by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Lara said in addition to playing with his action figures, Jacob enjoys playing on the computer and watching movies, especially comedies.
“He’s always smiling,” she said. “Everybody always says that, and I say, ‘Yeah, just like his aunt did.’ His aunt died of brain cancer when she was 35 and she was the same way–always smiling.”
Debbie Melching, founder of the Autism Awareness Walk-a-thon, Inc., is organizing a pancake and sausage breakfast for Crockett on Saturday, March 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fundraiser will be held at VFW Post 3494, located at 853 Ashland Rd. The all-you-can-eat breakfast costs $6 per person.
“We will do anything we can to help him,” said Melching, who was introduced to Crockett after he was diagnosed with autism at 11 years old.
Melching noted that for those who are unable to attend the breakfast, donations will be accepted at Mechanics Bank. Gas cards are also appreciated to help cover transportation costs. For more information on how to help, contact Melching at 419-589-8762.
