Date: Thu 24-Apr-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: SUZANN

Quick Words:

Tom-Ward-cancer-blood-drive

Full Text:

Blood Drive Set May 11-- Young Tom Ward Faces Cancer With Courage And

Community Support

(with cut)

BY SUZANNA NUBERG

On Monday, May 11, from 9 am to 7 pm, a blood drive dedicated to Sandy Hook

resident Thomas Ward will be held at the Newtown Health and Fitness Club.

Tom, the son of Laurie and Michael Ward, was recently diagnosed with Ewing's

sarcoma after experiencing swelling and pain in his left leg. A treatable form

of bone cancer, Ewing's sarcoma afflicts primarily children and adolescents.

Last March, a routine biopsy became major surgery as Tom, a seventh-grader at

Newtown Middle School, spent two days in Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in

Manhattan and emerged with a six inch scar on his left leg.

"We were in shock," said Tom's mother. "We didn't expect this at all, but we

are resolved to fight it."

One of the ways the family is fighting the disease is through an aggressive

treatment of the cancer. Tom will have a year of chemotherapy to shrink the

tumor; twice a month he will journey to Columbia for three- and five-day

sessions, respectively. Surgeons will operate to remove the tumor; radiation

will destroy any remaining cancer cells. As the tumor is operable, Tom's leg

is not in jeopardy. An artificial bone will replace his fibula.

Tom's life will revolve around his illness for the next ten months. A broviac,

a catheter, has been inserted in his chest so that he does not need repeated

injections for the chemotherapy treatments. Tom will also receive treatment to

stave off the toxicity of the chemotherapy as well as take injections at home

to build up his white and red blood cell count.

The boy has turned a brave face to his illness. "I asked the doctor if this

was curable," he said. "When he replied yes, I said, `then we're okay.'"

In addition to medical treatment, Tom requires constant monitoring. When his

eyes became bloodshot, his mother immediately called the doctor to see if it

was related to the chemotherapy. "I constantly try to figure out if something

is normal or not," Mrs Ward said. If Tom's blood count drops or if he runs a

fever of more than 100, he must go to the hospital. When his blood count is

low and his hands numb and he cannot walk with crutches, he must use a

wheelchair. At 5'7", he is not used to having his mother care for him; the

constant maternal checking has itself been an adjustment.

The relative isolation has also been difficult. Due to fear of infection, even

that of a mild cold, friends cannot traipse freely through the house. The

bacteria that one naturally has can be life threatening, and the family now

uses a special anti-bacterial soap.

Tom's illness has turned family life upside down. Mrs Ward is on leave from

her job at Danbury Hospital so that she can care for her son. Caring for Tom

is a full-time job.

A sportsman, Tom looks forward to the day when he can play third base and

protect the quarterback as a right guard. Although he enjoys his tutoring

sessions at home, he also looks forward to returning to school. Meanwhile, he

reads American history, particularly books on the American Revolution, when he

goes to hospital for chemotherapy. His older sister, Jessica, spends more time

with him, simply playing games or watching TV. "Yet, it's important to treat

him the same," she said. During a good week, Tom may go out; his mother will

take him and a friend to the movies.

The Newtown community has rallied around Tom and his family.

A pancake breakfast, auction, and flea market was held last Sunday at the

Sandy Hook Firehouse. All proceeds from the benefit went to pay expenses not

covered under Tom's medical insurance.

Also, Joe and Linda Villafano, owners of the Bicycle Goodie Shop, have donated

a bike that will be awarded to the fitness club member who attains the highest

number of points at the upcoming blood drive; points are accumulated by having

friends donate blood. Other prizes, including Broadway tickets, will be

raffled; $25 from every new fitness club membership will go to the Thomas Ward

Fund.

The St Rose Parish, where Tom is a parishioner, has been especially

supportive, holding a bake sale and saying special Masses. Cards from school

chums fill the basket on the Ward's kitchen counter. "We have been touched by

the outpouring of support," Mrs Ward said.