Lloydminster kids’ cancer fighter, Jarrod Russell, is rallying the community to mail letters of support to nine-year-old family friend Braxton Weidman in Alabama, who is suffering a setback 17 months after doctors removed a cancerous brain tumour. Supplied Photo
Lloydminster kids’ cancer fighter, Jarrod Russell and his family are reaching out to the community to participate in a collective act of kindness before time runs out for a young boy.
Braxton Weidman is a nine-year-old from Alabama with late stage cancer who is fighting for his life.
The youngster and family friend is one of several kids with cancer that Russell rode for in last year’s Great Cycle Challenge.
Russell plans to take part in his seventh annual Great Cycle Challenge in August with Braxton in mind to add to the $175,500 he has raised for far for the SickKids Foundation.
His family is also gifting the Weidmans more than $6,000US they raised separate from the challenge rides with the support of the community and friends last year.
Russell has since learned Braxton has taken a downturn, some 17 months after having a cancerous brain tumour removed and his family is welcoming cards and letters of support from everyone.
Russell, now 45 is a childhood cancer survivor who has a a message of hope for all the kids with cancer out here.
“Keep your heads up and fight through with what you have,” said Russell.
“Enjoy life. Laugh and smile all the time. It’s a non stop battle and you just have to smile.”
Russell’s family had hoped to visit the Weidmans last year, but travel restrictions due to COVID have put that off indefinitely.
They have been made aware the brain tumour Braxton is fighting is raging on and treatments have stopped working. His mom and dad Brandie and Chris are doing all they can do to help Braxton stay comfortable.
“We are all praying for Braxton,’” said Russell’s sister, Lana Lane on Wednesday.
“To show support, we are accepting cards, letters and notes of well wishes to send to the family.
“If you would like to send a card, a prayer or a note to Braxton and his family, they can be dropped off at Grace United Church between the hours of 9 a.m to 3 p.m."
Alternately, letters and cards can be sent to:
Box 2988
Lloydminster, Sask.
S9V 1P4
Emails can be sent to lanalanegraceu@gmail.com.
“We will be collecting cards and emails until Friday, Feb. 4th,” said Lane.
“If you’d like to read about Braxton’s journey there is a Facebook page set up BRAX HQ."
