Niko 5K

On September 2nd, RJ Niko was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, which is the most common bone cancer found in children and adolescents. His left knee had been bothering him all summer. He'd had an x-ray but nothing showed up so he had been doing some physical therapy but with no improvement. When he came back from trek it was really bothering him so they took him back in a cat scan showed a tumor. In a matter of a few weeks the tumor grew from not visible on an x-ray to showing up on the cat scan to the size of an orange before he had his first chemo treatment. A friend of theirs in the ward organized the 5k as a way of raising some funds to help offset the medical bills. It was well attended and they are already talking of doing another one in the fall. It was a great success and the Nikos were definitely appreciative of all the support they received.

Helen with her sisters.

The race just started. Rob is beside RJ on the scooter.

Tate and Joe with RJ throughout the whole race. RJ was feeling pretty lousy that morning.

Helen(white shirt) with Chloe and Seth.

The crowd gathering at the end of the race.

Mike took our picture as we were leaving- huge bonus:)

Since I am obviously writing this after the event, I will give a little update. RJ is has undergone surgery to remove the tumor after 4 rounds of chemo to kill it. They took it out and six inches of the femur above the knee. They put in a titanium rod and knee and he is doing physical therapy to regain the movement. He will not be able to play any impact sports now but the surgery was a great success and should last a pretty long time. He is still doing chemo treatments and hopefully will be done with them in April. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for them. It's been a very LONG seven months so far. But they are very grateful to all the care and support they have received. They are able to recognize the Lord's hand in the entire process.